Current:Home > MarketsSkin needing hydration and a refresh? Here's a guide to Korean skincare routines-LoTradeCoin
Skin needing hydration and a refresh? Here's a guide to Korean skincare routines
View Date:2024-12-23 19:20:30
The skin is our largest organ and it is vital to take care of it. But achieving clear, healthy and hydrated skin isn't always the easiest, especially with individual skin concerns, like hyperpigmentation or fine lines.
That's why a lot of beauty consumers are turning to Korean skincare for help.
"Korean beauty is a lifestyle. It's about taking care of your skin before you see signs of aging. It's about prevention. It's also about deep hydration and using products that are gentle for your skin," says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, an online K-beauty marketplace, and founder of skincare brand Then I Met You.
Over the last decade, K-beauty has surged in the U.S. market. Maybe you've heard of the viral "10-step Korean skincare routine" or have stumbled upon product recommendations on social media.
Whether you're a K-beauty newbie or an expert, here's a guide, according to industry experts:
What is K-beauty?
"Korean beauty is all about the philosophy. It's about preventative beauty," explains Erica Choi, co-founder of Superegg and licensed esthetician. "It's about the rituals that we establish for ourselves."
The approach to Korean beauty is "skincare before makeup," shares Abe Cho, founder of Coréelle, an online K-beauty distributor and marketplace. In South Korea, there is a phrase "쌩얼," that roughly translates to "fresh or bare face."
"Face without the makeup," Abe adds to the translation, "it's like a sacred concept for a woman." Motivated by this concept, Korean beauty consumers put in great effort toward their skin.
"What I love about Korean beauty is that everything starts with your skin," says Charlotte. "It's always about taking care of your skin first before for covering it up."
The basics of K-beauty are about creating a healthy base before using makeup.
"It is very innovative and advanced, but at the same time, there's always been a certain element of play and fun to it," says Choi. "You could be as serious and scientific as you want. At the same time, I feel like there's a lot of things that just bring you joy."
How does Korean skincare work?
It all starts with the ingredients. "For the South Korean customer, you have to be innovative," says Abe. That innovation comes through in each product, like hydrocolloid pimple patches that absorb oils and reduce acne inflammation, but don't dry or damage the skin.
Korean skincare has to be a practice though, not just a one-time experiment. Daily use will gradually lead "to having the most optimal skin health," explains Choi.
"It's made for everyone, including (those with) sensitive skin," she adds.
According to Charlotte, Korean beauty focuses on sensitive skin treatments because a majority of Korean people identify as having sensitive skin.
"They don't hyper focus on acids that are going to – if you use incorrectly – really strip away from the moisture or your barrier. So they really look for gentle treatments," she explains.
All of this culminates in gentle synthetics, which create non-abrasive or astringent products. Korean skincare also uses calming ingredients, like centella asiatica and other herbals, as well as fermented ingredients.
Each product is designed to pinpoint specific skin concerns, such as hydration, protection or aging.
For instance, persimmon, snail mucin and hydrocolloid are often used to effectively treat breakouts, Charlotte explains. Certain Korean exfoliants are another example, tending to be cream-based, rather than depending on the BHAs used in Western products, she adds.
Chemical vs. mineral sunscreen:Dermatologists explain types of UV protection.
How to start a Korean skincare routine
Starting your Korean skincare routine may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Charlotte, who has been a major contributor to K-beauty's popularity in the U.S., coined the "10-step Korean skincare routine."
"It was an opportunity to educate people about the possible steps there are in a comprehensive skincare routine, and it's, of course, your own discretion to pick and choose the steps you need in order to achieve your skin results," she says.
Korean skincare is highly customizable. It's based on your skin type and the concerns you wish to address. It can be as many as 10 steps, but it can be as minimal as cleanser and moisturizer, explains Choi.
The essentials are cleanser, toner or essence, moisturizer and SPF, Choi says. But it's really about finding what works for you.
"There are no rules," says Charlotte. "I think it all starts with what your personal skin concerns are and what your lifestyle is."
Korean skincare routine steps
The first step is to address your skin health and figure out what you want to refine, whether it's dark circles, acne or sun damage.
A simple Korean skincare routine will include:
- An oil cleanser
- A water-based cleanser
- A toner and/or essence
- A moisturizer
- SPF (during the day)
Start with an oil cleanser and then a water-based cleanser − also known as "double-cleansing," according to Charlotte.
"You need to remove any impurities from your skin to start off with a clean canvas, clean base for the rest of your product to work well," she says. The oil cleanser will remove makeup and oils from your face, while the water-based will remove any remaining dirt or sweat.
Essence and toner are next and can be used interchangeably, depending on the product. These help hydrate your skin but also can minimize pore size and acne.
Moisturizer follows to rehydrate your skin and give it that dewy complexion. "It's going to really help coat and protect your skin and cocoon it with with hydration," says Charlotte.
If you're going outside, SPF should be the last step of your routine.
You can always add more steps − like eye creams or serums − if you like.
"What's fun about Korean beauty is that there's huge discovery, and it's all about understanding you first before you really jump into trends," Charlotte adds.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What kind of dog is Snoopy?" to "Why are my lips dry?" to "What are the benefits of Vitamin C serum?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (735)
Related
- Olivia Culpo Celebrates Christian McCaffrey's NFL Comeback Alongside Mother-in-Law
- How to talk to your kids about climate anxiety, according to an environmental educator
- One dies after explosion at Arkansas defense weapons plant
- Stock market today: With US markets closed, Asian shares slip and European shares gain
- Appeals Court Affirms Conviction of Everglades Scientist Accused of Stealing ‘Trade Secrets’
- 4 swimmers bitten by shark off Texas' South Padre Island, officials say
- How a unique Topeka program is welcoming immigrants and helping them thrive
- Track Hurricane Beryl as it rages toward Mexico after ripping through Caribbean
- Pistons' Ausar Thompson cleared to play after missing 8 months with blood clot
- Simone Biles Says Not Everyone Needs a Mic Amid MyKayla Skinner Controversy
Ranking
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul stirs debate: Is this a legitimate fight?
- Beryl set to strengthen on approach to Texas due to hot ocean temperatures
- How Texas is still investigating migrant aid groups on the border after a judge’s scathing order
- Powerball winning numbers for July 3: Jackpot rises to $138 million
- Ashton Jeanty stats: How many rushing yards did Boise State Heisman hopeful have vs Nevada
- Paris Olympics could use alternate site for marathon swimming if Seine unsafe
- How a 'hungry' Mia Goth revamped the horror final girl in 'MaXXXine'
- Biden cancels speech at teachers union convention in Philadelphia after union staff goes on strike
Recommendation
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Shares Reaction to BFF Teddi Mellencamp's Divorce
-
Tom Brady suffers rare loss in star-studded friendly beach football game
-
New Dutch leader pledges to cut immigration as the opposition vows to root out racists in cabinet
-
Powerball winning numbers for July 3: Jackpot rises to $138 million
-
Judge sets date for 9/11 defendants to enter pleas, deepening battle over court’s independence
-
4th of July fireworks show: Hayden Springer shoots 59 to grab the lead at John Deere Classic
-
4th of July Sales You Can Still Shop: $2 Old Navy Deals, 60% Off Pottery Barn, 85% Off J.Crew & More
-
Spain advances to Euro 2024 semifinals with extra time win over Germany