Aloe vera is not a recently found secret element for skin care, the benefits of aloe vera have been widely known for ages. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, the name Aloe Vera is derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “shining bitter substance” and Vera from the Latin word that means “true”. It is regarded by the Greeks as the “universal disease remedy” and the Egyptians as the “plant of immortality”.
It has been used for ages and recorded in history, the benefits of aloe vera on humans are numerous. And it is more eminent in female beauty care. It is used as a natural product to treat blemishes, rashes, and wounds just to name a few. Many ages ago, Egyptians extensively used aloe vera to cure skin burns and injuries. It is also said that even Queen Cleopatra, the world-famous beauty, believed in the miracles of aloe vera and used it extensively for skin care.
It is not surprising that this natural ingredient has many fans all over the world that can vouch for its stunning ability to not only cure rashes, pimples, and blemishes but also make the skin healthier and supple. Next segment we will deal with the benefits of aloe vera.
Benefits of Aloe Vera on the Skin
Aloe vera consists of essential vitamins and antioxidants that help in fighting skin troubles. The presence of vitamin A and vitamin C together with antioxidants in aloe vera work wonders in keeping the skin young and blemish-free.
Here is a list of benefits of aloe vera for your skin:
Subdues Sunburns
You step out of your house in the morning to go for your work and then find yourself coming back home with sunburns on your skin. Aloe vera has the perfect remedy to help reduce sunburns and freckles, thanks to the presence of an ingredient called aloin. Aloin has anti-inflammatory properties which also help in mitigating the effects of burns and swellings on your skin.
Excellent Skin Moisturizer
Climatic conditions impact the texture of the skin. You might find your skin drying up or peeling during winters. Here again, aloe vera will be put to good use. It has a powerful hydrating property that moistens the skin and makes it soft. Many women are skeptical about applying moisturizers for the fear of getting a greasy look like an aftereffect. With aloe vera, you need not worry about that as it moisturizes the skin without making it greasy.
Soothes Any Irritation in Skin and Reduces Acne
Pimples or skin rashes are a nightmare in our lives. Many of us lose our sleepover pimples and try all means to get the right remedy to remove them. The compound called acemannan present in aloe vera has antiviral and antibacterial properties which help in fighting pimples, blackheads, and acne. Aloe vera also provides a calming effect on the skin which helps in reducing skin irritation.
Helps in Improving Skin Tone and Elasticity
The vitamins and antioxidants present in aloe vera help in improving skin tone by mitigating the effects of pollution and stress on the skin. The antioxidants aid in reducing the reactions of free radicals on the skin thereby increasing its elasticity. This gives the skin a younger look. The presence of salicylic acid in aloe vera assists in removing the layer of dead skin cells thereby restoring the glow of your skin.
Superb Skin Cleanser
This natural ingredient is undoubtedly one of the best skin cleansers that help in repairing damaged skin cells and soothes the redness or skin rashes. It also aids in removing the dirt and oil from your skin.
The Advent of Aloe Vera in Korean Skin Care
Korean skin care is one of the best in the world and one of the reasons for its trusted performance in skin care department is the presence of aloe vera in most of its products.
Skin care and make-up products can come in generous of options like moisturizers, face gel, face masks, skin toner, face spray, body lotion, to name a few. Korean skin care industry has not only understood the importance of aloe vera for daily care routine but also created wide-ranging products having the essence of aloe. Korean skin care products include aloe vera cleansing milk lotions, aloe and tea tree face sprays, aloe make-up creams, aloe anti-aging serums, and many more.
Aloe vera is not only found in skin care, it is also well known in hair care and health care. The various use of this ingredient prove that the many benefits of aloe vera are undeniable.
Korean Products With Aloe Vera :
Innisfree Aloe Sleeping Pack
Innisfree Aloe Sleeping Pack is made with Jeju organic aloe that gives maximum moisture while sleeping. It is fragrant free and absorbs in the skin fast without leaving any greasy feeling.
Kim Jeong Moon Aloe Mask
Kim Jeong Moon Aloe Mask is suitable for use to reduce skin aging and calm sensitive and stressful skin.
Aromatica 95% Natural Aloe Aqua Cream
Aromatica 95% Natural Aloe Aqua Cream is an organic moisturizing cream that is colorless and fragrant free. Works well for anti-aging, brightening and skin irritation.
