Should I Change My K-Beauty Routine?

If you're in love with your K-beauty routine and skincare products, you might be wondering if you should try new regimens as soon as you hear about them. Korean skincare products are your best option for innovative ingredients, high-tech technology, and sophisticated formulas.

There is a constant introduction of new skincare routines and products that it's challenging not to try them all. To help you understand, we consulted with dermatologists to determine if we should change our 10-step K-beauty routine and how often.

According to dermatologists, it takes approximately eight weeks for you to see optimal results after applying a skincare product. This is based on the belief that you're using the product every day. 

Even those Korean beauty treatments that work faster, like under eye creams such as MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream, formulated to reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles, should be applied constantly for an extended period to prevent results fading.

Acne products work better the longer you utilize them as the skin needs to get used to the active ingredients. Switching products every few weeks can prevent you from seeing positive results. So, you must be patient and accept these facts.

1. New Skin Goal

Since K-beauty is constantly innovating, it's normal for us to have a new skin goal. For instance, you might want honey skin or glass skin, so you'll need to add a new serum or ampoule like COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule to achieve this goal.

If you want to add a new skincare product to your routine, introduce it one at a time. Besides, give each product at least ten days before trying a new one. If you experience any harmful side effects, stop using it immediately.

Lastly, some ingredients like retinoids or AHAs, such as COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, can slightly irritate the skin. Still, this minor discomfort should disappear in a few days; if not, consult with your dermatologist.

2. Different Skin Types

Your skin type can change as it's a living organ.

For instance, you might use a lightweight moisturiser or a clay mask such as INNISFREE Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X because you have oily skin. Then your skin becomes dry, and your beloved products are not enough. It's time for you to change things to stop damaging your skin.

We have less collagen, elastin, and sebum as we get older. That's why dermatologists recommend changing skincare products to stop ageing while keeping the skin healthy. If you don't modify your beauty regimen, you can suffer from dry skin, dark spots, and uneven skin tone for the rest of your life.

3. You're Pregnant

If you're pregnant, it's wise to discuss the best skin care products for your current condition with your dermatologist. Usually, doctors suggest avoiding beauty products with retinol and salicylic acid.

During pregnancy, it's common for women to experience hormonal changes that can cause discoloration and blemishes. Your dermatologist can recommend the most suitable Korean beauty products to improve these issues.

4. Season Changes

The environment is a primary factor in your skincare routine. You'll need to adjust your beauty products during seasonal shifts or if you move to a new location with different weather.

For instance, during summer, it's vital to add a potent sunblock such as ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel to shield the skin from harmful UV rays.

During winter, gentle cleansers like SULWHASOO Gentle Cleansing Foam are recommended to avoid stripping natural oils from the skin.

Remember, your skin needs a heavier moisturiser like THE HISTORY OF WHOO Bichup Ja Yoon Cream during winter and a lightweight formula during summer.

5. More Physical Activity

You'll need to adjust to a new skincare routine if you engage in more physical activity. Sweating is one of the primary causes of excess sebum, breakouts, and blemishes. So if you're going to sweat a lot or spend more time outdoors, you'll need to change your beauty routine.

Skincare products like JUMISO Pore-Rest AHA, BHA, PHA Blackhead Wipe are crucial to keeping the skin clean throughout the day.

Remember, even though it takes time for you to notice visible results if you don't see any improvement after eight weeks of constantly following a skincare routine, maybe it's time to shake things up.