Korean Skin Care Tips
The Real Reason Koreans Have Amazing Skin — and How You Can, Too
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PS: What’s the real difference between American and Korean skin care?
CC: Koreans churn out products really quickly because they’re really focused on innovation, since there is so much competition. They are not afraid of risks and that makes Korean skin care very exciting. The packaging is always very innovative, sophisticated, and cute. And the skin care is always very affordable. Growing up in America, I’d have to go to department stores to buy these expensive products but in Korea I can find quality items for $20.
PS: What types of products do you recommend sharing with your significant other?
CC: I always say make sure you both have similar skin types. If you have dry, sensitive skin, try not to use products with alcohol. That will cause more dryness and inhibit wound healing. If you have acne, many people use products with lots of alcohol in it, but that actually doesn’t help it heal any faster. My husband uses Son & Park Beauty Water ($30) all the time. It's a multistep product, so it hydrates, exfoliates, and tones.
PS: Do you have any tips for newbies to Korean skin care?
CC: I think that's the whole reason I wrote this book. It is to make skin care more accessible and fun because if you think about skin care, it sounds dry and boring, but with this, hopefully readers will be inspired to start a routine. Skin care in Korea is fun and I’m hoping to transfer that same feeling, mood, and environment.
PS: What are the top three skin care mistakes you see women making?
CC: Something I wouldn’t recommend is when women apply their creams, some people slap it on and tug their skin repeatedly, which can lead to wrinkles, so it’s better to apply products very gently. I also know people who splash water on their face when it feels dry. But that actually draws moisture away from their skin because water molecules are so large.
Another mistake is when people keep sheets masks on all night — some sleep with it. There’s a reason the directions say leave for 20 minutes and discard. If you leave it on any longer, the cotton pads can actually soak moisture away from your skin.
PS: Speaking of face masks, why are some sheet masks more expensive than others and are they necessarily better?
CC: It depends from brand to brand, but hydrogels are slightly more expensive because they are made with 100 percent liquid, meaning with essences or ample, so all the nourishing ingredients are made into a mold. The mask will actually melt if you put it into the microwave. It makes sense that the hydrogel cost more because they're made with 100 percent soluble ingredients.
PS: Is there a hydrogel sheet mask you recommend trying?
CC: The MANEFIT Bling Bling Hydro Gel Mask ($6) is our best seller. The company actually makes sheet masks for some top luxury beauty brands out there, and this option is more affordable than some $30 ones you see from other beauty retailers.
PS: What’s the real difference between American and Korean skin care?
CC: Koreans churn out products really quickly because they’re really focused on innovation, since there is so much competition. They are not afraid of risks and that makes Korean skin care very exciting. The packaging is always very innovative, sophisticated, and cute. And the skin care is always very affordable. Growing up in America, I’d have to go to department stores to buy these expensive products but in Korea I can find quality items for $20.
PS: What types of products do you recommend sharing with your significant other?
CC: I always say make sure you both have similar skin types. If you have dry, sensitive skin, try not to use products with alcohol. That will cause more dryness and inhibit wound healing. If you have acne, many people use products with lots of alcohol in it, but that actually doesn’t help it heal any faster. My husband uses Son & Park Beauty Water ($30) all the time. It's a multistep product, so it hydrates, exfoliates, and tones.
PS: Do you have any tips for newbies to Korean skin care?
CC: I think that's the whole reason I wrote this book. It is to make skin care more accessible and fun because if you think about skin care, it sounds dry and boring, but with this, hopefully readers will be inspired to start a routine. Skin care in Korea is fun and I’m hoping to transfer that same feeling, mood, and environment.
