Korea blessed the world with bb creams, sheet masks, cushion foundation and more beauty products thatโs our skin is thanking us for. In less than a few years, Korea positioned itself as the expert when it comes to beauty. Let me put you on the K-beauty secrets that I learned while living in Korea!
K-beautyโs key is Layering!
Layering is key! I myself used to just relay on a moisturizer :cringe: but K-beauty gurus give importance to steps like exfoliating, toning, essence, and sleeping packs!
Step 1. Wash with water
First thing first, you have to start with a clean face! Make sure to remove your makeup and cleanse. It is preferable to double cleans with a oil based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to gently remove the oil residue and water-based impurities from the day.
Step 2. Toner
A toner is defined as a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers skin a quick hit of hydration and helps remove some dead cells off the surface of the skin. The result: plump, glowy skin, Lee says. On a makeup-related note, toner is like a primer for the rest of your skin-care routine like serums and moisturizer, New York-based dermatologist Arielle Kauvar tells Allure.
You can either tap it directly onto your skin with your hands or put your toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it around your face, working outwards which will remove the remaining dirt on your face.
Step 3. Serum/Ampoule
According to SokoGlam, Essence is a concentrated formula that specifically targets wrinkles, fine lines, and dull and uneven skin tones. Korean essences typically contain an active ingredient that optimizes your skinโs natural cell turnover rate (think skin regeneration) and with regular use you will notice that your skin is more smoother and brighter. It canโt turn back time, but it will definitely revitalize your skin so that with continued use โ you can look more youthful.
Step 4. Eye Cream
The contour of the eye, a sensitive yet always forgotten in our skincare. The skin around our eyes requires our attention. Eye creams procure that delicate skin the moisture it needs and helps prevent fine lines.
Step 5. Moisturiser with SPF
Lock the whole with a good moisturizer and seal it with an spf that will protect your skin from UVs.
If youโre not sure how to start, this video would explain it better than my words :
Wear SPF
I canโt stress this enough and my 25 yo self would have thanked me for it. And yes sunscreen is not only for sunny days, note to self :facepalm:
In Korea, itโs more of an โof course I wear sunscreenโ mentality. Itโs ingrained, and thereโs an awareness that sunscreen is such an important part of your health and taking care of yourself
Sun damage is one of the main reason that leads to skin aging. We donโt want that so make sure to include a sunscreen on your routine even if youโre not leaving your house. UVs can still get to you, better be safe. At night make sure to double cleanse it before your bedtime routine.
Although Korean sunscreens can quite leave a white cast on a foreignerโs skin like me, I can still recommend a few like Klairโs sunscreen which blends perfectly, is moisturizing and cruelty free .
Tap tap tap in~
And no I am not taking about the Tiktok song. K-beauty advises us to tap our skin instead of rubbing it. The aim is to tap and let the product gently sink in and be absorbed quickly.
Sheet masks
K-beauty shops in Korea have a whole alley dedicated to sheet masks ! There are different ones for each skin type and concern.
My favorite remains Mediheals tea tree oil sheet mask! It is always on top of Olive Youngโs best products.
You are what u eat (supplements)
As the saying goes: You are what you eat! And K-beauty is aware of it.
K-beauty shops have a whole alley dedicated to supplements, how about incorporating it to your skincare regimen. From Collagen to probiotics, instead of taking multivitamins it is betetr to target each skin concern with its right medicine.
Know your ingredients
K-beauty is known to constantly innovate in terms of active ingredients that do wonders to our skin.
Hereโs a list of a few of em:
10 Korean Skincare Ingredients You Need To Know
- Vitamin C: Primarily known for its skin-brightening properties, vitamin C is a principal ingredient in many K-Beauty serums. Itโs a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin cells against damage caused by free radicals, such as UV rays or pollution
- Centella Asiatica: is widely used in Korean skincare as a natural ingredient to soothe, hydrate and heal the skin.
- Snail Mucin: It moisturises skin and promotes collagen production; it also promotes skin healing and cell regeneration.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide โ which is a form of vitamin B โ is one of the main Korean skincare ingredients used to brighten dull skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: The ingredient that you need! Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and maintain moisture levels in the skin.
