IF you’ve been keeping up with the goings on in the world of skincare in the last couple years, then Korean trends will certainly be on your radar.
If not though, here’s your sign.
“Korean skincare is light-years ahead in innovation of Western skincare,” Kimberley Medd, clinic lead at Face the Future, tells Sun Health.
Dr You-Jin Chang, aesthetic doctor and Korean skincare innovation expert at WY Skin Clinic adds that the skincare trend is “all about looking after your skin and making it feel and look amazing”.
“It focuses on clean, effective products tailored to individual skin types, a concept known as “clinical beauty”,” she tells Sun Health.
“Additionally, there’s an emphasis on a “cosmetic diet,” which involves reducing unnecessary skincare steps and using targeted skin actives for different skin types.
“Korean skincare places particular emphasis on hydration, skin barrier repair, brightening, and anti-ageing.
“The use of microbiome and probiotic ingredients is also popular.”
The sought-after products often contain innovative ingredients you might not have come across before, such as snail mucin – the mucus secreted by snails.
You might be put off by the idea, but lovers of this slimy skincare craze claim products containing snail mucin leave their face glowing and hydrated.
Other ingredients you might not have seen incorporated into skincare before include ginseng and bean essence.
“Ginseng is a highly used ingredient in Korean skincare,” Dr Chang says.
“It’s known for its anti-ageing properties that help to boost elasticity and brighten your skin.
“If you want to calm any irritation, ginseng is great for that too.
“Bean essence, especially from fermented beans, is packed with antioxidants that strengthen your skin barrier and keep it hydrated.
“Both ingredients can help you achieve a healthy and youthful glow.”
Using natural and organic ingredients where possible tends to be a key focus of many brands, Kimberley says.
And moisturised and luminous skin is the name of the game.
Often, this won’t be achieved with one single product.
Instead, the way to achieve plump and juicy skin is to slather thin layers of multiple products – from toners to essences and creams – one on top of the other.
“Korean skincare routines can be up to 10 steps,” Kimberley adds.
And of course, using sun cream to top it all off is a must.
“There is a strong focus on sun protection, with Koreans frequently reapplying SPF throughout the day, often using cushion SPF compacts,” Dr Chang adds.
But before you start layering on your toners, serums and creams, you need to double cleanse to stay true to Korean skincare traditions.
You’ll usually start off with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to melt off your make-up, SPF and any sebum and dirt that has built up on your skin throughout the day.
You can use the same product for a second go-over, or switch to a water-based gel or foaming cleanser.
Dr Chang explains: “The purpose of double cleansing is to thoroughly remove impurities from the skin, making it an essential step in your nighttime routine.
“The best approach involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, then emulsifying it with water.
“Afterward, you wash off the oil cleanser with a gentle face wash for a complete cleanse.
“Double cleansing allows thorough removal of impurities, preventing clogged pores and allowing better absorption of skincare.”
What you don’t want is for your face to be left feeling tight, dry and irritated, so stick to what feels best to your skin.
If this is sounding like something you’d like to give a go but you don’t want to splash the cash, Kimberley has your back.
She shares three budget-friendly products to get you started on your Korean skincare journey.
In the market for a luminous complexion?
Kimberly recommends you give the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream a go.
“This product is deeply moisturising and nourishing, to use morning and evening,” Kimberley says.
This retails for £30.99 at Sephora and BeautyBay, and has been reduced to £24.79 on LookFantastic.
But you can also nab it for £15.99 at Face the Future.
COSRX is also well-known for its snail mucin essence.
Essence is a lightweight, watery liquid that is used in skincare to provide an extra layer of hydration to the skin.
Unlike serums – which are designed to target specific skin concerns – essences are typically used to prep the skin for the rest of your skincare routine.
In fact, it may help your skin better absorb the products you put on afterwards, according to Healthline.
If you fancy giving an essence a go, Kimberly suggests the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water with Niacinamide.
“Use this after cleansing, apply to your hands and gently pat onto your face,” Kimberley says.
You can find this at Boots for £15.50, or at Face The Future for £14.30.
We’ve already covered how important cleansing is to Korean skincare routines.
Kimberley’s recommendation is the Mixsoon Bean Cleansing Oil, a lightweight oil-based cleanser containing bean essence.
“Use this one morning and evening as a pre-cleanse,” she says.
You can buy a bottle of this for £19.20 at Face The Future.
Boots also stocks it for £20, or you can order it off BeautyBay for £16.85.
Shona Wilkinson, lead nutritionist at ethical nutrition and supplement brand DR.VEGAN, says you can give your skin a helping hand by turning your focus to what you eat.
“Many people underestimate the role your diet can play in maintaining healthy, glowing skin,” she told The Sun.
In general terms, packing your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can prevent all sorts of issues with our skin, Shona says.
It can “reduce the risk of premature ageing, and leave us with a consistently radiant complexion”, the nutritionist explains.
The foods she recommends are:
1. Kiwi
Shona says: “Not only are they rich in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy collagen production, but they’re also great for improving gut health, which has direct implications on our skin.”
2. Berries and cherries
The red fruits are rich in a natural plant-colouring agent called proanthocyanidin, which helps impart their dark colour.
“Proanthocyanidins are potent natural antioxidants – meaning they protect the skin from harmful oxidants that come from the sun, pollution and poor dietary choices,” Shona explains.
“Proanthocyanidins particularly help to protect the collagen in your skin, which helps to provide your skin with structure, strength, and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and providing a general layer of protection.”
3. Chia, flaxseed and fish
Foods like white fish, chia seeds, and avocados are fab for your skin as they’re rich in omega-3 – “a flexible fat used in skin cells to keep the skin healthy, moisturised, and less likely to crack or flake”, the nutritionist explains.
“Importantly, omega-3 fats also help with the production of anti-inflammatory hormones in the body, decreasing any excess skin inflammation or face redness,” she adds.
4. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens
Shona says: “Vegetables such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens are rich in isothiocyanates, which support the function of the liver by protecting it from damage from toxins, especially alcohol.
“Research shows that reducing alcohol intake and increasing the consumption of cruciferous vegetables can help your liver to function properly and leave your skin toxin-free.”
5. Oranges, red peppers and strawberries
Shona says: “In order, to produce all the collagen your skin needs to keep you glowing every day, the body needs a substantial amount of both Vitamin C and protein.
“This is because vitamin C is used in a process called hydroxylation, which converts protein into collagen.
“Try incorporating lots of citrus fruits such as oranges, red peppers, strawberries, or tomatoes into your diet.”
