When it comes to beauty, we see a lot of trends taking over social media. On one hand, we have beauty store products and medical-grade skincare that promise to leave our skin looking glorious.
On the other side of social media, people urge us to buy Korean beauty products instead. In a way, when we look at the smooth, radiant faces of our favorite K-pop idols, we can’t help but be curious. So, what’s their deal?
Why the Sudden Interest in K-Beauty?
Glowing skin can be a part of anyone’s life with a good routine. However, when you look at the skin of K-pop idols and drama actors, you can’t help but wonder: how come their skin is so smooth?
An average of 54.8% of Europeans have acne, and in contrast, only 43% of South Koreans deal with this condition. It’s not that much of a difference, but they appear to be doing something right.
The difference lies in their philosophy, and not necessarily the brands or products themselves. In Western culture, most people care about contouring, heavy makeup, and quick fixes for skin concerns.
People in Korea also wear makeup, but their goal is to get a more “natural beauty” kind of look. For this reason, their skincare focus is also on healthy-looking skin with a dewy glow. Here, we call it the “glass skin effect.”
How Does Korean Skincare Do Things Differently?
Skincare in Korea might look similar to ours, but their OTC products are slightly different. Here’s why Western people are slowly but surely adopting their products.
● Skincare-First Approach
Korea is no stranger to makeup. However, their conservative culture made the community lean toward a “glowing face without makeup.” Rather than masking their flaws, Koreans follow layered skincare routines to prevent issues and nourish the skin. From cleansers to exfoliators, toners, masks, and moisturizers, they see skincare as a daily ritual instead of a chore.
● Innovative Ingredients
Most Western skincare contains all the basic ingredients, from hyaluronic acids to vitamin C, retinol, and more. When it comes to Korean products, they go beyond what’s usual. For this reason, many of their skincare items include innovative ingredients such as bee venom, snail mucin, or fermented rice water. They’re one step ahead in terms of modern science, and Western markets are all for it.
● Gentle Formulas
Many Western skincare products have strong active agents in them. These can be effective, but for someone with sensitive skin, this can be an unfortunate combo. Korean skincare swapped these harsh ingredients for gentler ones that focus on barrier repair and hydration. This adds to the “glass skin” effect while promoting long-term health.
● Affordability
Whenever you want something qualitative to offer long-term health instead of quick fixes, you usually look at medical-grade skincare. The problem with these products is that, while effective, they’re also very expensive. Korean skincare is an alternative that goes for the same goal, but without creating a hole in your budget.
The Bottom Line
Korean skincare is likely to become more and more popular, especially as people are embracing the natural look. These products offer scientifically proven results without breaking the bank. With a good routine, your skin could also get an evident glow, even without makeup.