Ask any Korean lady who cares about her skin, and she will know what snail mucin is. But what made it so famous? In fact, snail mucins are not only popular in Korea, but it has also taken a toll worldwide in the skin care industry. International brands are starting to create their own versions of snail mucin serums, essences, creams and all that jazz. It is widely known as a versatile ingredient for Korean Skincare products and also claims that it is suitable for all skin types.
In recent years, I realize the Korean skin care companies have added more product lines that feature this ingredient. Mizon and Cosrx are two of the popular brands that produced products that people are raving about. Quite recently, Some by Mi has released a snail mucin line too that features acne-control properties. And for that, it must really be some sticky gold.
When Did This Snail Mucin Hype Start?
Even way back to Greek times, our ancestors have been using snail slimes to help treat certain illnesses such as stomach aches, body pain, and skin inflammation. For a fact, it was noted that Hippocrates himself had incorporated crushed snails into patient’s skin ailments. But the big question is, in these modern times, what caused this study to flourish?
To make a long story short, it all started when snail farmers from Chile observed that their hands were softer and smoother. Farmers also noted that whenever they get cuts or wounds, their wounds tend to heal faster and scars fade quickly too. These farmers were harvesting edible snails to the French food market, from there, this phenomenon has piqued interest for a lot of researchers. And voila! Here we are enjoying the benefits snail mucin gives to our skin.
What is Snail Mucin?
Ever watched a snail crawl on a surface? You know it doesn’t have legs; how do you think it moves? Well, its bottom secretes a mucus-like slime that lubricates the surface, making it easy for the snail to glide over. Snail mucin is also known as Snail Secretion Filtrate.
It is a thick mucus-like fluid that contains glycolic acid, protein, and elastin. The snail secretes this fluid for the following reasons: to ease movement, as a response to pleasure or agitation, and heal itself when injured. Researchers have proved that snail secretes more slime when they are relaxed and stress-free.
To specify what type of snail is harvested for skincare products, most commonly it is the Cryptomphalus aspersa mollusk, better known as the brown garden snail.
Now snails secrete mucin from different glands. Each gland gives various benefits that target specific problems.
Mucinous gland produces restoration and regenerative effects.
Albuminous gland produces antibiotic effects
Salivary gland produces a penetrating effect that will help in cleansing your pores.
How Is Snail Mucin Secreted?
Snails are not harmed when their slime is harvested. We all know that their slimes are left in their trails, right? So, they will just crawl around, and then harvesters will collect them afterwards.
There are quite a few methods to mention, but the most common way is to place the snails in a dark room and lay them over a net or mesh. They will be left there, crawling around overnight. This net will serve as a container for the harvesters to collect right after.
Some also use methods like giving them a spa or a warm bath in salted water, definitely relaxing in my opinion (haha). However, know that slimes are naturally slow movers so harvesting their slime takes pretty much long time. To ease that long process, snails are always well pampered and taken cared of to optimize mucin production.
Harvesters always maintain a comfortable environment for the snails because when snails are stressed-out, they do not produce the mucin that’s beneficial for the skin. Instead, they secrete a foamy lather which is their protective reaction when they feel endanger or preyed.
Benefits of Snail Mucin?
Snail mucin offers numerous benefits, not just one. Why do you think it’s so popular? Everyone is talking about it in the beauty industry. Here are some of the incredible benefits your skin can enjoy from this fluid.
It Reduces Aging Effects
No one ever wants to grow old, maybe just a few. But do you know that you can still grow old and look five years younger? It’s now possible. This ingredient has a way of straightening wrinkles and removing blemishes to achieve that tight and younger-looking skin. Some people who use snail mucins have observed that their fine lines have also faded over time.
It speeds up the production of collagen, the main component of your skin that is responsible for skin’s elasticity. Collagen is the secret to firm, healthy skin, and snail mucins encourage your skin to produce more. Snail mucin also has hyaluronic acid that reduces the visibility of fine lines. Say goodbye to dull skin!
2. It Treats Acne Problems
Some types of harmful bacteria are responsible for the acne on your skin. But thank goodness, this snail secretion filtrate has remarkable antimicrobial properties that fight the bacteria on your skin. It helps to kill the acne-causing bacteria and keep them at bay, leaving you with clean and healthy pores.
