Korean Skincare Versus Western Skincare

11 May Korean Skincare Versus Western Skincare

Toners, essence, moisturizers, and masks sit on every girl’s dresser. Extreme skincare regimens are taken up in order to achieve a perfect flawless glowing complexion. A constant battle between western and Korean skincare regimens. Which one is better? How do they differ? In this post we will explore Korean skincare versus Western skincare.

Korean Skincare Versus Western Skincare

The battle of which skincare routine is better, Korean or Western has been going on since the rise of social media. With the amount of exposure, people can get on social media, they have been promoting their skincare regimens online. Moreover, with the numerous amounts of online threads, tutorials, and product reviews, the social media world is in a constant debate. Which skincare regimen is truly better? Or are they the same?

First let’s take a look at the western skincare regimen.

Western Skincare

Image Courtesy of 420 Intel.

Western skincare regimens are not as thorough as Korean skincare regimens. It is not very common in Western society for women to follow intense skincare routines. For those who do, the steps and products involved are fairly simple. The following steps make up the Western skincare regimen.

-Cleanse

-Toner

-Serum

-Moisturize

The first step is to cleanse the skin. Utilize a cleanser that is best suitable for your skin type. Whether you have oily skin, acne prone skin, dry or combination, find a cleanser that works best for you. The next step is to use a toner. Commonly Western skincare regimens include toners or sprays that are designer or drug store. Some of the more popular toners include: Thayers Witch Hazel, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, and the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner. 

The next step is to use a serum. Serums contain active ingredients that are beneficial for the face. Most target wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and marks. With ingredients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E infused into the serums, they do tend to run a little high on the price scale. The next step is to use a moisturizer. A lightweight moisturizer with a high SPF is most favorable. Use one that best suits your skin.

Skincare regimens in Western society is fairly upfront and simple. The one skincare regimen that is very common in Western society is water! Lots and lots of water! Water with lemon, water with mint, and water with cucumber. Water keeps your skin hydrated and flushes out toxins. This helps to prevent breakouts and to help clear up the skin. While it is not common to follow a strict skincare regimen in Western society, it is very common to drink water. The best part about water other than the fact that it gives you amazing dewy skin? It’s free! Or a dollar from a vending machine, but you get the point.

Now let’s discuss the Korean skincare regimen.

Korean Skincare

Image Courtesy of Peach and Lily.

Skincare regimens are extremely popular in Korea. Most people create a regimen that is best suited for their skin type but the base is the same. Similar to the foundation of the Western skincare regimen, the steps are as follows:

-Oil based cleanser

-Water based cleanser

-3 second rule

-Toner

-Essence

-Serum

-Moisturizer

-Sunscreen

In Korea, two cleansers are used to wash the face in the morning. Firstly, it is an oil based cleanser, containing ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Secondly, it is a water-based cleanser. Usually lightweight, and breathable this cleanser soothes the skin. After that they using a toner. This must be done within 3 seconds of washing your face. Yes, I said 3 seconds!

By using the toner in the initial 3 seconds after washing your face, moisture is best retained. Many Koreans swear by this rule. While it may sound funny, it has proven to work. The skin is known to retain more moisture when wet. After using a toner, the next step is to apply essence. Essences are similar to serums. While some Koreans use both, some use either or. The next step is to moisturize.

Moisturizers in Korea are known for having a high SPF. Koreans are very aware of the damage UV rays have on the skin. This leads to most products containing a high SPF to prevent further damage to the skin.

While the Korean skincare regimen sounds as if it will weigh the skin down, the products used are rather lightweight. They do not clog the pores or weigh down the face.

Korean Versus Western Skincare Differences

While the foundation for both skincare regimens is the same, the specifics are different. Western skincare regimens tend to use one cleanser, while Koreans use two. The cleanser used in Western skincare is usually a specialty cleanser aimed to satisfy the consumer’s skin needs. For example: acne facial washes, cleansers specially made for oily skin, etc. Whilst in Korea one cleanser is used to cleanse the skin of dirt, oils, and makeup. The second is to nourish the skin and attack the areas unique to the user. For example: blemishes, redness, puffiness, etc.

Another difference between the two skincare regimens are the ingredients. Indeed, the use of organic, raw natural ingredients is very common in Korea. Moreover, many skincare brands base their products solely using organic ingredients. This makes their products safer, more effective, and are gentle on the skin. In Western skincare the use of organic ingredients is rather new.

The third difference is the use of serums, and essences. While some skincare regimens in the West include using serums and essences, it is very uncommon. Compared to Korea where almost every skincare routine includes the use of either a serum, essence, or both; in the west most utilize only a toner.

For an in depth look at the differences between Western and Korean skincare routines, please see the video below.

Video Courtesy of Jennifer Chiu.

In Conclusion.

The battle for the title of the “best skincare regimen” cannot be rewarded either. Indeed, both routines are great! Moreover, depending on an individual’s skin type, condition, and sensitivity; a routine that best fits them should be utilized. Whether it be Korean or Western, both have plus sides and downsides. Whichever works best for you should be the one you use.

Benefits of Seoul Cosmetic Surgery

One of the best parts of Seoul Cosmetic Surgery is the amount of experience we have working with a variety of ethnicities. Consequently, as we have more exposure, we are able to pair you with a clinic that understands your skin needs providing the necessary treatments your skin may require. Whether you are Korean, American, Arabian, etc. Seoul Cosmetic Surgery has the necessary knowledge and experience in this field, ensuring to pair you with a reputable clinic. For a free consultation contact us. We look forward to working with you.