If you have oily, acne-prone or troubled skin, look for Korean exfoliating pads that are formulated with antibacterial ingredients like propolis to alleviate inflammation or gentle chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA to control excess sebum. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, opt for Korean exfoliating pads and toner pads with gentler texture and moisturising ingredients like ceramides, Centella Asiatica, panthenol and Vitamin E.

Types of Korean Facial Pads

• Exfoliating Pad: Exfoliating pads are cotton pads that are soaked in essence that contain chemical exfoliants. These pads usually have an embossed side that works by gently buffing rough patches and lifting away dead skin cells, revealing visibly softer and smoother skin. On the other side of the embossed surface is a smooth side that is designed to be used after exfoliating with the textured side, to gently eliminate any remaining traces of impurities and dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling supple and soft to the touch.
• Toner Pad: Toner pads are almost identical to cotton pads that have been soaked in toner, however, they are stronger in texture and do not leave lint behind on your skin. Apart from that, Korean facial toner pads are convenient, versatile products that are travel-friendly and serve numerous purposes including their ability to be used as a mask when placed over your face like a mask sheet.

How to use Korean facial pads?

Using Korean exfoliating pads or facial pads is simple, the best way is to use them after cleansing your face with a suitable facial wash by gently swiping the pad over your face. Exfoliating pads often have two sides- an exfoliating side and a smooth side. Start with the exfoliating side, then flip it over and gently sweep the smooth side to pick up any remaining impurities and dead skin cells.

Avoid the eyes and lips area when using an exfoliating pad and apply gentle pressure that is just enough to wipe away impurities and dead skin cells. Due to the exfoliating nature of these type of pads, it is advisable to follow with a hydrating facial mist to maintain optimal hydration levels of your skin.

Just like using any other exfoliator, whether they are physical or chemical exfoliators, it is advisable to use them 2-3 times a week to prevent over-exfoliating your skin. If you have very oily skin that is prone to clogged pores, you may choose to exfoliate 3-4 times a week; and if your skin is on the sensitive side, it is recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week.

When using toner pads, you can use them the same way as a facial toner and are in fact more convenient as they are pre-soaked. Start your K beauty routine by cleansing your face with an oil-based and/or face wash to remove traces of impurities. When using a toner pad, lightly sweep it over your face and pat the remaining essence to promote absorption.

Because of the texture of these toner pads, they can also work by eliminating dead skin cells and any remaining traces of impurities apart from keeping your skin hydrated. This will boost the absorption of other skincare products that will later be layered over your skin such as facial oils, spot care, moisturisers and sun care.

An alternative way to use toner pads is to use them as masks, by taking a few pieces and placing them on your skin for 15 minutes. Then lightly tap and follow with your remaining skincare steps.

Exfoliating pad and toner pad are excellent additions to your skincare regime, as they both provide quick and efficient exfoliation and toning in just one step. Shop the best Korean exfoliating pads and toner pads from BONIIK, and select the best K beauty products for your skin type and skin concerns from our favourite brands!