Korean has become a cult phenomenon amongst skincare and makeup enthusiasts alike. K-beauty routines include cleansing, toning and treatments (liquids, essences, serums, etc.) that target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, blemishes and sun damage.
It’s all about prevention
Koreans have a history of looking for skincare solutions before they experience problems. As a result, they have come up with a wide array of products that help boost skin’s health and appearance, including non-chemical sunscreens, hydrating masks and anti-aging creams.
For starters, the K- beauty store industry is regulated and many brands go to great lengths to make sure their formulas are efficacious and safe for use on the most sensitive of skins. For instance, some products are formulated to stimulate collagen production, which can help improve the texture and tone of skin over time.
For a plethora of reasons, Koreans believe the best way to keep your skin glowing is by focusing on prevention. They do it with the aid of the latest technology and the best natural ingredients on the market. For example, there are many hydrating products that contain rice water and camellia leaf extract that can help lock in moisture and provide skin-protecting antioxidants. The trick is finding these and sticking to a regimen to reap the benefits.
It’s all about hydration
Rather than using harsh skincare actives that can disrupt skin’s pH balance or cause irritation, K-beauty has a different approach. It uses gentle ingredients that are formulated to deeply hydrate, giving you a healthy glow. I need to visit a beauty supply store near me to purchase some skincare products and restock my beauty essentials.
The first step in any K-beauty routine is cleansing, which is used to remove makeup, dirt and oil. Then, there’s toning to balance the skin’s pH levels and prep it for treatment steps like face oils, serums and ampoules.
Treatments, which include liquids, essences, serums, ampoules and emulsions, can treat a variety of concerns, from wrinkles to enlarged pores. They’re a great way to really customize your routine by choosing products that work with the issues you want to address.
It’s all about exfoliation
Using a physical exfoliator, like a sand or sugar-based scrub, is a great way to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and smooth and brighten your complexion. Chemical exfoliates, on the other hand, use acids (like AHA or BHA) to get deep into the skin and clear out clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, acne and more.
Both types of exfoliation are effective on all skin types, but you’ll likely see better results with chemical exfoliates. Be sure to choose one with gentle ingredients and check that it won’t irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A good k-beauty exfoliator is a must have for any skincare routine. The best ones are gentle and nourishing to the skin without over drying it, making them an excellent addition to winter.
It’s all about natural ingredients
One of the things that sets Korean skincare apart from the rest is the value it places on natural ingredients. This means that their BB and CC creams, sheet masks, cushion foundation compacts, acne pimple patches, and under-eye gel masks are all made with a blend of skin-loving ingredients to keep skin healthy and glowing.
It also means that their products can be used by women of all ages and ethnicities. Ginseng extract, for example, is an ingredient that’s been used by Koreans for centuries to promote a brighter glow and fight off free radicals.
Another K-beauty staple is liquor ice root. It helps to inhibit darkening caused by UV exposure and can be found in many sun protection formulas.
Conclusion
For those who want to clean up their routine, there are plenty of boutique cosmetic companies that are actively listening to the growing demand for natural, safe, and eco-friendly products. They have deeper ingredient expertise and are constantly testing to ensure their formulas are effective while being gentle to the skin.