What the 3-Second Rule Is That Korean Women Swear by and How It Can Transform Your Skin

Korean beauty products are claiming their spot on the shelves of stores around the world, and their adorable packaging is almost impossible to resist. But it’s not just the skincare products that give Korean women their gorgeous glowing skin, it’s the beauty regimen they are following. Korean skincare routines consist of 10 steps, and one of them is the 3-second moisturizing rule that requires you to apply your moisturizer right after washing your face, like within 3 seconds.

We at Bright Side were surprised to find out that towel drying may sabotage your efforts if you’re trying to get your best skin ever. And we did some research to find out what happens to your skin when you go straight into your skincare routine after cleaning your face.

1. It helps the skin to absorb product better.

If you apply your skincare products right after washing your face, your skin will get the most out of these products. Because the outer layer of your skin serves as a shield and acts as a barrier between living cells and the environment, it resists skincare ingredients that are trying to get through it. But when your skin is damp, it’s easier for it to absorb active ingredients from your serums or moisturizers.

2. It brightens your skin.

As contradictory as it may sound, your skin can feel even thirstier right after you’ve washed it. This happens because water quickly evaporates from your skin, taking many of the skin’s essential oils with it. As a result, you can end up with dehydrated skin that looks dull. The faster you apply your moisturizer, the greater your chances are of locking in much needed hydration and making your skin glowy and vibrant.

3. It makes your skin look younger.

Well-hydrated skin looks plump and youthful, and this is not just an optical illusion. When your skin is dry, it makes all the fine lines and wrinkles more visible. Although creams and serums are supposed to make your skin smoother, and applying them to dry skin may sound logical, in reality, it won’t allow the skin to get all the benefits. Because dry skin has a buildup of dead skin cells, it will prevent moisturizer from getting through.

4. It keeps your skin healthier.

If you’re applying your moisturizer right after washing your face, it helps your skin to maintain its balance. When your skin is overly dry, the glands beneath the surface start producing more sebum to neutralize the dryness, which can eventually lead to acne breakouts.

5. It protects your skin from sun damage.

Korean women know how to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, and applying moisturizer right after cleansing your face is an essential step. The sun can dry out the skin, making it look wrinkled and flakey, and because many facial creams contain SPF, your skin will reap the double benefits of hydration.

6. It soothes sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin gets irritated easily and needs extra special care. Applying your cream before your skin dries out even more will help to prevent dry and itchy patches. Medical experts recommend washing your face no more than twice a day to avoid skin irritation.

7. It speeds up your skin-care routine.

Following all 10 steps of a Korean skincare routine may be overwhelming, and most of us don’t have the time for such a complicated beauty regimen, but the 3-second rule will actually help you to get ready in less time. Whether you’re in a rush to get out the door in the morning or can’t wait to get to bed in the evening, skipping towel drying will save you some much needed time and give you better looking (and feeling) skin.

Have you ever tried applying your moisturizer to damp skin? What is your daily skincare routine?