KLove India

Find Out Why Korean Skincare Is Good For Indian Skin
The most often asked question is whether Korean skincare products suit Indian skin. Yes, they do and here is why……

Skin is skin across all humans, its basic structure and functions being identical amongst all humans.. It is the largest organ in any human body and provides a super-efficient barrier that protects our internal organs as also giving us a certain look by its colour, texture and density. What is it then that makes skins look different across the globe? Ethnicity, race, climatic conditions and finally our genes, all of which are not under our control. K-Love India takes you through how Korean skincare can benefit Indian skin.

So, how is Indian skin different from Korean skin?

Korean skin is much lighter (fair) with yellow undertones in some, and that is a genetic and ethnic benefit. The Korean peninsula lies in the temperate zone and hence its people are not exposed to very harsh sun rays like the Indians. The texture is also smooth and even due to the fact that Koreans take skincare seriously and begin their skincare as early as babyhood.

Indian skin can vary widely with skin tones ranging from very light to deep brown due to differences of region and race. Indian skin textures also vary depending on climate, genetics and lifestyle. Skincare is still not a priority with majority of the population. Sunscreen is still viewed with suspicion amongst multitudes of Indians, whereas that is the first skincare anyone must take up.

What Koreans do differently?

Indian skin and Korean skin, both range between Type III and VI on the Fitzpatrick scale which means they are more prone to tanning and less likely to get sunburnt. But they are also prone to pigmentation. Hence, sun protection is crucial to maintaining skin health in both skin types.

Beauty care, particularly skin health scores very high on a Korean’s priority list. It is said that Koreans teach their babies skincare as early as they train them on brushing their teeth!! Hence, a Korean has perfected the art of skincare over decades by the time they are in their twenties, which means consistency pays big time.

• They religiously adopt an AM and PM routine.
• They prioritize skincare over makeup, using makeup only to enhance beauty and never resort to a cakey made up look.
• Koreans are innovative and use a lot of natural ingredients like green tea, licorice, propolis, snail mucin etc to nourish their skin.
• To achieve the skin of their dreams, Koreans use multiple products, ranging up to 10 in number and they apportion them in their day and night routines, thereby making them personalized.
• The philosophy of Korean skincare is to strengthen the skin barrier, the epidermis, which protects skin from external aggressors and prevents TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
• All Korean skincare products are formulated to suit sensitive skin, which makes them safe on all other skin types.
• Korean regimen has been designed to work long term and does not focus on overnight quick fixes.
• All the above help them get that lit-from-within glow

What is Korean 10-step skincare routine?

Korean skincare is all about customisation – about paying attention to what ingredients suit one’s skin; about layering the right products in the right order; about understanding the needs of your skin. The 10-step routine is very often misunderstood as being mandatory, and as being used every day, twice a day. Far from it. The 10 steps are completely optional, you can pick and choose those that your skin needs, or divide them into AM/PM routine, or use them on rotation, or use some daily and some weekly. Now, isn’t that cool?

1. Makeup Remover & Oil Cleanser – to remove makeup and stubborn dirt and grime
2. Water based cleanser (Foam cleanser) – to remove any remnant makeup or dirt
3. Exfoliator – remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, refresh and brighten skin
4. Toner – to remove residual oils, dirt, prep your skin and restore pH
5. Essence – to improve hydration and increase cell turnover
6. Ampoules, Boosters & Serum – to target specific skin concerns, to smooth fine lines, to fade sunspots & acne scars, to strengthen skin barrier
7. Sheet mask – to hydrate, refresh and plump up skin
8. Under eye cream – to nourish the delicate under-eye skin, minimize wrinkles & dark circles, puffy eyes
9. Moisturizer – to restore hydration and reduce signs of aging
10. Sunscreen – to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, pigmentation and skin aging

So, there it goes and also adds up to an efficient and effective skincare.

Can Indians adapt to Korean skincare in their daily life?

Yes, most certainly and here are a few tips on how to…..

Deep cleansing or double cleansing is a daily activity and is a must, especially for those who wear makeup, and those who are out all day.

Exfoliator can be used once, or twice a week, depending on your skin type and condition.

Toner can also be used selectively as per need.

Essences, serums and ampoules are again optional, but most skincare savvy people use them on a daily basis, for they recognise their benefits very well.

Sheet masks can be used periodically, or as quick fixes just before an event.

Under eye creams can be reserved for bedtime, as they are quite rich and nourishing.

Moisturizer is a daily must, both AM & PM.

Sunscreen is also a daily must, whether indoor or outdoor, on sunny days as well as cloudy ones.

Most Korean beauty products are gentle and safe as their main ingredients are natural and are formulated by harnessing superior chemistry and technology. Moreover, there is an ingredient commonality between Korean and Indian skincare products. Some of them are turmeric, aloe vera, propolis, honey, licorice, green tea, rice extract, centalla asiatica and many many others.

They are created to pamper and nurture skin long term, protect and nourish it.. Good skin is not about using more products, it is about using them in the right order. K-Love India can help you make the right choices.