When it comes to skincare, Cho says Korean women use “natural skin brighteners such as rice extracts, vitamin C, and licorice, as well as exfoliators.
Double dosed skincare
This is why Korean women live by the rule of double cleansing, double eye mask and double hydration in their skincare regimen. The step cleansing method includes a foaming face wash followed by an oil-based cleanser. This clears the skin of every last bit of makeup and dirt from face.
Skincare is More Important than Makeup
Since ancient times, Koreans have only used natural, harsh-free ingredients for their skincare routines: green tea, “snail slime”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and honey are just some examples of the elements they used and have passed through generations.
The secret is in the careful layering of products that contain moisturising ingredients – mostly humectants such as hyaluronic acid and followed by acclaimed glow-inducers and actives that will strengthen your skin barrier such as niacinamide and peptides,” she says.
Korean beauty products utilize the most effective Western ingredients—and so much more. With an impressively large repertoire that includes ground-breaking ingredients such as snail mucin and bee venom, their compellingly fresh formulations can deliver results you could never achieve before.
Firstly, you have to double cleanse our skin with a gentle oil-based cleanser, followed by a foam-based cleanser. Follow it up with exfoliation. You can use your favourite scrub to exfoliate the skin. Next step is to apply toner to balance the pH levels of the skin.
Double cleansing is important. For Koreans, it's considered so necessary that no one ever washes their face just once. You must remove your make-up first and then wash your face again with a second product to get your skin deeply cleansed.
Korean beauty, often abbreviated as K-beauty, is a term used to describe the unique beauty standards and practices of South Korea. Unlike Western beauty standards, which focus primarily on external appearance, K-beauty emphasizes the importance of skincare and overall health.
Koreans typically exfoliate their skin 2-3 times per week using either a physical or chemical exfoliator. Physical exfoliators contain small grains that slough off dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliators use acids to dissolve them.
COSRX. If you're looking for innovative and effective Korean skincare products, then a brand like COSRX should be top of mind. This cult favorite has made a name for itself as one of the most trusted K-beauty brands by using powerful ingredients to create formula that really works on the skin.
A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics. Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't.
If you want to achieve shiny, luminous dewy skin, definitely try out the Korean skincare routine! However, if you want soft and matte-looking baby skin, try out the Japanese skincare routine!
Another effective way of keeping your skin glowing is applying fermented rice water to your face. This fermented rice water helps in eliminating damages caused due to UV rays. This water also helps in the formation of collagen that directly helps your skin look like glass.
Every morning, Koreans treat themselves to a brief DIY facial in a warm shower. While steam opens pores and aids in the removal of dirt and grime, massaging moist skin promotes younger-looking and glowing skin. Take a hot shower and massage your face and neck while in the shower.
“Men and women in South Korea are meticulous when it comes to maintaining healthy hair with a three-step process. After washing the hair with shampoo and conditioner, they often apply a hair essence or hair oil to achieve a shiny head of hair. Hair masks, serums, milks and hair mists are all must-haves,” explains Cho.
Eating food rich in poly and monounsaturated fats can make your skin supple and hydrated. The healthy fat helps our skin barrier to improve thus, giving that glossy glass skin appearance. Include food items like eggs, fish, nuts and avocados in your diet.