5 Facts Australians Should Know About K-Beauty

As Australians, we probably don't know much about South Korea apart from K-drama series, K-pop idols, and K-beauty products. 

Korean skincare products are one of the country's primary exports due to their high quality and technology. Sheet masks, BB creams, essences, pimple patches, serums, etc., are some innovations this culture has brought us. 

1. 10-Step K-Beauty Routine

In South Korea, taking care of the skin is a topic quickly learned as parents teach their kids about sunscreen, moisturisers, and cleansers. As they grow older, their beauty regimen is usually up to 10 steps as they understand the importance of prevention. 

On the contrary, western cultures learn about skin care in their teens as they battle acne. Once acne has cleared up, they start looking and using anti-ageing products. Luckily, thanks to K-beauty influence, people are educating themselves about taking care of their skin earlier. 

2. Natural Ingredients

Korean brands such as Aromatica, COSRX, Shiseido, and Skinfood are known for launching beauty products formulated with nourishing, effective, and natural ingredients. 

K-beauty products are the perfect combination of strength and lightweight formulas. These skincare products are designed to be free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, alcohol, fragrances, artificial colours, and more. 

So which ingredients are commonly found in Korean beauty products?

• Antioxidants and vitamins are vital as they shield the skin from free radicals. For instance, vitamin E prevents and restores UV damage. Vitamin A is excellent for fighting acne and stopping premature ageing signs. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and improves hyperpigmentation. 

DEAR KLAIRS Fundamental Ampule Mist is enriched with potent antioxidants to leave the skin looking fresh and radiant. It's free of harmful ingredients such as artificial fragrances, colours, and parabens, so it's ideal for people with sensitive skin. 

• Green tea extract provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's one of the most trendy ingredients in K-beauty products. This ingredient stops bacteria growth stopping blemishes and pimples. Plus, it reduces redness, swelling, and irritation. 

INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Cream is enriched with double-squeezed green tea from Jeju island to provide the skin with moisture and nourishment. The skin quickly absorbs this cream, and it's ideal for people with flaky, dry skin. 

• Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance considered by many as the holy grail for younger-looking skin. It retains water in the tissue to keep the skin hydrated and flawless. 

MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100 is a top-selling K-beauty formula that strengthens the skin barrier. The formula contains 50% hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and raspberry extract to stop sun damage and dehydration. 

• Snail mucin is one of Korea's innovations to provide hydration and rejuvenation to the skin. It restores dry skin while reducing dark spots and healing acne. 

SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum is a must-have for any skincare routine. It promotes a youthful look. This serum is suitable for sensitive skin as it's free of 20 harmful ingredients.

3. Acne Patches

Korean beauty products are manufactured to protect the skin. That's why acne patches are so standard in this country. Patches are terrific for healing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads as they remove excess pus and sebum. 

PYUNKANG YUL Acne Spot Patch Super Thin is an excellent option if you suffer from blemishes. This Korean high-tech product soothes and shields the skin while drying acne. You can use these thin patches under makeup or at night, as they're undetectable. 

4. Men, Too, Take Care Of Their Skin

Korean men follow a daily skincare routine as they understand the importance of healthy, younger skin. K-beauty has become so trendy thanks to K-pop idols such as V (BTS), Sehun (EXO), and Taemin (SHINee, SuperM). They are constantly showing their flawless complexions.

Suppose you don't follow an everyday skincare routine. In that case, we recommend you start by applying sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays. 

MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk is an excellent option for men. It provides SPF50+ PA+++ and works against sweat, and controls excess sebum. This lightweight formula doesn't leave a white cast or oily residue. 

5. Never Rub Your Skin

Gently tapping the skin to apply skincare products is something we learn from Koreans. Never rub your skin, as this harms it. Boost blood circulation by massaging the skin. Water-based skin products such as LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Essence penetrate better when you tap them into the skin. 

LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Essence is infused with nourishing ingredients to hydrate your skin profoundly. It strengthens the skin barrier and stops ageing signs.