The South Korean beauty regimen has taken over the entire world. Every upmarket store in India has started carrying Korean beauty products to cater to this niche. South Koreans are known for having blemish-free, age-defying glossy, and flawless skin.
The South Korean beauty regimen doesn’t put a lot of emphasis on skin care products instead it focuses on the techniques of skin preservation. They believe that proper food, exercise, and a good night’s sleep, along with skin care products tackle skin problems.
Koreans believe that healthy food plays a major role in making their skin beautiful and glowing. Let’s take a look at Korean foods and their purported health benefits-
Kimchi- Kimchi, the national dish of Korea, is made by fermenting cabbage in chili paste, garlic, and lots of salt. Like most fermented foods, kimchi is full of gut-friendly bacteria that promote a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movement. It is also a rich source of selenium and antioxidants, which protects our skin from UV damage and slows down the signs of premature aging.
Seaweed soup- Korean seaweed soup is made from dried miyeok, beef brisket, garlic, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Traditionally, Korean women are fed seaweed soup after giving birth because it is a great source of fiber, omega acids, calcium, iodine, and vitamins B1 and B3. Seaweed soup is also eaten on birthdays to pay respect to your mother who worked hard to raise you. It helps regulate the metabolism, detoxifies the blood, and relieves the symptoms of constipation. The seaweed present in the soup is a source of sulfates that have a soothing effect on the complexion.
Fermented rice wine- Makkeoli or Fermented Rice Wine is an alcoholic drink that is rich in amino acids and vitamin B. It is a common ingredient in many Korean skincare products as it brightens skin, improves uneven skin tone, and even reduces the inflammation caused by acne.
Korean Skincare Tips for Glowing Glassy Skin:
Massage your skin- Massage your skin in a circular tapping motion to improve blood circulation to your face. You can massage your skin while applying a cleanser or moisturizer. Remember to be gentle with your motion.
Cleanse your skin- Use a cleanser to remove impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and dirt. It is advised to cleanse your skin twice. Once remove oil-based impurities and then remove water-based impurities.
Exfoliate with a damp washcloth- Use a damp washcloth to remove the build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, and grime. You must use a warm washcloth as it opens up the pores for the product to seep in.
Sheet Masks- Sheet masks are a very common element of Korean skincare. Usually, these masks are made with charcoal, ginseng, green tea, and other similar ingredients that restore our skin.
Apply Toner- Once all of the dirt is properly removed, apply toner to keep the pH level of your skin balanced. It also ensures that other skincare products are properly applied.
Apply essence- Essence hydrates and moisturizes the skin cells subsequently preparing it for other skincare products.
Apply Serum- After the essence has been completely absorbed by the skin, apply a serum that takes care of your specific skin issues. Serum is an amazing skincare product that tackles issues such as fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Apply Eye cream- The skin under our eyes is more sensitive than the rest of our face. Eye creams are specifically created to keep the eyes hydrated and protected all day long.
Finally, Apply Moisturizer- Carefully apply moisturizer on the rest of your face. Use a moisturizer that suits your skin specifically. For instance, if you have dry skin, then use a cream-based moisturizer but if you have oily skin, then you should opt for a water-based moisturizer.