It has anti-inflammatory properties too. A big help if you want to minimize having those big reddish inflamed pimples popping from your face. The external environment could bring a lot of dirt and bacteria to your face. Snail mucin could help in protecting your skin from these harmful factors such as air pollution.
It is a Natural Skin Exfoliator
Snail mucin is the mildest and the gentlest exfoliating product you could ever use for cleansing your skin. Packed with glycolic acid, this will help you remove dead cells and unclogs the pores, hence preventing breakouts. It is the most comfortable way of exfoliating the skin.
It doesn’t even dry up your skin when you exfoliate! As previously mentioned, snail mucin contains hyaluronic acid that acts as a humectant which helps in maintaining your skin hydrated and moisturized. This will serve as your skin’s moisture barrier to keep your oil production in check. Always remember, if your skin is dehydrated, it will produce more oil to compensate for water loss, which might lead to overproduction of sebum resulting in acne.
It Creates an Even Skin Toner
See those little scars you have from healed acne? It seems that snail mucin can fade them away. Snail mucins also have healing and regenerative properties that help in fading scars. It has a perfect way of dealing with blemishes and hyper-pigmentation on the skin. It hydrates the skin, giving it a chance to repair any damages on it.
It is non-irritating too! So, if your skin is really sensitive, this might help you calm your skin. It will reduce the redness and irritations you might have from everyday exposure to external factors.
Snail Mucin in Korean Skin Care
The use of this new ingredient in skin care has mainly been adopted in Korea. Some products contain up to 96% of snail mucin.
Don’t be tempted to take a live snail and put on your skin. Not a dead one either. The best option is to purchase refined products that contain high percentages of snail mucin. The snail slime in the final skincare products has undergone a thorough process of refining and removing impurities. That’s why you should buy them and not use a real snail.
The good news is that no snail gets hurt in the process of slime collection. The snails release more slime when happy. So, breeders treat them with care.
The use of this new ingredient in skincare has mainly been adopted in Korea. Some products contain up to 96% of snail mucin. However, fun fact, raw snail slime actually contains 91% -98% of water. Snail Mucin products have undergone a long process of filtration and mixing with a lot of ingredients. So, the chemical properties from the snail mucin itself will be balanced out and you would also get added benefits from other ingredients too!
Don’t be tempted to take a live snail and put on your skin. Not a dead one either. The best option is to purchase refined products that contain high percentages of snail mucin. DIY Snail Mucin or DIY Snail Spa is a big NO-NO because you might end up harming the snail and use the wrong mucin for your skin.
The snail slime in the final skincare products has undergone a thorough process of refining and removing impurities. That’s why you should buy them and not use a real snail. The good news is that no snail gets hurt in the process of slime collection. The snails release more slime when happy. So, breeders treat them with care. Let the experts handle all the complicated stuff. This way, you will be ensured that your skin will get benefits, and at the same time, there’s no harm done to the snails.
There are reviews on Cosrx Advance Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask that I have personally used. Feel free to read so that you are better equipped when choosing products that contain snail mucin.
Are You Thinking Of Buying A Product With Snail Mucin?
Now, you have to remember this. Always patch test. Your skin might find the Snail Mucin too overwhelming. To compensate, apply and lather very lightly to your skin so your skin will be more familiar with the mucin. Apply a little bit on certain areas first before you pack it all over your face. Add little by little as the day pass up until you know the amount of product that’s appropriate for your skin.
Korean Products With Snail Mucin :
Benton Snail Bee Hydrogel Eye Patch
The Benton Snail Bee Hydrogel Eye Patch contains Saccharomyces/Snail Secretion Filtrate Ferment Filtrate, Bee Venom and seaweed extracts that hydrate the eyes. It makes the eyes bright and supple.
COSRX Snail Peptide Eye Cream
The Cosrx Snail Peptide Eye Cream is a light cream that helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness. It contains 72% of snail secretion filtrate, 5 types of peptides and niacinamide.
