In a culture that emphasizes on self-care and putting your best self forward, it’s no surprise that South Korea has become a leading powerhouse of beauty and skin care like Cosrx. With an industry estimated to be worth more than 6 billion USD, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world have noticed their products where even leading companies from the west are taking inspiration from their hard work.
With these key facts in mind, it’s safe to say that if you’re ever looking for the next best thing in skin care, then look no further than the land of the morning calm.
What makes Korean skin care different
Many people have been raving about the country’s skin care products for years. From celebrities to beauty gurus, many people note how the Koreans approach skin care differently which mainly focuses on prevention. Instead of just using a product once for immediate results, many people encourage others to start caring for their skin as early as possible so they can delay the onset of some skin problems.
They are also big on potent and natural products that not only keep skin healthy but also keep them hydrated and youthful. If you are interested in starting your very own K-beauty inspired skincare routine, here are some products you should know about:
Oil-cleansers
In the now famous Korean skin care routine, many people often cite the word “double cleansing” which includes using an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser. Oil-based cleansers are used first to dissolve makeup, dirty, and sunscreen applied and accumulated during the day. Most of them are formulated to be gentle while also providing nourishment to the skin.
After washing off this product, a water-based cleanser is followed to purify the skin and remove deep-seated dirt that the oil cleanser didn’t pick up.
Serums
Serums are lightweight moisturizers that offer specialized solutions depending on your skin type. They are usually applied after toners and can range from anti-ageing versions to oil-control solutions. Many serums contain activated ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin, providing you a more thorough regimen. Since they are heavily concentrated, users shouldn’t apply too much to avoid irritation.
Hydrating moisturizers
Moisturizers are a must in every skin care routine. While not exclusive to K-beauty, many of them are big on hydration which is a must for every skin type. If you have oily skin and suspect you can skip out the moisturizer because you don’t need hydration then you are sorely mistaken. The reason for this is because people with oily skin who skimp out on moisturizers actually produce more oil than necessary which is an attempt for the skin to overcompensate its lack of hydration. Fortunately, there are gentle moisturizers with gel-like consistencies can benefit oily-skin types while creamy moisturizers are better for dry skin types.
SPF products
Koreans are big on prevention which is why several people spend products that contain SPF. Since the sun is the number 1 culprit for ageing, many people in the country are taking an active part in keeping their skin youthful by purchasing and regularly applying creams, lotions, and sprays. For added protection, many avoid direct sunlight or use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when going outside.
Facial masks
A weekly face mask contains ingredients that provide additional nourishment to the skin. They also promote healing and regeneration which is a must for everyone. Many masks come in various forms like sheets and clay masks for people with different skin types. If you have dry, normal, or combination skin, you may benefit from hydrating sheet masks while people with oily skin may use clay masks to control sebum production.
Sleeping masks
Koreans practice their skincare twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. During the day they apply SPF products to keep their skin safe from harmful UV rays. At night, many apply sleeping masks which are hydrating elements that keep the skin soft and smooth during rest. They also ensure faster cell regeneration since sleep allows the skin to repair itself.
Many Korean beauty products emphasizes on natural ingredients that are fermented or processed in a way that benefit the skin. Due to the increasing number of parabens and chemicals used in countless products, many people who are looking for organic and natural products may find K-beauty skincare a lifesaver. If you are considering starting this regimen, remember to perform a skin patch test or consult with a dermatologist first before making a purchase.