Difference between Korean and Western skin care

Simply put, the main difference between Western and Korean beauty is the idea of ​​the starting point and purpose of skin care: Western skin care focuses mainly on correcting skin problems, Korean on preventing them. Just to clarify, Western cosmetics mainly refers to beauty trends and routines in North America and Europe, while Korean beauty refers to South Korea.

Korean skin care mainly does not use aggressive treatment methods, but focuses on gentle care of the skin, effective moisturizing and regular use of sunscreen every day. All of this is rooted in Korean culture, which places a high value on healthy and youthful skin, which is also associated with overall health and self-confidence. Since Koreans mainly start skin care at a much younger age than Westerners, it is very natural for them to use, for example, sunscreen or serum daily. From childhood they are taught a very holistic approach to skin care and instead of thinking "now I have a wrinkle, what do I do?", Koreans start so-called well-age skin care long before the first wrinkles appear, mainly at 20-25 years of age. Results are not expected to appear immediately, but skin care is a long-term process. For Koreans, skin care is not a luxury either, but as obvious as brushing your teeth.

This also explains the good price level of the products. Since Korean skin care is so in demand in South Korea, cosmetic companies have the opportunity and demand to not only invest in good product development and research, but also produce products that are in demand for their quality and price. Approximately 80% of the world's funds spent on cosmetics come from the Asian market alone.

Ingredients

Another of the main differences between the two is the use of ingredients. While Western cosmetics largely rely on synthetic and chemically created ingredients, Korean products often contain many natural ingredients. This does not mean that synthetic or chemically produced ingredients are necessarily worse or natural better, but rather speaks to the Korean approach to skin care. Naturalness, gentleness and preventive effect are more effective when skin care is part of a normal routine, and you do not switch to maintaining the condition of the skin and taking care of it later, when problems have already arisen. This mentality naturally stems from Korean culture, where skin care is mainly started much earlier than in the West.

Korean beauty also contains ingredients that are not (at least not yet) common in Western products. Perhaps the best known of these are snail mucin, centella, ginseng and heartleaf.

The concentrations of the ingredients are also different, as Western products can contain glycolic acid in concentrations of 15-20%, it is not at all unusual for the concentration in Korean products to be, for example, 4%. Korean skin care focuses a lot on taking care of the skin's protective layer (skin barrier), so it is not burdened with too high concentrations of active ingredients. Even with smaller concentrations, the desired results are achieved, when the starting point for skin care is long-term, and not quick results. Damage to the skin's protective layer also leads to many skin problems, so for example when treating acne, it can happen that when you try to treat the problem too aggressively, the problem actually becomes worse when the skin's own protective layer is damaged and becomes more susceptible to infections.

The much talked about skin care routine

Another difference between Western and Korean skin care is the versatility of the routine. Western skin care routines mainly favor simplicity and products that treat several skin problems at the same time. Solid Korean A 10-step skin care routine is a myth in itself, but it does reflect the Koreans' devotion to skin care. The skin is treated with its current condition in mind, sometimes with a focus on adding additional moisture to the skin, other times, for example, additional lightening, depending on what the skin needs at that moment. Of course, this approach requires more planning and, depending on the condition of the skin, different products as well, but it reflects the Koreans' commitment to taking care of their skin.

Products are also applied to the skin using e.g. lymphatic massage methods, which makes the routine a much more comprehensive self-care entity than just adding skin care products quickly and massaging them into the face. Many characteristic ways of the Korean skin care routine have gradually made their way into Western countries, such as facial massage or the use of Gua Sha. Many Korean makeup trends have also found their way into Western cosmetics, such as cushion foundations.

Simple Korean Skin Care Routine in 3 Steps:

Double cleansing: Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser and cleanse the skin with a water-based cleanser.

Moisturization: Use toner, serum and moisturizer.

Sunscreen: Remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Want to learn more? Discover the entire Korean skincare routine in ten steps!

How is Korean beauty better than Western cosmetics?

This is of course a matter of opinion and there is no right answer. But many who have struggled with various skin problems for a long time are helped by the gentle approach of Korean cosmetics, and the popularity of k-beauty is not just a fluke. Korean cosmetics combine cutting-edge and innovative skin care technology and research. Korean cosmetics are often 5-7 years ahead of Western ones and, in addition, greater importance is usually placed on the user-friendliness of the products. If the product is uncomfortable or difficult to use, its effectiveness does not matter so much, but it is easily left on the shelves of the closet.

Korean cosmetics, as mentioned above, are often much more affordable in terms of price, but still excellent in quality, which is explained by its huge market and demand in the country of origin. Western cosmetics, especially higher quality and more effective ones, are often significantly more expensive.

The beginning of a Korean skincare routine
Now you know the difference between Western and Korean skin care ✨You can read more about the Korean skin care routine in our article.

If you need help starting a Korean skin care routine, you can also take a look at our bestsellers, ask our beautician for tips, or visit one of our stores!