Koreans invaded the world in just a snap. They are not only visible in drama, in music, in arts, in dance but they are also building a reputation in beauty and wellness. We love watching them - how they act, they sing and dance but did you also notice how they have lovely skin? They have this flawless and glowing skin every time. I must admit I envy their skin SO much. It’s like they don’t have pores at all, right?

What’s the secret of “K-beauty”? That’s what all of us wants to know.

The past few years, Koreans have amazed men and women alike on how they take care of their skin. Skin care is a MUST for them. It is like how we could not enjoy a meal without rice. They would not sleep at night without doing their own skin care routines. They spent several hours just to maintain their perfectly radiant skin. Mind you, not only Korean women do this, men too.

And just like what we have discussed on my previous post: How would I know my Skin Type? Most Koreans fall under the normal skin type - the skin type that has minimal imperfections, no pimples and blemishes and has very fine pores.

So how do they keep their skin that way?

Here’s what I found out…

1. HYDRATION IS A MUST

Koreans hydrate inside and outside so, if you want to achieve their healthy skin you must also hydrate IN and OUT. Drinking plenty of water will help you a lot on the inside aspect. As doctors recommend, make sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated. To follow the doctor’s advice, I try to schedule the time I drink. Since we have 24 hours a day and we are likely to be awake for 15 to 16 hours a day, I stick to the 1 glass of water-every-2 hour routine. That’s easier to monitor your water in-take. Try it out!

2. MAKE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES NUMBER 1 ON YOUR GROCERY LIST

We often see Koreans eating greens and different hydrating fruits. Unlike Filipino diet, Korean diet is composed of lesser oil and preservatives. They are more into fruits and veggies and they prefer eating them fresh or grilled, that way they take in more hydrating food that will keep their body healthy. So instead of drinking sodas or bottled juices why not prepare your DIY fruity smoothie at home. Check out my Facebook page for a simple and easy smoothie recipe you can do in less than 10 minutes.

3. VISIT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST OFTEN THAN YOUR DENTIST

They say it is recommended to visit your dentist at least once every 3 months. But have we tried to visit a dermatologist lately? Koreans always seek treatment from dermatologists and gives more importance on the after-treatment check-ups. They visit dermatologists almost weekly that they even have their pimples pricked professionally by a doctor. Here, we only visit our derma when we do have facial sessions or Botox but after that no follow-ups at all. So it is better to have regular check-ups to make sure our skin is taken care of properly and it is not damage by external factors around us.

 

4. CONDITION YOUR MIND TO ACHIEVE A BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY SKIN

The brain controls what we do, so if we want to achieve a K-beauty skin we must also condition our mind to go each step of the way. Following the Korean routine is a way different than what Pinays are used to so you really have to adjust at first. Koreans are strict on their regimen. They allot a special time not only for make-ups and dressing up but also for taking care of their skin. You must be a bit OC and dedicated when you want to follow their routines. Your patience will be tested too because this could also take time.

5. METICULOUSLY CHOSEN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS 

We can see that Koreans are so obsessed of having a perfect radiant skin. They apply loads of different products on their skin to ensure that it is properly cleansed and adequately moisturized. They use sun creams, moisturizers, whitening soaps and creams, facial masks and scrubs, toners, essences, facial balms and night creams - that's a lot! But it will pay off in the end. Look at them. So if you want to achieve that type of skin carefully search and choose the appropriate product for your skin. Do not just buy because it's in. Buy because it matches you. 

After goggling what is their secret regimen, I have realized that aside from wisely choosing their skin care products and eating healthy food, the success also lies on their disciplined routines. Yes, the key is being DISCIPLINED to follow the routine rigorously. Do you know that Koreans follow a 10 or 12-step skin care routine? Imagine how long it would take you to apply all those products before diving into your bed. 

I admire how disciplined they are in following their regimen. It is not a chore at all. How I wish I could also do that, maybe that’s my missing point. I was just used to washing with facial soap, exfoliating cleanser and applying toner and yet Koreans have more than 5 products to apply on their face before bedtime. Easy? Nah. That’s so much work when you want to go to sleep. But they stick to their routines. Do not miss a step or else your skin will not be moisturized, that’s their thinking. You have to train yourself for a few weeks before you get the hang of it and effortlessly do this. 

Give time to this five crucial points that could lead to a Korean perfect skin. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat more fruits and veggies, visit your derma often, set your mind to achieve your goal and choose your skin care products wisely. 

What do you think? If you know other K-beauty secrets let me know on my comment box below or pm me on Facebook @thepinaychicblog.