And who better to turn to, to get that that glowing glass k-beauty summer skin look, other than the Korean skincare industry themselves?
With a focus on natural skin soothing ingredients that provide a variety of benefits that target multiple layers of the skin, it’s no wonder Korea’s holistic approach puts them 10 years ahead of everyone else in the skincare game.
So, with that being said, here are my top tricks and tips to get your skin looking and glowing like a real life filter!
The Exfoliation Sensation
Exfoliating is key to getting rid of dead skin cells, unclogging pores and revealing fresh, glowing skin that will make you the topic of every conversation for days on end. There are two main types of exfoliation: Chemical and physical.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation involves using acids, enzymes, or other chemical compounds to break down and dissolve dead skin cells, and is generally considered more effective than physical exfoliation, with the ability to penetrate into deeper layers of skin.
Some common types of chemical exfoliants include:
· AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), which work to resurface the top layer of the skin by removing dead skin. AHA is particularly beneficial for those with dry, dull skin as it can help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
· BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), an oil-soluble chemical that penetrates deep into the pores to unclog and remove impurities. BHA is particularly beneficial for those with oily, acne-prone skin as it can help to reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.
· PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids), a newer type of exfoliating acid that is similar to AHA but has larger molecules, making it gentler on the skin. This makes it perfect for those who are a little bit sensitive!
If you’re like me, and often forget which is which, the way I like to remember it is A for Above skin, and B for Below skin!
One of my favourite AHA products is the COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Powder liquid. With 7% glycolic acid, this serum is gentle, yet effective enough to wipe on at night, and wake up to gorgeous glowing skin. I just love the way it has that moisturising, slightly thicker-than-water texture for extra hydration!
If you feel that BHAs may be more up your alley, why not check out the Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner. This product uses 0.9% betaine salicylate to gently remove sebum and unclog pores. If you’re someone who suffers from stubborn blackheads, this is the product for you!
For more in-depth discussion about chemical exfoliation, check out these articles here, here and here.
Physical Exfoliation:
Physical exfoliation involves using a tool or product to physically scrub away dead skin cells. Physical exfoliants work by physically sloughing off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, and may provide a more immediate sensation of smoother skin – a quicker boost to k-beauty summer ready skin!
Retinol is Liquid Gold
One of the best researched skincare ingredients, retinol has been used for decades in the West for its anti-aging properties, and has only now in recent years, inched its way into Korean skincare. And what a welcomed addition it is! Coupled with the hydrating, gentle formulations that Korean beauty offers, it would be a crime to miss out on retinol products!
You can’t go wrong with The Revive Eye Serum by Beauty of Joseon. Formulated with Ginseng root extract and 2% Retinal Liposome, this eye serum has been proven to reduce fine lines, boost skin elasticity and improve skin texture. Swipe on every night before bed and I guarantee in a few months’ time, you’ll thank me.
Barrier Relief
One of the best (and most underrated) ways of getting that juicy plumped up k-beauty summer skin is by working on that skin barrier!
When the skin barrier is damaged or compromised, it can lead to a range of skin issues, such as dryness, sensitivity, redness, and even acne – something we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives. But do not be disheartened; a damaged skin barrier is simple to fix!
The ISNTREE Yam Root Vegan Cream is packed full of ceramides, panthenol and cholesterol to help strengthen the skin barrier. The 57% Korean-grown Yam Root extract – a plant-derived ingredient rich in amino acids and Phytonutrients – helps give the cream a lovely luxury smooth texture you’d be sure to love.
If it’s moisture your skin craves, there’s no better way to promote hydration than by incorporating hyaluronic acid! COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive cream will help give you that boost of humectant to attract water and keep your skin looking hydrated for hours on end.
Mask It Up
Nothing unplugs the pores like a good ol’ wash off mask. There’s a reason why the Innisfree
Super Volcanic Pore Clay mask 2X has been a cult favourite for years now. There is just nothing that compares to its smooth texture and soothing properties once it’s applied onto the skin. This mask offers the unique ingredient of volcanic ash to keep those pores squeaky clean – ready for your k-beauty summer.
MARY & MAY also offer their own Rose Hyaluronic Hydra Wash Off Pack to absorb oil and any impurities. If you’re worried about masks being too stripping, do not fear! This one is chalked full of hyaluronic acids to add that extra touch of hydration!
SPF is Your BFF
If there’s one item in your skincare arsenal you should never skip, it’s definitely sunscreen. And for good reason! The benefits are numerous – from reducing premature ageing, being a guard against uneven skin tone, and ultimately protecting skin against some types of skin cancer.
If there’s one sunscreen I recommend to absolutely anyone, it’s the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun. This chemical sunscreen is formulated with four UV filters to protect against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains rice bran water rich in vitamins, as well as niacinamide and pumpkin ferment extract to help promote a brighter complexion. This lightweight skin-soothing formulation was all the hype last year and it’s no secret why!
If you fancy something even more lightweight, The ABIB Quick Sun Stick offers a formulation perfect for top ups throughout the day or on the go. The formulation boasts ceramides as well as Centella Asiatica to help calm and strengthen skin, while letting you feel like you’re wearing nothing on the skin!
Final Thought
All in all, there are many things you can do to ensure your skin is at its best in time for summer. A K-beauty skincare summer routine will boost your skincare game to the next level and ensure that you are looking like a glazed doughnut in time for that golden summer sun!