5 Korean Beauty Secrets

The Korean skincare industry has garnered an impressive reputation worldwide for its innovative and unique beauty products. Korean women are always in pursuit of skin perfection, chasing a flawless, clear and radiant complexion via the latest, ground-breaking products. They are so serious about their skin that they follow a rigorous 10-step skincare regime religiously. In a fast-paced and competitive industry, Korean skincare is light years ahead of the game and here are five skincare secrets to prove it.

Portrait of beautiful Asian woman with her hair pulled back and her hands near her face.

Thinkstock

1 / 10

Blepharoplasty or Double Eyelid Surgery

This is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the world, particularly in Asia where many people desire an eye crease and also want their eyes to appear bigger. It is estimated over a million people worldwide have had the surgery and it’s not losing steam any time soon.

Aromatica

2 / 10

Cleansing Oil

Aromatica Coconut Cleansing Oil, US $45.

Available at Peach and Lily.

Beautiful Asian woman wearing colourful shirt and bright pink lipstick.

Pexels/Thorn Yang

3 / 10

Essence

Essences are a vital part of Korean skincare. This lightweight, water-based product typically comes in a tall, beautiful glass bottle and is meant to be pressed into the skin from the chin up. An essence isn’t as concentrated as a serum but is still full of nutrient-rich ingredients. The role of this mystery product is to prep the skin for serum application by bringing water deep into the skin and balancing its pH. This really is its very own thing and one that lies at the heart of Korean skincare.

Tall glass bottle with light yellow liquid.

May Coop

4 / 10

Essence

May Coop Raw Sauce Acer Maple Water, $54.

Available at Sephora.

Smiling young Asian woman wearing a hat in the sunshine in front of green trees.

Pexels

5 / 10

Sun Protection Cream

Koreans, unlike us sun-obsessed North Americans, avoid the sun like the plague, protecting and cherishing their translucent, fair skin. Sun protection is a huge deal in Korea, so it’s safe to say that when it comes to sunscreen products, the Koreans know a thing or two. In addition to SPF ratings, the Koreans also have a PA+ rating that indicates the level of UVA protection -- UVA is what causes premature aging and skin cancer. The more plus signs after the letters PA, the more UVA coverage you’re getting.

Kicho

6 / 10

Sun Protection Cream

Kicho Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+/PA+++, US $36.

Available at Amazon.

Pretty Asian woman wearing a white tee shirt and smiling.

Pexels

7 / 10

Sleeping Mask

Korean women swear by washing off makeup as soon as they get home and prepping the skin with essence and serum until bedtime rolls around. Then, just before hitting the sack, they apply a sleeping mask. These specially formulated masks often contain fruit and flower extracts and sometimes even unusual ingredients like snail mucus (yes, you read that right!). Ever popular, these unique masks allow for deep moisturisation, tightening, brightening and dead skin cell removal all while you sleep.

Open brown tub of white creamy skincare product.

Mizon

8 / 10

Sleeping Mask

Mizon Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Mask, $31.

Available at Amazon.

Attractive Asian woman with long hair, holding a cell phone and looking to her right.

Pexels/Joey Lu

9 / 10

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are single-use masks that allow for a bespoke treatment on any given day. They can be made of anything from product-soaked cotton to sheets of real seaweed. The idea is to use a sheet mask that targets a specific issue depending on the mood of your skin. Dehydration mask one day, brightening the next – that’s the beauty of sheet masks! These little nourishing films are meant to be used after cleansing and toning the skin. Place the sheet mask over your skin, gently pressing into nooks and crannies. Leave on for 20 minutes and remove. Press the remaining liquid into the skin and follow with a moisturiser.