K-Beauty: Why is everyone talking about Korean Skincare?

Korean beauty, also known as K-beauty, has taken the world by storm in the last few years. This industry has garnered a massive following around the globe, from Korean actress Moon Chae Won to Lady Gaga, everyone seems to be obsessed with Korean Skincare Products. 

So, what’s all the fuss about? In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the world of K-beauty cosmetics, sharing the reasons behind its popularity, the steps of the Korean skincare routine and must-have products. All you need to know to achieve this desired Korean beauty glow!

What is Korean Skincare?

Korean Skincare is all about embracing natural beauty and achieving healthy, radiant skin. It’s known for its focus on using products to protect the skin rather than using products to restore it, emphasizing on the importance of skincare and overall health.

K-beauty is characterized by natural, high-quality ingredients and effective formulas that allow you to get a youthful look and the appearance of moisture on the skin - what 's known as “glass skin”-.

Why is it so popular?

The philosophy of this “trend” is the main reason behind its success. The more natural and minimalistic approach to beauty is an option that has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years and K-beauty is all about working with your skin’s natural ecosystem, by cleansing, hydrating, nourishing, and protecting it — allowing your skin to thrive.

Not to mention the high quality and natural ingredients used in this industry, leaving behind the products full of harsh ingredients that end up damaging your skin, and the advanced technology used, such as hydrogel masks and light therapy, that help enhance the effectiveness of the ingredients.

Korean beauty products have captured everyone's attention  because they are designed to make you look forward to using them day after day. Also, their cool packaging, affordable prices, and high-quality materials make them even more appealing.

The 10 step routine

The Korean skincare routine is a multi-step skincare regimen that focuses on achieving clear, hydrated, and glowing skin. The typical Korean skincare routine usually involves 10 steps, although you can always adjust the routine to your skin needs. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

• Step 1: Oil Cleanser
  The first step is to remove any makeup, sunscreen, or oil-based impurities on your skin.

• Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
  After removing the oil-based impurities, use a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt or sweat. 

• Step 3: Exfoliant
  Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

• Step 4: Toner
  Next, a toner is applied to balance the skin's pH level and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent skincare products. 
  
  
• Step 5: Essence
  This is followed by an essence, a lightweight, hydrating product that provides the skin with nourishing ingredients and improves its overall texture.

• Step 6: Serums
  In this step you should use treatments targeting you specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation.

• Step 7: Sheet mask
  Sheet masks are a popular part of the Korean skincare routine. They are soaked in serums and are placed on the face to provide a deeply hydrating and nourishing treatment.

• Step 8: Moisturizer
  Apply a moisturizer to your face and neck to hydrate and seal in all the previous skincare products.

• Step 9: Eye Cream
  Use a specialized eye cream to hydrate and protect the delicate skin around your eyes. 

• Step 10: Sunscreen
  Lastly, Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember, K-beauty is all about protecting your skin!

Our favorites Korean Skincare Brands

Undeniably,  Korean Skincare has numerous benefits for our skin, but the question is, where does one start? Here we bring you our favorite Korean beauty brands, with products that you could easily introduce in your skincare routine.

LANEIGE

 LANEIGE pursues not only healthy and balanced skin, but also a healthy and balanced attitude towards life. This skincare brand focuses on hydrating the skin with its water-based formulations. 

 

One of their most popular products is the Lip Sleeping Mask. This leave-on lip mask delivers intense moisture and antioxidants while you sleep with Berry Fruit Complex, Murumuru seed and Shea butter. It has been a game changer product for a lot of people, once you try it there is no going back!

 

COSRX 

This brand is known for its gentle and effective skincare products that target specific skin concerns such as acne, dryness, and sensitivity.

 

One of its most popular products is COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches, considered by Korean skin care fans as a holy grail product for acne treatment.

 

They protect pimples from secondary infections and further swelling, speeding up the healing process of the pimple and preventing acne scars.

 

 

Dr. Jart+

Sheet masks are a popular part of the Korean skincare routine and there is no brand that can treat your skin as good as Dr. Jart+. Dr. Jart+ is a global skincare brand that features innovative products designed to address specific dermatological needs. 

This brand has a mask for each skin need, from a Wrinkles Solution Mask to a Vital Hydra Solution one. You just need to identify what your skin needs and choose the right one for you!  Dr. Jart+ and its mask line are must-try items (at least once) for your skincare routine.

For example the Wrinkle Solution Mask is focused on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth, lifted, youthful-looking complexion. Made with a thermosensitive gel, where body heat activates the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin.

Another Dr.Jart+ fan favorite around the world is the Vital Hydra Solution Mask, specially formulated to plump skin with deep moisture and hydrating glycerin to help reduce the look of fine dry lines, quench and comfort dry skin on contact.