Korean beauty is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and changing how we approach skincare. While it has taken shape due to fashion, music and online influence, it has also shown great results. However, beauty does not come easy, and this particular approach requires a strict regimen and selective use of natural ingredients.
What Is the Korean Beauty Aesthetic?
K-beauty has surged in popularity for several reasons, including the influence of K-dramas, K-pop, and other mainstream trends shared on social media. However, its widespread appeal is primarily driven by the effectiveness of its ingredients.
K-beauty products are formulated with carefully selected, high-quality components that deliver visible results, making them effective for achieving clear, radiant, and healthy skin. These are often rooted in traditional Korean agricultural and food products containing properties that target specific skin concerns.
Korean beauty is often redefined and evolves in line with the fashion industry, but one aesthetic that’s always in style is “glass skin”. This is the glossy, almost flawless complexion punctuated through simple clothing and makeup style. The result may be minimalist, but the regime to achieve it is anything but. Instead, Korean beauty doubles up on the usual skincare steps, like exfoliating and moisturising.
Dedicated Korean beauty fans follow a comprehensive 10-step regime to achieve a glowing complexion. This particular trend is all about enhancing natural beauty. A Korean makeup routine aims to subtly enhance specific features instead of using dramatic, bold colours. However, having a flawless base is the starting point for any Korean beauty aesthetic.
The 10-Step Korean Beauty Regime
Below is the regimen set out by Korean beauty enthusiasts. It’s an in-depth way of applying moisturising techniques, mild exfoliation and toning in a specific order to achieve that glossy and dewy look that K-popstars and fashion models have made famous.
- Oil Cleanser: The foundation of the routine, an oil cleanser dissolves makeup and excess sebum while moisturising the skin.
- Water-Based Cleanser: Removes residue left by oil cleansers and balances the skin’s pH.
- Exfoliator: Removes dead skin cells and cleans pores for smoother, brighter skin, but should be used sparingly.
- Toner: Balances the skin’s pH and helps the skin absorb subsequent products more effectively.
- Essence: A lightweight, hydrating treatment that boosts the skin’s moisture and enhances the effectiveness of other products.
- Serum: A concentrated formula that targets specific skin concerns like fine lines, dark spots, or acne.
- Face Mask: Provides an extra boost of nutrients and moisture, offering a relaxing experience while rejuvenating the skin.
- Eye Care: Targets the delicate skin around the eyes to address concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
- Moisturiser: Locks in hydration and helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, with different formulations for day and night.
- Sun Protection: The final step to protecting skin from UV damage is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
While this may seem overwhelming there are some incredible moisturising and PH-balancing skincare systems we at Harley Street MD have approved to help you get started. Obagi® Skincare, Heliocare® and ZO® Skin treatments are just some of the exclusive treatments on offer at our clinic.
Feel free to book a free consultation to find out about our other ranges of skin rejuvenating treatments.
Natural Ingredients in Korean Beauty Products
Korean skincare is celebrated for its use of natural ingredients, carefully chosen for their healing, soothing, and nourishing elements. These ingredients, often rooted in traditional Korean remedies, contribute significantly to skin health. Key ingredients include:
- Green Tea & Ginseng: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps protect and soothe the skin, while ginseng brightens and stimulates circulation, promoting a youthful, radiant complexion.
- Honey & Centella Asiatica (Cica): Honey attracts moisture and offers antibacterial benefits, while Centella Asiatica heals and calms sensitive or irritated skin.
- Rice & Aloe Vera: Rice brightens and gently exfoliates, improving skin texture, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates, leaving skin soft and nourished.
- Chamomile & Seaweed: Chamomile reduces redness and irritation, promoting a calm complexion, while seaweed nourishes and protects the skin with its rich vitamins and minerals.
While these may be the basis of select creams and lotions, the effect is to culminate the essences of moisture, circulation, nourishment, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s important to keep the skin hydrated and balanced, ensuring it can properly absorb nutrients, repair itself, and maintain a healthy, glowing appearance.
Three Areas of Skincare
Skincare isn’t just about a one-size-fits-all routine — it’s about targeting key areas to achieve a healthy complexion. Korean skincare’s 10-step process showcases a holistic approach, focusing on hydration, sun protection, and blemish care to deliver outstanding results.
Whether it’s achieving a youthful glow, shielding your skin from damage, or addressing stubborn imperfections, these three pillars form the foundation of effective skincare. Let’s explore how these areas work together to enhance and maintain your skin’s health.
Hydration
As we can see, hydration is an integral part of the Korean beauty craze. Hydration adds volume, which can help combat ageing signs like fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, moisturising can help to fill out these lines, giving a more youthful result.
The 10-step regimen uses a combination of essences, serums and multiple moisturisers to achieve a smooth complexion. But what if your skin needs an extra boost? The moisturising liquid may not achieve the results you want, so why not supercharge your skincare with Skin Hydration Therapy.
This treatment can be used on other areas of the body besides the face, such as the back and hands. While injected, it works differently from Botox as it uses fillers comprised of advanced hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally found in the body. It hydrates deeper levels of the skin to improve elasticity.
Sun Protection
One major factor that helps achieve a more youthful complexion is sun protection. Korean skincare companies have some of the most effective sunscreens available and advocate that sun protection be the final step in any skincare routine.
Many people avoid putting sunscreen on their faces for fear of oiliness or breakouts, thinking only of the thick, chalky suntan lotions that barely sink in. We can help you with a sun protection system that provides maximum UV defence without compromising your skin.
Blemishes
Korean skincare brands excel at addressing a wide range of skin concerns, offering everything from innovative exfoliants to targeted solutions like pimple patches and sheet masks. These products are designed to tackle blemishes effectively, helping you achieve clearer skin quickly.
For more persistent acne, whether it’s a long-term struggle or cystic scarring, there are additional options to consider. Professional treatments, like chemical peels and PRP Therapy, can help manage more serious skin conditions and revitalise your complexion. Once acne is under control, it’s much easier to maintain clear skin with a consistent and effective skincare routine.
Skincare Is a Journey
The Korean beauty craze has captured global attention for good reason. Rooted in time-tested traditions and bolstered by innovative techniques, K-beauty offers a comprehensive approach to skincare that prioritises hydration, sun protection, and blemish control. With its commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients and a focus on enhancing natural beauty, Korean skincare delivers visible results that make it worth the hype.
Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious 10-step routine or inspired by the effectiveness of its targeted treatments, K-beauty provides something for everyone. By incorporating elements like deep hydration, UV protection, and blemish care into your routine, you can achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion that truly stands out. The journey to flawless, glowing skin may require commitment, but it’s more than achievable with the right products and care.
