True beauty comes from within, and no one knows this better than Koreans. From superior skincare techniques and unique ingredients to naturally beautiful makeup products, Korea has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the latest Korean skincare trends for you to try for yourself.
A skincare and makeup hybrid
Who wouldn’t want to cash in on a makeup product that doubles as nourishing skincare? Luckily, Korean beauty brands have been at the forefront of developing skincare-makeup hybrids. These contain powerful active ingredients that brighten, repair, and nourish the skin. Beauty influencer Tanya Singh (@itistanyasingh) lists these ingredients as niacinamide, ceramides, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide for extra sun protection.
“Creating the ideal skincare regimen is usually a time-consuming task that requires multiple steps and numerous products. Incorporating makeup with skincare benefits into your daily makeup routine allows you to combine products and streamline the process without compromising on your beauty standards,” explains Singh.
However, she emphasizes that hybrid products may not provide as intensive or powerful skin care benefits as traditional standalone skin care products that address specific issues. Still, these hybrid products are appealing to people with less time looking for an efficient solution. Their advanced formulations appeal to consumers looking for multi-tasking beauty solutions that deliver results.
Use of snail mucus or slime
Serums, essences, creams and gels containing snail mucus – the slime-like substance secreted by snails – are the skincare hot item of the moment. Clinical aesthetician Dr Bhagyashree Gottmare highlights snail mucus’ numerous benefits. It’s moisturising, soothes sensitive skin and repairs damaged skin. “It contains beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins and antioxidants. Its light texture makes it suitable for a range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin,” she adds.
Although it may not seem very appealing, snail mucus is known to be effective for most skin types and skin concerns. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as redness, itching, skin irritation, and acne may occur. That’s why doctors recommend doing a patch test before applying it.
Provides plenty of moisture to the skin
This trend refers to layering multiple hydrating skincare products to deeply hydrate skin, or “deep hydrate.” As dermatologist Dr Prakar Narayan Dubey outlines, this typically involves starting with a gentle hydrating cleanser or cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum, and finally a cream to seal in moisture. “The key benefit of this trend is that it provides total hydration, which is particularly effective for dull, dry skin. By layering hydrating products, skin remains optimally hydrated throughout the day, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion,” he explains.
While skin flooding works for many, it’s not suitable for all skin types. Those with acne-prone or oily skin may find that layering on moisturizing products clogs pores and leads to breakouts, so you should consider your personal skin concerns before trying this trend without professional guidance. However, with growing awareness of the importance of moisturization in skincare routines, this trend is likely to stay. “Additionally, the desire for youthful, radiant skin is driving more people to explore multi-step skincare trends like skin flooding,” says Dr. Dubey.
Slap the skin with a thick protective layer
Slugging is a moisturizing technique in which a thick layer of petroleum jelly or thick cream is applied as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine to prevent moisture loss overnight. According to beauty content creator Ridhi Baluja (@ridz.2302), the trend results in hydrated, soft skin and a glowing complexion. Slugging is also thought to help other skincare products penetrate the skin better. Given the number of “before and after slugging” photos being shared on social media, the trend is definitely popular.
But before you try it for yourself, be aware of the drawbacks: “Applying occlusive ingredients like Vaseline directly to the skin can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin,” says Baluja. So, while slugging has its benefits, it’s important to consider your personal skin’s needs and preferences before incorporating it into your routine.”
Use double SPF for extra protection
The latest trend in Korean skincare is to layer two different sunscreen products for extra UV protection. First, use a sunscreen lotion or cream as a base layer, then use a makeup product with sunscreen to add extra coverage. “The aim is to boost the efficacy of the sunscreen and provide complete protection from harmful UV rays,” explains Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, director and lead dermatologist at Alive Wellness Clinic. “Layering two products containing SPF can help reduce sun damage, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer. This method is especially advantageous for people who spend long periods of time in the sun or live in areas with strong sunlight.”
But layering multiple SPF products can leave your skin feeling heavy and oily, especially if the formula isn’t suitable for layering, she warns. Plus, certain ingredients in sunscreen products can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Noor Anand Chawla writes lifestyle articles for various publications and his blog www.nooranandchawla.com.
