How to Do Korean Skin Care in Less Than 12 Steps

"Gentle exfoliation is another key step to the Korean skin care ritual," says Jane. To help scrub off dead skin, she recommends a Konjac sponge. It preps the skin so that your moisturizer can work better. They can be used alone or with your gentle cleanser. Julep's sponge is infused with charcoal, to help clarify the skin.

Konjac sponges feel similar to the consistency of cake, so they won't irritate even the most sensitive skin. It helps to remove impurities like dirt and oil, and because they dry quickly, they're more sanitary than washcloths. To use it, you need to wet it so it becomes soft (when dry, it's hard).

Julep Konjac Cleansing Sponge ($12)