One of the main goals of my trip to Seoul was to explore and research the K-Beauty skincare market. I was curious as to what all the fuss was about. I had read a number of magazine articles on the wonders of K-beauty and had only recently started trying a few of the Korean sheet masks and one moisturizer to date.
I spent a lot of time scouting skincare shops in the shopping districts of Myeongdong, Itaewon and Dongdaemun where I popped into shops such as Innisfree, Its Skin, Nature Republic, The Face Shop, TonyMoly, Missha and Dr. Jart just to name a few. A very competitive brand market which caters to customers that switch products every few months for the next best thing. If you look inside any medicine cabinet of a Korean customer there would be an abundance of products from a multitude of brands. They thrive on trying new products and are always in search of what new technology can bring to them. The customer attitude toward skincare is fearless.
When you walk into any of these shops, it’s like walking into a candy store. The displays and packaging have bright, candy colours that really draw you into wanting to touch and try on. The staff of Innisfree and Its Skin were the most impressive. Even with very little English spoken between us the sales reps were able to create a skincare beauty routine by just looking at my face and instructed me on how to use each one.
Korean Skincare products mixes two concepts of 1500 year old traditions with state-of-the-art technology. Korean women really know the importance of protecting the most exposed part of their bodies (the face) by pampering their skin with plant, fruit, vegetable extracts and essential oils based products. They have a prevention perspective to preserving smooth, supple skin starting at a very young age that lasts a lifetime and is past down from generation to generation.
As someone who has Eczema and sensitive skin, I was impressed by the amount of natural ingredients used in the products. Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Tea Tree, fruit based ingredients, essential oils, flowers, honey, rice, ginseng, mushroom, and snail mucin as well as more advanced ingredients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Arbutin and Bee Glue. No skin irritants such as paraben, diaoxine or colours are used.
Now let’s break it down. I bought the following products and have initiated the K-Beauty skincare routine for about 3 weeks thus far:
- Double Cleansing (Oil and Water Based)
One of the cornerstones of the Korean skincare method is double cleansing. Because we develop oil and water based impurities during the day which includes excess sebum and makeup along with dust, bacteria, old skin cells and perspiration; our skin needs a thorough method of cleansing that will rid of both types.
- Step 1. An oil based cleanser in the form of cream, lotion, gel or milk are available depending on what you prefer.
- Step 2. Apply a small amount all over your face and remove with makeup wipes.
- Step 3. Water based cleanser is the second step to rid your skin of the remaining residue left on your face which can cause breakouts.
- This method has made a big difference to my skin’s response to the the rest of the products I apply to the skin and I did the toner test to see if all residue was removed and voila-it worked!
- Essence
This is a term used in Asia which pretty much is close to what North Americans call a serum but lighter in weight. Essences are to be applied after the toner and contain active ingredients such as antioxidants and vitamins to help plump up the skin, reduce fine lines, optimize skin cell renewal and target dull and uneven skin.
- Step 1. Add small amounts to a cotton pad first before applying to the face to reduce waste as the consistency can be watery.
- Eye Cream
Who doesn’t love a good eye cream. I suffer from dark circles and puffiness and have tried a lot of different eye creams over the years. I decided to try this eye cream made with Jeju lava (taken from the Jeju Volcanic Island in Korea and known for its healing carbonate deposits). This particular product serves as a moisture barrier and promises to reduce puffiness, firm areas around the eyes, and reduce fine lines. It comes with a built in Zamak applicator.
- Step 1. Gently move the applicator in an outward motion under the eyes to stimulate blood circulation.
- I will give this a month to see if there is any improvement.
- Face Cream
The abundance of skin creams from Korean companies is unbelievable. I mean they have a cream to treat every type of skin ailment. The sensitive, hormonal acne prone (like me), combination, dry, oily and any combination of all of these. The most coveted ingredient for skin creams is the snail mucin. Now let’s clarify the snail thing. It’s not the actual snail but what the snail produces (no snails are harmed). This has been one of the best kept secrets in Korean skincare beauty. Snail mucin treats acne scars, wrinkles, increases skin vitality, and gives a healthy glow. Judging from the flawless skin I saw everywhere on the Women and Men in Seoul; I will be the last to argue.
- Face Sheet Mask
What can I say about Korean sheet masks. They have literally changed my life. I now use them up to 5 days a week. Sheet masks have become a daily ritual that I look forward to at the end of the day with my bubble bath or after a shower or with a glass of wine and a good book. It is relaxing and in the end you wake up with supple, glowing skin. I am a fan.
The results for me has been a noticeable change with my skin being able to retain it’s softness all day long with or without makeup with more of a glow to my skin.
Can’t wait to see what my skin will look like in a few months and in one year.