Difference between Korean and Western skin care

The biggest difference between Western and Korean skin care lies in the basic approach and goal of care: Western skin care often focuses on correcting existing skin problems, while Korean skin care aims to prevent them. When we talk about Western beauty care, we mainly mean trends and routines in North America and Europe, while Korean beauty refers specifically to South Korea.

In Korean skin care, gentler methods are usually used, where the focus is on caring for the skin gently, moisturizing effectively and using sun protection daily. This is deeply rooted in Korean culture, where healthy and youthful skin is considered a sign of both good health and self-confidence. Koreans also start skin care routines at a much younger age than many Westerners, and it's only natural to include products like sunscreen and serums in the daily routine. From an early age, Koreans learn a holistic approach to skin care. Instead of thinking "now I have a wrinkle, what do I do?" they start with so-called 'well-aging' care long before the first signs of aging appear, often at the age of 20-25. Korean skin care is a long-term investment, where the results are not expected to be immediate, but based on continuous care.

Skin care is also not considered a luxury in South Korea, but is as obvious as brushing your teeth. This attitude also contributes to the favorable price of Korean skin care products. Because demand is so high, companies can invest in research and product development, while still being able to offer quality products at affordable prices. Around 80% of global spending on cosmetics comes from the Asian market, which shows how strong the interest in beauty products is in the region.

By understanding these differences and adapting your skin care routine, you can take advantage of Korean skin care philosophy and give your skin the long-term care it needs.

Ingredients

Another prominent difference between Western and Korean skin care is the choice of ingredients. Western skin care products often rely on synthetically produced and chemical ingredients, while Korean products tend to contain more natural substances. However, this does not mean that synthetic ingredients are worse, or that natural ones are always better. Instead, it reflects the Korean philosophy of skin care, where naturalness, gentleness and preventive treatment are the focus. In Korean skin care, it is seen as beneficial to care for the skin before problems arise, rather than treating existing problems later. This attitude is deeply rooted in Korean culture, where skin care routines begin at a much younger age than is common in the Western world.

Korean products also contain ingredients that are relatively uncommon in Western cosmetics. Some of the best known are snail secretion (mucin), centella asiatica (lettuce), ginseng and heartleaf. These ingredients have become popular thanks to their beneficial properties for the skin and their ability to care without irritating.

Another aspect where differences arise is the concentration of active ingredients. While Western products may contain, for example, glycolic acid in concentrations of 15-20%, it is not unusual for the same ingredient to appear in significantly lower concentrations, such as 4%, in Korean skin care. The Korean care philosophy is about protecting and strengthening the skin's natural barrier, which means avoiding too high concentrations of active substances that can damage the skin's protective layer. Despite lower concentrations, Korean products can still achieve the desired results through a more long-term and gentle treatment.

Protecting the skin's barrier is essential to avoid many skin problems. For example, in the treatment of acne, overly aggressive products can lead to a weakening of the skin's protective function, which can make the skin more susceptible to infections and worsen the problems. Korean skincare therefore advocates a gentler treatment that promotes long-term skin health, rather than focusing on quick but potentially harmful results.

So much talked about skin care routines

Another significant difference between Western and Korean skin care is the versatility of the routines. In the Western world, simplicity is often advocated, where products are often multifunctional and treat several skin problems at the same time. Although the so-called "10-step skin care routine" in Korea is something of a myth, it does illustrate the dedication Koreans have to their skin care. A Korean skin care routine is adapted to the skin's current needs, where the focus can shift depending on the condition of the skin – sometimes extra moisture may be necessary, while at other times it may be about brightening the skin. This personalized and flexible approach requires more planning and the use of different products, but it reflects the Koreans' commitment to deeply care for their skin.

In addition, the products are often applied using techniques such as lymphatic massage, which makes the routine a form of self-care in addition to a regular skin care routine. Instead of quickly massaging the products in, careful methods are used to promote skin health and radiance. Several Korean skin care practices have also become increasingly popular in the Western world, such as facial massage and the use of Gua Sha stones. In addition, several Korean makeup trends have made their way into Western beauty routines, with cushion foundations being a prominent example.

Simple Korean Skin Care Routine in 3 Steps:

Double Cleanse: Start by removing makeup and impurities with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser to deeply cleanse the skin.

Moisturization: Apply toner (toner) to balance the skin's pH, followed by a serum that targets your specific skin concerns, and finish with a moisturizer to give the skin the moisture it needs.

Sun protection: Protect your skin every day by using sunscreen, even when it's cloudy. This is crucial for preventing early signs of aging and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.

Do you want to learn more? Discover the entire Korean skincare routine in ten steps!

How is Korean beauty better than Western beauty?

Korean beauty is considered by many to be better than Western beauty for several reasons, although this is of course subjective. One of the main reasons is that Korean skin care takes a more gentle and preventative approach, which has helped many overcome long-term skin problems. The popularity of K-beauty is not just a coincidence, but a result of Korea's pioneering research and innovative skin care technology. Korean cosmetic products are often 5-7 years ahead of Western ones in development, especially when it comes to advanced ingredients and formulations.

Another advantage of Korean beauty is the great importance placed on ease of use. No matter how effective a product is, if it is inconvenient or difficult to use, it is easily forgotten on the shelf. Korean skincare focuses on offering products that are both effective and comfortable to apply, making it easier to stick to a regular routine.

When it comes to price, Korean cosmetics are often more affordable than Western alternatives, while maintaining a high standard of quality. The high demand for skin care products in South Korea enables the companies to produce high quality products at reasonable prices. In contrast, Western cosmetic products, especially the higher quality ones, tend to be significantly more expensive.

The beginning of a Korean skincare routine

Now you know the difference between Western and Korean skincare ✨ You can read more about the Korean skincare routine here.

If you need help starting a Korean skincare routine, you can also take a look at our best sellers, ask our cosmetologist, or visit one of our stores!