Unlocking the Secrets of Korean Skincare

K-Beauty transcends trends; it’s a lifestyle. Discover how Korean skincare elevates self-care to an art form with routines combining time-tested ingredients with cutting-edge innovations.

Discover how key ingredients like Jeju Island’s mineral-rich volcanic clay and BB creams provide radiant skin. Unlock the ancient 10 step skincare ritual and discover which K-Beauty products can take your complexion to new heights.

1. Double Cleansing

Cleansing should always be the starting point in any skin care routine, whether that be makeup removers, cleansing foams or facial washes – they all play an essential part. But for optimal Korean skincare results, regular cleansing techniques may even prove more effective – preventative approaches vs treating problems once they arise are key components.

One of the key steps of skin care is double cleansing, which involves two steps to ensure a clean slate for future regimens. Step one uses an oil-based cleanser that dissolves sebum, sunscreen and makeup products; step two uses water-based cleansers that eliminate sweat bacteria and impurities.

Peach & Lily offers a comprehensive selection of cleansers designed specifically to target different skin types for efficient double cleansing routines.

2. Layering

Korean skincare has quickly become one of the top beauty trends, thanks to its eye-catching packaging, intriguing ingredients like snail mucin, and its focus on protecting the skin barrier. But unlike some other popular trends (exfoliation for example), K-beauty’s philosophy revolves around working WITH the skin rather than against it.

One of the foundational tenets of Korean skincare is layering. While standard routines might include multiple products, their purpose should be tailored specifically to you and how your skin responds. Each product serves a distinct function and it’s essential that you pay attention to how your skin responds.

Cica (an herb that reduces inflammation and redness), centella asiatica or green tea as a natural antimicrobial and calming agent), and bee propolis are popular ingredients found in Korean skincare products for their soothing, protective, hydrating properties, creating radiant yet supple skin.

3. Sunscreen

Protection from UV rays that accelerate ageing and cause dark spots and scarring is paramount, which is why K-beauty sunscreens boast lightweight yet breathable formulations filled with skin soothing ingredients.

Korean sunscreens take great pride in providing an overall sensory experience for their customers, from light yet cosmetically elegant formulations that feel refreshing to antioxidant-packed antioxidant-rich offerings that combat pollution and environmental stressors.

Note that Korean sunscreens aren’t waterproof and require frequent reapplication to remain effective. In addition, some brands use UV filters that differ from what’s approved by the FDA (like Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate), so always read and patch test any new product before including it into your routine. Nonetheless, there’s never too late to start protecting your skin from sun exposure! Start today by double cleansing followed by applying broad spectrum SPF after your morning skincare regimen reapply throughout the day for maximum sun protection!

4. Holistic Approach

Korean skincare emphasizes taking time to learn your skin’s unique microbiome and tailor a personalized regimen, unlike its North American counterpart. Where North American products only treat symptoms on the surface level of the skin, K-beauty solutions target root issues in order to prevent future breakouts and wrinkles.

K-beauty products often boast innovative ingredients like fermented rice water and snail mucin; green tea and ginseng are among the many cosmeceuticals found within Korean beauty products; many Korean companies also incorporate centuries-old herbs like centella asiatica, birch sap propolis licorice root or mugwort into their formulas for additional benefits.

Even though Korean influencers once relied heavily on extensive layering and 10-product routines for K-beauty, you can still follow its principles and get back your glow with simpler regimens that follow K-beauty principles. We suggest starting off with three or four product routines with cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens safe for all skin types!