Korea is transforming the way that we think of and do beauty. What was once overlooked as novelty skincare trend, is now a celebrated and respected beauty category. Proof of the global popularity of K-beauty is the KOTRA convention, which took place in Cape Town on 27-29 October 2018, as well as South African online store Glow Theory which sells cult Korean skincare and makeup products.
A drawback for many skincare junkies is the laborous 10 step regimen that one has to follow to achieve flawless K-pop star-worthy skin. Luckily, the regimen is begining to lose popularity among a set of popular Korean songstresses and influencers who have adopted a simpler 3 step skincare diet.
Essentials of the Skin-Care Diet
Step 1: Face Wash
Of course, cleansing is the first step of any good skin-care routine. Trust. When looking for the right face wash, Hirsch advises considering something gentle without any harsh actives. Some good options include the Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser, KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, and Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser. If you wear makeup, feel free to double cleanse with an oil cleaner like the Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser first.
Step 2: Moisturizer
A slathering of moisturizer comes after cleansing. Hydration is a crucial focus of the Skin-Care Diet — and Korean skin-care routines, in general. As Chiu points out, when your skin is properly hydrated, it looks plump and healthy. Needless to say, the "chok chok" glow, complete with dewy, radiant, poreless skin that everyone vies for, would be nothing without it. Plus, "skin cells require ample amounts of water to carry out all their metabolic functions, like combatting inflammation, regenerating, and promoting cellular turnover," Sadick explains. "Inadequate hydration compromises skin elasticity and resilience, making it look dull, wrinkly, and dry."
Not sure which moisturizer to use? Sadick recommends looking for one that's rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, as well as hyaluronic acid, which can seal in moisture and protect the skin's outer layer from external damage. The Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, which just won a Best of Beauty Award fits the bill. Yoo also directed me toward Etude House's Soon Jung line, as it features products with shorter ingredient lists specifically designed for sensitive skin. Try its Barrier Intensive Cream.
Step 3: SPF
The inclusion of sun protection in the Skin-Care Diet is a no-brainer. If you need a refresher on the powers of it, here's an easy way to think about it: A layer of SPF a day keeps sunburn, fine lines, and sun spots away. And it helps reduce your chance of skin cancer, of course. The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Gel are Allure editor favorites.
Taken form Allure US. Read the original here.
