True beauty stems from within, and no one knows this better than the South Koreans. From stellar skincare techniques and unique ingredients to naturally beautiful makeup products, they have something for everyone. We round up the latest Korean skincare trends so you can try them out for yourself.
Skincare-Makeup Hybrids
Who wouldn’t want to cash in on makeup products that double up as nourishing skincare? Fortunately, K-beauty brands are at the forefront when it comes to creating skincare-makeup hybrids. These include powerful active ingredients that brighten, repair, and nourish the skin. Beauty influencer Tanya Singh (@itistanyasingh) names these ingredients as niacinamide, ceramides, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide for added sun protection.
“Crafting an ideal skincare regimen is a time-consuming endeavour, typically involving various steps and a plethora of products. Incorporating skincare-infused makeup into your daily makeup routine streamlines the process by merging products together without compromising your beauty standards,” explains Singh.
She does, however, highlight that hybrid products may not offer as concentrated or potent skincare benefits as traditional standalone skincare products which address specific issues. Yet, these hybrids appeal to people short of time seeking efficient solutions. Their advanced formulations attract consumers looking for multifunctional beauty solutions that deliver results.
Using Snail Mucin or Mucous
Serums, essences, creams, and gels that contain snail mucin or a mucous-like substance that is secreted by snails, are the skincare items of the moment. Clinical cosmetologist Dr. Bhagyashree Gotmare highlights the numerous benefits of snail mucin. It is hydrating, soothing to sensitive skin, and reparative for damaged skin. “It contains beneficial components like hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, and antioxidants. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin,” she adds.
Though it may not sound very appetising, snail mucin is known to work well with most skin types and on most skin concerns. In rare cases, allergic reactions like redness, itching, skin irritation, and acne may occur. Hence, doctors recommend a patch test before application.
Flooding the Skin for Extra Moisture
This trend refers to the layering of multiple hydrating skincare products to deeply moisturize or ‘flood’ the skin. As outlined by dermatologist Dr. Prakhar Narayan Dubey, one typically starts with a gentle hydrating cleanser or face wash, then applies a hydrating serum, and finally seals in the moisture with a cream. “The primary benefit of this trend is its ability to provide comprehensive hydration, which is particularly beneficial for dull and dry skin. By layering hydrating products, the skin remains optimally moisturized throughout the day promoting a healthy and radiant complexion,” he explains.
While effective for many, skin flooding isn’t suitable for all skin types. Individuals with acne-prone or oily skin may find that layering multiple moisturizing products can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Individual skin concerns must therefore be taken into account before attempting this trend without the guidance of a professional. However, the trend seems here to stay with increased awareness of the importance of moisturization in one’s skincare routine. “Additionally, the desire for a youthful and glowing complexion has led many to explore multi-step skincare trends like skin flooding,” says Dr. Dubey.
Skin Slugging with a Thick Layer of Protection
Slugging refers to a moisturizing technique where a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a heavy cream is applied as the last step in the nighttime skincare routine to prevent moisture loss overnight. According to beauty content creator Ridhi Baluja (@ridz.2302), this trend leads to well-moisturized, soft skin as well as a radiant complexion. Slugging is also believed to help other skincare products to penetrate the skin more easily. The trend is certainly a popular one considering the large number of glowing ‘before and after slugging’ shots shared on social media.
Before you try it for yourself, however, be mindful of the drawbacks. Baluja shares, “Applying occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly directly on the skin may clog pores and cause breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin. Therefore, while slugging can offer benefits, it’s important to consider individual skin needs and preferences before incorporating it into a routine.”
Using Double SPF for Extra Protection
The latest trend in Korean skincare is layering two different sun protection products for enhanced UV protection. First, a sunscreen lotion or cream is used as a base layer, and it’s followed by a sunscreen-infused makeup product for additional coverage. “The aim is to boost the efficacy of sun protection and ensure comprehensive coverage against harmful UV rays,” explains Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, director and chief dermatologist at Alive Wellness Clinics. “By layering two products with SPF, individuals can mitigate the risk of sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. This approach is particularly advantageous for those with prolonged sun exposure or individuals residing in regions with intense sunlight.”
She cautions, however, that layering multiple SPF products could leave a heavy or greasy feel on the skin, especially if the formulations are not well-suited for layering with each other. Further, certain ingredients in sunscreen products may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com