TonyMoly Prestige Jeju Snail Essence
With its 80% snail slime filtrate from Jeju, 10ppm of gold, botanical components of camellia, green tea, citrus and fig extracts, the TonyMoly Prestige Jeju Snail Essence absorbs quickly into the skin. Jeju camphor tree extract and the special polypeptides restore elasticity to the skin.
Korean skincare regimens have been using natural herbs and plants for skin revitalization for hundreds of years. However, most of these herbs and plants are relatively unknown. That is why not many consumers opt for them.
Today, we will highlight with you one such lesser-known herb but are fast gaining popularity that goes by the name of Centella Asiatica. In our article today, I’ll share with you the information I have found and also its benefits and how it amalgamates into the Korean skincare treatments. Simply put, Centella Asiatica is a herb that grows in South East Asia. It has many other names such as Cica, Gotu Kola, Tiger Grass, Indian Pennywort, and Thankuni.
Just a quick fact, the reason why Tiger Grass is one of the nicknames of Centella Asiatica is mainly because of the tigers themselves. It was observed that when tigers are wounded, they are seen wrapping themselves with Centella Asiatica. They would roll around or even rest in a bed full of Centella Asiatica.
Cica, on the other hand, is derived from the French word “cicatreser” which means “heal” or “to heal”.
Over the years, it is also used for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. It offers numerous skincare benefits due to which it has become quite famous in recent times. The herb has been in use since the 17th century. Korea is not the only country to recognize its benefits. Some of the other nations using it include Sri Lanka, India, Africa.
Asian countries are abundant of the Centella Asiatica plant. You can buy a fresh Centella Asiatica from the market. You can also get a dried one or a preserved version of it from traditional medicine pharmacies or herbal shops. It can be eaten raw in salads or sauté them like a regular vegetable. Commonly in Asian countries, you can find soups and drinks that have Centella Asiatica as one of their ingredients. Most of the time, they sell this as a herbal soup or drink.
Cantella Asiatica was widely known for healing wounds, in fact, the healing powers of the plant were the main focus of some studies that were conducted, with a large number of both in vitro and in vivo scientific studies supporting the claim. The increased production of collagen and the reduction in inflammation is the reason for Cantella Asiatica’s healing powers. In traditional Chinese medicine, Centella Asiatica is used to disperse the body’s internal heat and cure ulcers.
What are the benefits of Centella Asiatica?
With so many benefits, it is hard to ignore Centella Asiatica when it comes to natural skincare. If you are wondering what is so good about it, here are the benefits that have made it famous.
Anti-aging benefits
To better understand the benefits of Centella Asiatica, it is essential to look at some of its constituents. These include amino acids, fatty acids, and phytochemicals. All three of these constituents have anti-aging properties. As a result, if you’re suffering from problems like wrinkles, dark circles, dry and flaky skin, Centella Asiatica can help you out.
A component called Flavonoids and an active compound called “Madecassoside” is present in Cantella Asiatica. These two serve as antioxidants that help neutralize the UV rays that are being emitted by the sun. It can also neutralize your skin after being exposed to pollution.
Collagen also plays a key role to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Cantella Asiatic secretes Type I collagen, which can make the skin look fresh. As the production of collagen and the amount of collagen within the skin decreases with age, this research suggests that Centella Asiatica may have anti-aging effects.
Increases blood circulation
Centella Asiatica can also improve the blood circulation to your skin as well as various parts of the body. When that happens, the body functions get enhanced. Moreover, each body part and skin all over your body will get proper nutrients. Once again, enhanced blood circulation benefits the skin.
Better blood circulation also enhances your immune system. It ensures that you will be able to thwart infections and diseases more easily. It keeps you energetic throughout the day.
As a result, Centella Asiatica can have a positive impact on your day-to-day life as well.
Helps you deal with scars
The antioxidants present in the herbs in ample quantities can help you deal with problems like stretch marks, scars, eczema, acne, and so on.
They can also heal any wounds of the skin. At the same time, it increases the elasticity of the skin. Due to this reason, it will help in fixing sagging skin. Centella Asiatica contains “Madecassoside” that boosts antioxidant activity at the site of wounds, strengthening the skin and increasing blood circulation. Centella Asiatica has also been proven to reduce redness and inflammation. The redness from scars will fade with continued use. It has also been one of the treatments used to soothe burns caused by overexposure of the sun.
