8 Korean Beauty Trends That'll Give You Glowing Skin

From slugging to glass skin, the world of beauty has witnessed a surge in South-Korean trends that make a strong case for an all-round minimalist approach. Relying on science-backed formulas and clean-beauty products, if you've resorted to the occasional sheet mask over the weekend, know that you've jumped on the K-beauty bandwagon which promises fresh, dewy skin! 

Feeling ambushed with viral skincare trends that demand your attention, and are unsure about which ones to incorporate into your daily skincare routine? We're here to help. Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist, Dr Jaishree Sharad charts out the top K-beauty trends that are worth your while. 

 

Double Cleansing

 

Double cleansing—the apparent backbone of K-beauty routines—is one well-known technique that has garnered immense popularity over the years. As the name suggests, it involves cleansing your face twice; once with a face oil, followed by a foaming cleanser. The primary reason behind this two-step approach can be attributed to the simple fact that different cleansers work to target different kinds of impurities. While the oil-based cleanser is designed to remove oil-based impurities including makeup, sunscreen, sebum and pollution, the water-based cleanser can work its way into your skin, getting rid of the day's dirt, grime and sweat. Make sure to pick a cleanser that has a low or balanced pH level, to avoid the possibility of skin irritation.

 

Facial Massaging

 

If you thought salon facials and massages were an ancient Indian technique, you're wrong. The flag bearers of K-beauty are of the opinion that massaging the skin enables it to absorb the products more efficiently, making way for penetration to the deepest layers of the skin. When cleansing your skin, make sure to wash the cleanser off your face with lukewarm water, rather than using extremely hot water, as it might damage the surface of the skin and further dry it out.

 

Facial Toners

 

A K-beauty toner is basically a lotion that contains ingredients which promise to hydrate your skin. Different kinds of toners, on the other hand, work to get rid of the moisture. Ranging from thick formulas to lightweight potions that address fine lines, acne damage, and other beauty woes, Korean toners target a multitude of skincare problems. They primarily include ingredients such as kelp extract, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, mineral water, and carrot root oil. Some of the best K-skincare toners include N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Toner, IOPE Super Vital Softener Facial Toner and AHC Aqualuronic Toner.

 

Au Naturel

 

Korean skincare routines are all about keeping it fresh, minimal, and natural. Applying just a hint of shimmer on the cheekbones and opting for hues that are closest to ones actual skin tone are enough to get your glow-on. Besides advocating clean beauty, Korean skincare has a wide range of specific products to offer that tackle any and every skincare concern—from dark circles to dull, tired and dehydrated skin. 

 

The Towel-Free Hack

 

Out of a force of habit, we usually end up scrubbing our skin with a face towel, in an attempt to get rid of the excess water on the skin. However, Korean beauty experts advise against this practice, since using a towel can cause friction on the skin. Plus, the towel hanging in your bathroom possibly harbors germs and bacteria that can cause skin irritation and allergies. Instead, they suggest patting down the excess water. 

 

Face Essence

 

One of the best ways to achieve fabulously flawless skin is to layer your products. Doing so allows your skin to breathe and prevents clogging of pores. If you use a toner for the first layer, it is recommended to use an essence for the second. Since Korean beauty products are lightweight and thinner in consistency, it helps penetrate deeper into the skin, paving the way for better absorption of product.

 

Sheet Masks

 

Sheet masks can be traced back to South Korea—their place of origin. They are shaped to fit on your face, with cut-outs for the eyes, nose and mouth area. Soaked in nutrient-rich serums that contain natural ingredients, sheet masks come in multiple varieties that are made to suit your specific skin type. It roughly takes around 15 to 20 minutes for a sheet mask to work it's wonders.

 

The Final Layer

 

After putting on all these layers, applying a moisturiser seems avoidable. However, the K-beauty routine demands that you make use of a cream as the final layer, to seal off all the previous layers. It’s like adding the final touches to a picture-perfect portrait! Unlike the moisturisers we have to offer here, Korean moisturisers come in different varieties, varying in terms of thickness. Some of the best K-beauty moisturisers include MIZON Collagen Cream, THE FACE SHOP Mango Seed Moisturizing Facial Butter, and Skinfood Royal Honey Hydro Cream.