Discovering the Power of Korean Skincare: My Personal Journey
By Aastha Sharma | September 2, 2024
Introduction
The world of skincare is vast, but one trend that has taken the beauty industry by storm is Korean skincare. Known for its innovative products and multi-step routines, Korean skincare has become a global phenomenon. Two years ago while working for Coupang (the Amazon of the East) in South Korea, I decided to dive into this world, and it has completely transformed my approach to skincare. Here’s a glimpse into my personal journey with skincare and how Korean skincare products and techniques revolutionized my skin health.
The Struggle: Where It All Began
My skincare journey began in my early teens when I started experiencing breakouts and deteriorated in my late teens and college with severe hyperpigmentation. I tried countless products, from dermatologically prescribed topical creams to drugstore cleansers to highly publicized acne treatments, but nothing seemed to work. My skin would fluctuate between being too oily and too dry, and I often felt defeated and embarrassed to be in public without loads of makeup.
The Turning Point: Knowledge is Power
The turning point in my skincare journey came when I started receiving medspa procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion. My esthetician helped me to understand my skin better and what products/ingredients I needed to use. I started educating myself on the basics of skin health and sourcing medical grade products, with key ingredients suitable for my skin type, available on the retail market. This knowledge was empowering—I felt like I was finally in control of my skin health.
Why I Turned to Korean Skincare Philosophy
Call it fate, but I stumbled upon Korean skincare while working in South Korea. The one thing that stood out to me about Korean skincare was its holistic approach, starting from listening to YOUR skin and understanding its needs. Unlike the influencer-centric or quick-fix mentality that often dominates Western skincare, Korean beauty emphasizes regimentation and nourishing and protecting the skin to maintain its health over time. The idea is to treat your skin like a delicate flower, focusing on hydration, nourishment, and protection.
My Introduction to the 10-Step Routine + Advanced Medspa Treatments
The first thing I learned about Korean skincare was the famous 10-step routine. It sounded overwhelming at first, but I quickly realized that it wasn’t about using ten products every single day. Instead, it was about understanding each step and tailoring the routine to your specific needs. More to come on that in future blogs.
In addition, every two weeks I received advanced medspa treatments such as Aqua Peeling, Microneedling, LDM, LED Light Therapy and Pico Toning to remove dead skin cells, promote even skin texture, provide residual hydration and stimulate collagen production. More to come on that in future blogs.
The Results: A Skincare Transformation
After a few months of following my customized Korean skincare routine, I began to see incredible changes. My skin was more hydrated, my tone was more even, and the breakouts were fewer and far between. The gradual, consistent care really paid off, and my skin looked healthier and more radiant than ever before.
The process also taught me the value of patience. Unlike quick superficial fixes with strong chemical peels, the Korean skincare approach is all about long-term results, and that’s exactly what I achieved. My skin didn’t just look better—it felt better.
Lessons Learned
- Consistency is Key: The routine may seem lengthy, but sticking to it made all the difference. Consistent care led to consistent results.
- Hydration is Everything: Hydration is at the core of Korean skincare, and it’s something my skin desperately needed, without realizing it. Incorporating hydrating products transformed my skin from within.
- Personalization is Important: While the 10-step routine is a guideline, tailoring it to my specific skin needs was crucial. I learned to analyze my skin, listen to it and adjust the routine and procedures accordingly.
- Skincare as Self-Care: Korean skincare taught me to view my routine as a form of self-care rather than a chore. Taking those few extra minutes each day or regularly receiving advanced medspa treatments became something I looked forward to.
- Education is Power: The more you know about skin health, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions about your routine, products and techniques to apply.
Conclusion
My journey into Korean skincare has been nothing short of transformative. It’s not just about the products, but the philosophy of treating your skin with care and attention. If you’re curious about Korean skincare, I encourage you to reach out. It might seem daunting at first, but the results are well worth it. Remember, skincare is a journey, not a destination, and the best part is discovering what works best for you.