Moisturizing & Soothing skin
Centella Asiatica as mentioned above produces Amino Acids, Beta Carotene, Fatty Acids, and Phytochemicals, which are potent nutrients for the skin. Amino Acids can hydrate your skin and can soothe rough and irritated skin.
Saponins known as the Asiatic sides are the main active constituents of Centella Asiatica, which have soothing and healing properties. The main active components of Centella Asiatica are saponins known as Asiatic sides, which have soothing and healing properties. It helps reduce the visible signs of skin sensitivity, such as itching and burning significantly.
Now that you know the benefits, you might be thinking about how to use Centella Asiatica?
Centella Asiatica has been incorporated into the Korean skincare regimen for long. It has a nickname sometimes when incorporated in a skincare product that has the word ‘CICA‘ carries the ingredient of Centella Asiatica. We will explain why Centella Asiatica is used in Korean skincare.
Centella Asiatica is used in Korean skin care because it is one of the most versatile natural ingredients available. The ample antioxidants in it can help not only your skin but also your body. At the same time, its effects are visible in a relatively short time. It ensures that when using such skin care products, you can easily hide scars and soothe your skin in a matter of weeks.
Also, there are a few other reasons why it has been amalgamated in Korean skincare. These include:
It is native to Southeast Asia. That is why it is found in ample amounts.
It is suitable for sensitive as well as oily skin. The versatility is another reason that it has been amalgamated into Korean skincare.
It is plant-derived. The extraction process does not require any harmful chemicals, which means that it is safe to use.
It has skin-soothing properties that ensure that it can protect you from sun damage as well.
It is available in ample quantity in Southeast Asia, which makes it affordable to use. Due to these reasons, over the last few decades, it has been used in a variety of skincare products.
Possible side effects
Before trying any product with Centella Asiatica, you must do a patch test first. The best place to do your patch test is at the back of your ears or onto your arms. Even if Centella Asiatica Extract is a natural ingredient and allergies are rare, it is still possible to cause allergic reactions. It may cause itchiness and redness to your skin if you’re not cautious.
Most Centella Asiatica Products are combined with Essential Oils. Alcohol and Fragrance. So, if your skin is very sensitive to those ingredients, stay away from them and pick the ones that have a better combination that would perfectly suit your skin.
What Skin Type/Condition Is Best to Use Centella Asiatica? Is It Suitable for All Skin Types?
Cantella Asiatica is highly recommended for sensitive skin. Just to be safe, always do a patch test first before applying it to your entire complexion. Centella Asiatica is ideal for extra sensitive skin which is prone to have redness, inflammation, irritations, or itchiness. Just be careful and read carefully if the products with Centella Asiatica is combined with ingredients that you are allergic to.
For oily and acne-prone skin, Centella Asiatica alone won’t be effective as your skincare regimen. Instead, buy products that have Centella Asiatica combined with either AHA or BHA, Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. Centella Asiatica serves as a supplementary ingredient in treating your acne, most specifically your acne scars since it contains healing and repairing properties. Yes, it has anti-inflammatory properties, but they cannot penetrate your pores for deep cleansing unlike what Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide do.
For dry skin, it is best to choose a product that has Centella Asiatica combined with moisturizing properties like Hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid. It will be the perfect product for your skin. It helps repair your dry and flaky skin, at the same time, keeping it moisturized and hydrated.
Are you looking for skincare products that can naturally revitalize your skin?
If yes, well it is time to look for Korean skincare products which have Centella Asiatica. It allows you to attain the skin quality, which you have always desired. It is high time that you opt for such natural skin care products and with fewer chemicals as their core ingredients.
You may have heard or read these Centella Asiatica active ingredients on some products. They are Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid. If you see these names as one of the ingredients of a product, then most likely it contains Centella Asiatica.
Overall, Centella Asiatica is really a great ingredient. Just a final tip, I highly recommend that you don’t apply this on fresh open wounds. It will really sting big time. If you just went to a derma and had a pricking session, leave it at least for a day, then a day after your derma session, apply your Centella Asiatica skincare. This way, it will help in healing your wounds faster and minimize the redness.
