After Dark

Confused about what skincare regimen to follow at night? Beauty expert Jhelum Biswas Bose, founder of Jhelum Loves, mixed the Korean routine with the Hygge approach and loved the results. She gives BHG a decade-by-decade breakup of the skin rituals to follow before going to bed.

The famous Korean skincare regime has been discussed and debated for some years now, its efficacy and popularity overshadowing its European and American counterparts. The primary reason for its huge popularity is the anti-ageing aspect of the result ( just look at Korean actresses—it’s like time has stood still for them). Consisting of an oil-based cleanser, water based cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, ampoule, serum, sheet mask, eye cream and moisturiser, the routine may seem elaborate and daunting, but it can be altered as per your age and lifestyle, and still be effective. For instance, instead of an essence, ampoule and serum, I use a face oil, and in place of sheet masks, I apply an aloe gel-based cream like an overnight mask. The oil that I use has lemon essential oil in it, which helps in gentle exfoliation and, therefore, I use an exfoliator once in a fortnight. So, imagine my surprise when I came across the beauty aspect of Hygge, an all-encompassing Danish lifestyle concept that focuses on a feeling of comfort and being in the moment. I like to describe it as something that gives you the feeling of a warm, comforting embrace. So, if you were to incorporate Hygge in your skincare regime, essentially, you’d have to make it cosy and comforting. For your night care ritual, think indulgent—an ambience featuring candles, diffusers, music and delicately scented products that are sensorial delights. Or concoctions whipped with kitchen ingredients. Anything that makes you feel good.

So, what happens when you incorporate Hygge into a Korean skincare regime? I did it and absolutely loved it. Here is my take on how one can do it in each decade.

IN YOUR 20s

You need to establish a skincare routine now so that in the later decades, your skin thanks you.

STEP 1 DOUBLE CLEANSING: