What You Need to Know About Korean Skin Care

Throughout history, France had always been the skincare giant in the global beauty industry … until now. When it comes to innovating beauty, Marie Claire named South Korea to be the “new France” in skincare back in 2011. Apparently South Korea is about 12 years ahead of the US when it comes to the skincare world and is only waiting to be discovered by the rest of us. Just like the South Korean inventions that became an international sensation – eyelash extensions and the blemish balm cream craze (or also known as BB cream).

The French stayed away from using any invasive procedures, not even microdermabrasion. Instead, they use botanicals and essential oils to focus on early prevention that can supposedly try to turn back the clock.

The Koreans however have a set routine that will put any soap&water type of woman to shame. Easily, the average Korean woman will have at least 10 products on her daily skincare regime. Check out the product guide below:

Prevention & Consistency is Key

Double Cleansing Method is Essential – the first step is to use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and any traces of oil. Then the second step is to use a foam or gel-based cleanser to remove any makeup residue (that wasn’t removed from the first step) and other impurities such as dirt and sweat.

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate! – buff away all the dead cells and speed up your skin’s renewal process. Exfoliating also rids of any deep seated dirt stuck inside your pores. This step also helps for better absorption of serums and other skincare products.

Tone Up! – this holy grail is a step that you should never skip. Restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Toners have come a long way from the usual astringent that dries out skin. Toners are now meant to hydrate and prepare the skin for the rest of the skincare routine.

Essence – Korean women regards essences to be the most important step of their regimen as this nourishing potion enhances the skin’s renewal process in a cellular level. It improves elasticity and promotes firmness.

Emulsion – known to be a much lighter and less sticky version of moisturizers that works like a charm when hydrating the skin without clogging the pores. Water-based and works on all skin types.

Ampoule – a concentrated potion with highly active ingredients to target specific skin condition, concerns and deficiency. Works wonders in combating pigmentation, irritation and excessive oil production.

Serum – regardless of skin type and condition, serums can be any type of potion that can boost the skins health and promote regeneration. Highly suggested serum types are antioxidants (such as Vitamin C, E, Super Fruits), Snail Mucin, Bee Extract, Green Tea, Tea Tree and Yeast Ferment.

Sheet Mask – works best in combating dryness and dehydration. Use once a week for dry skin and twice a week to plump up from being dehydrated. Sheet mask are soaked in highly nutritious ingredients that forces the skin to absorb moisture and nutrients intensively.

Eye Cream – the skin surrounding our eyes is prone to lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dehydration. Not most of us are aware but this part of our skin is very thin and sensitive compare to facial skin. Eye creams are formulated to tighten, battle under-eye bags that are puffy and dark.

Moisturizer or Creams – replenish your skin’s hydration and help create a barrier with moisturizers infused hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Perfect to seal in the moisture!

Suncreen – prevent premature aging, slow down the progress of wrinkles as well as skin discoloration and brown spots. Protect your skin from the harmful UV rays and decrease the development of skin cancer.

Sleeping Pack – basically it is a “mask” that you apply before going to bed. You sleep with it on throughout the night that will pamper the skin. Come the next day, you’ll rinse your face and notice a radiantly glowing and supple skin.

Rule of thumb to follow: go from lightest (watery type) to thickest (cream type).

Hopefully you find this extra long post informative and worth checking out. Feel free to share some love on the comment box.