Korean Products With Centella Asiatica:
Cencica Calming Ampoule
Intensive calming ampoule for all skin types (100 ml)
Wellage Cica Clear One Day Kit (10 pcs)
Set includes Cica Bio Capsule (15 mg) and Calming Solution (1ml)
Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
The powerful restoring effect of “Forest Yeast” cica ingredient reinforces the skin barrier overnight (60 ml)
Innisfree Cica Balm with Bija Seed Oil
A multi-use rescue balm with cica and bija seed oil to help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier while improving the look of uneven skin texture. (40 ml)
Dr Jart Cicapair Cream
Soft cream that moisturizes and soothes dry, sensitive skin. (50 ml)
When I started to give attention to my skin, I didn’t have a clue that there were different skin types and didn’t even know which category I belonged to. That, had made me went through trials and error and missteps in finding the right products for my skin which was at that time, filled with whiteheads, blackheads and some pimples.
Later, I understood that I must first understand my skin type to choose the right product in my skin care routine. The skin is the largest organ in the body and very sensitive and complex as other vital body organs.
Everybody has a unique skin type. There are four main categories of skin types. They include oily skin, dry skin, normal, and combination of both oily and dry.
Skin types refer to the form of the skin that you are born with, determined by genetics and the size of the sebaceous gland. Skin types are different from skin conditions.
Skin conditions are temporary conditions such as sensitive skin, sun-damaged skin, dehydrated skin to name a few. Not all people have skin conditions but they do have a specific skin type to begin with.
Below are the list of skin types that generally people are associated with :
1.The Normal Skin
Having normal skin one doesn’t describe the skin as oily or dry as it’s in the middle. When oiliness or even dryness on the skin appears, it’s easy to remove or resolve it.
Healthy skin features small pores that are not easy to see, and they don’t usually shine a lot like the dry skin. The healthy skin also does not crack or even become flaky, which often produces fine lines and wrinkles. In most occupations, the skin tone is flawless with minimum marks or blemishes.
Having healthy skin does not mean it will always remain like that. Of course, daily care and incorporation of skin routine can help keep your skin vibrant and healthy for a long time.
As time goes by, the skin will change, now you might not have a skin problem, but things like age, life events, menopause, and even pregnancy might catch up with you and change everything.
Normal skin is effortless to maintain than another skin type. Just avoid using products that make your skin feel greasy or might cause the skin to dry excessively and you should be fine.
2. The Dry Skin
An individual with dry skin knows it by feeling tightness on the surface. Dry skin may cause one to feel his/her skin flaking or even with scaly patches. Dry skin features invisible pores, and one may begin to suffer regular irritation and premature wrinkles on the surface.
Dry skin is affected by the lack of sebum that is made by the oil gland to keep your skin moist and compromised skin barrier function due to lack of epidermal lipids.
Care for dry skin
Find good moisturizers, essences, serums that are mainly targeting your skin concern of dryness. Good essence, serum, moisturizer will help replenish hydration to your skin. Look for products that have more oil in it, and this will be absorbed by the enzymes and help hydrate the tissue.
Avoid using harsh chemicals – an individual with dry skin are highly advised to avoid products or treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide. Buy products with aloe vera, green tea extract to ensure the skin remains moisturized.
3. Oily Skin
That individual with oily skin type is straightforward to notice as most of the time there are oily shines on their face. Most of the time, an individual will have to deal with acne breakouts.
People with oily skin tend to have active oil glands and produce a very high amount of sebum. When the skin glands provide an excess amount of oil, it usually expands the size of skin pores, and this will result in blockage, which later leads to pimples and many other types of acne blemishes.
Care for oily skin
Avoid using harsh skin products for this skin type. Most people struggling with oily skin many looks for products that promise to dry your skin out. Some products that have Benzoyl Peroxide are very harsh to the surface.
Lifestyle habits and changes such as the type of food to consume and using the right product in their skin care routine can help decrease the production of sebum and the excess shine.
4. Combination Skin
A combination skin type features two or more different kinds of skin. Most people with a combination type of skin mostly experience flaky and dry surfaces of different parts of the skin and oily on another.
This skin type is complicated to identify and treat at the same time. Why it’s challenging to treat is because its difficult to find a skin product that can handle both dry and oily skin by regimen it without causing any irritation.
