Beauty Secrets from South Korean Singer Joy

Joy, the beloved South Korean singer, is known for her stunning visuals and youthful complexion. 

Fans worldwide admire her "glass skin," clear, poreless, and dewy skin. But what's the secret behind her radiant look? While genetics might play a part, Joy's dedication to a healthy lifestyle is the key. Let's explore the three pillars of her beauty routine: skincare, nutrition, and physical activity.

The power of K-beauty routine

Joy's skincare routine is a masterclass in hydration. Here's a breakdown of the K-beauty steps involved:

1. Cleanse: The Gentle Start

Use an oil-based cleanser for removing makeup and sunscreen, especially for dry or normal skin. Look for cleansing oils with grapeseed or jojoba oil, like INNISFREE Green Tea Hydrating Amino Acid Cleansing Oil.

Cream cleansers are suitable for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like ceramides or colloidal oatmeal. An excellent option is the DEAR KLAIRS Rich Moist Foam.

Apply the cleanser to dry skin using your fingertips. Massage gently in circular motions for about 30 seconds, focusing on areas with makeup or sunscreen. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate the skin.

2. Tone It Up: Balancing for Hydration

Toners are used to restore the skin's pH after cleansing. Modern toners are gentler and focus on other benefits.

Hydrating toners, like BENTON Aloe BHA Skin Toner, contain humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to attract and retain moisture. Look for ingredients like rosewater or aloe vera for soothing properties.

Exfoliating toners contain mild exfoliating acids like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) that remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Use them 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin's sensitivity.

Soak a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe it across your cleansed face, avoiding the eye area.

3. Essence: The Powerhouse of Hydration

Joy includes in her K-beauty routine an essence. Essences are lightweight, watery solutions packed with concentrated beneficial ingredients. They penetrate deeper than toners, delivering a boost of hydration and nourishment.

Prefer essences with hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, niacinamide for brightening and pore-minimising, and fermented extracts to improve skin texture and barrier function.

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence has eight types of hyaluronic acid to moisture while creating a barrier against further dehydration.

Pour a small amount of essence into your palm and pat it gently onto your face until absorbed. Some essences are thicker and may benefit from being gently pressed into the skin.

4. Serums: Targeted Treatment

Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns. They contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturisers.

Vitamin C serums, such as COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum, for brightening and antioxidant protection, retinol serums for anti-ageing and collagen production, and hyaluronic acid serums for intense hydration.

If using multiple serums, apply them from thinnest consistency to thickest. For example, apply a Vitamin C serum first, followed by a retinol serum.

5. Moisturise

Moisturisers are essential for sealing all the hydration from previous steps and preventing moisture loss. Lightweight and water-based moisturisers, such as COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion With Birch Sap, are ideal for oily or combination skin.

Use a thicker hydrating cream, like ROVECTIN Clean Lotus Water Cream, perfect for dry or normal skin.

Apply a dime-sized moisturiser to your face and neck, gently massaging it until absorbed.

Beyond skincare

Joy understands that beauty goes beyond just topical treatments. 

• A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin.

• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps the skin hydrated and flushes out toxins.

• Excessive sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and breakouts. Moderation is key.

Staying active

Exercise plays a vital role in Joy's beauty routine. Here's how physical activity contributes to her radiant look: 

• Regular exercise increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells and promoting a healthy glow.

• Exercise is a natural stress reliever, and stress can wreak havoc on the skin.

• Physical activity encourages cell turnover, leading to a brighter and more youthful appearance.

You can cultivate a radiant glow and feel confident in your skin by incorporating healthy habits like those followed by Joy.