There’s no doubt that
dewy skin is in, but achieving that look isn’t easy for everyone. From harsh environmental factors like the sun, pollution and air quality, to personal factors such as the aging process, diet, hydration and skincare routines, a lot affects our everyday appearance. Even if you have a generally balanced complexion, achieving a dewy look can be tricky achieve – and especially to maintain. That’s where the ‘7 skin method’ comes in.
What is the 7 skin method?
The ‘7 skin method’ is a skincare routine that originated in Korea but has been swept up globally for its simple yet effective technique. It involves applying a water-based toner to your face up to seven times, with the benefits being ultra-hydrated skin.
“Layering toner on the skin repeatedly can, in theory, increase hydration more than using a generous amount at once,” explains
Dr. Anne-Katrin Kühn, a dermatologist in Heidlberg, Germany. “If you use a lot all at once, it could take longer to be absorbed, with more being wiped off or evaporating. If you use light layers repeatedly, you give your skin the chance to absorb it at a slower pace.”
It’s important to note that most Korean toners are water based, not alcohol based, like many products in the U.S. If you’re considering trying the 7 skin method, be sure to look for
water-based toners to avoid drying out your skin.
What is toner, and how does it benefit skin?
Decades ago, most
facial cleansers were made from lye-based soaps that, when combined with hard water, could leave a sticky residue on skin post-cleansing. Alcohol-based toners were created to remove that soap residue layer as well as any makeup, dirt or bacteria that your cleanser may have left behind.
Toners give skin an extra-deep clean while helping balance your skin’s natural pH levels. Now, they’re often fortified with a variety of ingredients that can do everything from plumping skin cells or clearing up acne to shrinking pores and brightening skin, leaving you with a smoother, healthier complexion.
The 7 skin method: how to layer toners
Step 1: Cleanse your face as usual.
Step 2: Lightly pat your face with a soft cloth, or let it air dry. It’s best for skin to be somewhat damp when applying the first layer of toner to help lock in moisture.
Step 3: Apply a small amount of toner by hand (avoid using a cotton ball or pad), or you can also use a mist toner if you prefer. Apply to the U-zone (around your cheeks) first, then apply to your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
Step 4: Once the toner has mostly dried (but remains slightly damp), repeat application up to seven times.
2 common mistakes to avoid
Mistake #1: Using an alcohol-based facial toner
Using the right toner is critical for achieving optimal results. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free toner, as alcohol can irritate and dry your skin when used in excess, even if your skin type is oily. Instead, look for a gentle toner that is water based with additional moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water, aloe vera, niacinamide and centella asiatica.
“You can use the same toner repeatedly or pair different ones,” Kühn notes. “Most toners aren’t that different in their formulations, so pairing more than two can overcomplicate things. The key is to only use hydrating toners, not exfoliating ones, as the concept is glowing skin through optimal hydration, not over exfoliation.”
Mistake #2: Not adjusting layering process properly
More isn’t
always better, as too much of a good thing can also irritate the skin. Work up to seven layers – starting with three layers first and observing how your skin reacts. If all is well, increase to five layers. Consider your daily activities, as well. Did you just get off a long flight or are you coming home late from a night on the town? Try seven, eight or even nine layers – your skin will probably soak it up.
“Despite being called the 7 skin method, it isn’t mandatory to do exactly seven layers,” Kühn says. “Depending on how your skin feels, five layers may be fine, or two, or whatever feels right. The point is, get to know your complexion and experiment with the number of layers you may need depending on the time of year, where you live, your age and of course, your skin type.”
7 skin method facial toners to consider
This toner is an excellent choice because its second ingredient is ultra-moisturizing aloe vera. It also features rich, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and over 60 nourishing minerals and rare earth elements beneficial to the skin.
This main ingredients of this mist toner include aromatic and hydrating rose water, honeysuckle extract (which is rich in vitamins and minerals) plus rose oil for an added dose of vitamins A and C. It also contains soothing aloe vera.
Featuring Damascus rose water as its main ingredient, this toner also contains soothing chamomile extract which can help address redness, hyperpigmentation and minor wounds such as acne. Additionally, it’s free of parabens, phthalates and alcohol (so it won’t dry your skin!).
This toner contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and rooibos leaf to calm hyper-reactive skin, helping to heal and minimize acne flare-ups with its anti-inflammatory antioxidants. It also contains cooling cucumber and soothing chamomile extracts, making it a perfect choice for repeated layering.
With 74% centella asiatica extract (a newly popular ingredient in natural skincare), this toner helps heal the skin barrier, promote moisture and reduce inflammation. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide offer additional hydrating support.
In summary
If you’re trying to achieve a “dewy skin” look, the 7 skin method is worth a try. Remember to choose a water-based toner that works well for you skin type. And consider the season, your daily activities, your age and your skin type when determining how many layers of toner to apply.
“I don’t think the 7 Skin Method is a must for everyone,” Kühn says. “It is, however, really nice to do when you are not pressed for time, and great before a special occasion or if your skin is looking a little dull, as it does give a beautiful glow.”