Care for combination skin
Use products that are light on the skin. It would be good to use cleansers which are mild. Look for moisturizers that are gel-like. Avoid using oil-based products. Thus, avoid cream like moisturizers. A skin care routine that has hydration and anti-aging effects would be more suitable for combination skin.
Skin Types May Not Stay the Same Forever
There are many factors that will cause your skin type to change over time. The leading causes of skin type change include age catching up, hormonal body changes, and changes in ways the skin produces sebum, moisture, and keeping up with elasticity.
Skin Types Are Not The Same As Skin Conditions
As mentioned, skin types and skin conditions are different.
Skin types are the above mentioned four types that individuals are born with.
Skin conditions are affected by genetics, external modifications that include one’s exposure to the sun, diets, migrating from a 4 season country to a tropical country, environmental pollutants, ingredients in cosmetics, and skin care products. Examples of skin conditions are acne-prone skin, hyperpigmented skin, sensitive skin, and many more.
All of the above skin types and skin conditions are necessary to be evaluated to determine the right products and their ingredients to achieve better skin. Thus, it may be required to change certain products and ingredients from time to time for a healthy, glassy, glamourous looking skin.
From 3 Basic Steps to 10 Steps Korean Skin Care Routine
Skin care routine is part and parcel of Korean lifestyle
If your daily skin care routine involves the simple steps cleanse, tone, moisturize and you feel that this is not enough, and you want to achieve the high level of glass skin effect, then maybe it’s time for your routine to evolve from basic to a comprehensive skin care regime. Koreans have boasted about their flawless glass skin and with these 10-steps, you can improve your skin condition in no time!
10 Steps Korean Skin Care
The 10 Steps Korean Skin Care
Oil-based cleanser
Oil-based cleansers are the best way to remove your make-up and sunscreen that you’ve been wearing all day. Even if you don’t wear make-up, your skin produces sebum, a waxy substance that is meant to filter out pollutants from your skin. However, if it builds up, sebum causes acne. Use oil-based cleansers in your daily routine to get rid of this problem.
Water-based cleanser
To make sure that your skin is totally cleansed, add water-based cleansers on your skincare routine. This is part of cleansing goes deeper into your skin and removes dirt and sweat that are stuck in it.
Exfoliator
Our skin sheds daily and routinely exfoliating it will remove the dead layer of skin cells to reveal the healthy brighter younger skin underneath. You must only use 2-3 times per week.
Toner
After all the cleansing, your skin’s pH will become imbalanced. Bring the balance back on your skin by adding toners to your skincare routine. It also helps prepare your skin to be able to absorb moisture and other ingredients on your skincare routine.
Essence
Different skin types have different problems. Essences are lightweight products that can address minor problems in your skin. It treats your skin at a cellular level in order for you to have your glowing skin and treats your skin to get rid of skin problems.
Ampoule or serum
Some people use essence, ampoules, and serums interchangeably as they all treat skin problems. However, ampoules and serums have a heavier consistency and are more effective in getting rid of major skin problems. The best suggestion is to use essence for your minor skin problems such as dull and uneven skin tones and then use ampoules or serums for problems such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Mask
Make sure that you give your skin the proper nutrients it needs by adding face masks to your routine. Whether you want to whiten your skin or even out your skin tone, there is a perfect face mask out there for you.
Eye cream
Long and tiring days usually leaves our eyes looking tired and heavy. The answer to this problem is eye cream. It targets the dark circles around your eyes to brighten and lift it so you’ll always look young and fresh.
Moisturizer
Perhaps one of the most important steps is to bring back moisture to your skin. Locking all the ingredients and moisture on your skin by applying moisturizer. Different kinds of moisturizers also offer tons of benefits so make sure to pick the right one for your skin!
Sunscreen
It is a golden rule to never leave your house without sunscreen on. The sun gives our skin Vitamin D but too much exposure can leave your skin with long-term damages that will destroy that youthful glow you are trying to achieve. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you go out into the sun.
Customize Your Skin Care Routine
Evolving from a normal skin care routine to a comprehensive 10-steps routine may seem daunting at first but the benefits it offers are priceless! Koreans and Japanese women are the living proof that by taking more time to care for your skin, you will maintain your youthful glow that everyone loves. Having said that, these steps are a general guide. It can be made customized to your skin condition at a particular point in time.
