The OSNT, DSNT, DRNT, and OSNW skin types were the most common skin types (55.3%). The O, S, P, and W types accounted for 46.6%, 68.8%, 23.2%, and 31.9%, respectively. The proportion of the O and S type was the highest in Gyeongsangbuk-do (55.0%) and Seoul (77.2%).
Most Koreans naturally have lighter skin tone. A lot of Westerners falsely believe that other races are obsessed with lighter skin tone but this is actually not true, at least in case of Korea. Even before Westernization, Koreans were differentiating different tans of skin for people's wealth and status.
Korean skin color can be described as a yellow to red tone. However, much like Whiteness, skin color alone does not determine the implications of Koreanness because racialization is complex.
Korean beauty standards tend to favor fair, pale skin, with lighter skin being considered a beauty ideal. While light brown skin may not perfectly fit these traditional standards, beauty ideals in Korea are gradually becoming more inclusive, with many appreciating various skin tones.
In Japan, the preference for skin that is white and free of blemishes has been documented since at least the Heian period (794–1185), as in books such as The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji.
Cultural Roots of Korean Beauty Standards
Clear, pale skin, a V-shaped face with a pointed chin, double eyelids, big, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and small, delicate features are often seen as beautiful in modern Korea. These standards are a unique mix of traditional Asian styles and Western influences.
According to a survey in 2022, around 43.8 percent of South Korean men stated that acne and pimples were their biggest skin concerns.
Japan, China and other countries located in Asia have a rich diet of vitamins (specifically A and C, which benefit skin elasticity) and minerals including antioxidants from fruits and green tea. The Asian diet is very low in saturated and total fat.
In South Korea, a growing number of couples are choosing to delay their official marriage registration, prioritizing economic benefits over legal formalities. Lee Jae-yeon, a 39-year-old Seoul resident, exemplifies this trend.
Comparing our results to reports published in 2006 [20] , we found that Koreans still prefer a small face; wide forehead; smooth malar bones; narrow nose; large eyes; narrow, short, and small chin; wide mouth with a thin upper lip; U-or V-shaped lower face; oval-shaped mandible; relatively pale and fair complexion; ...
Another possible cause for this phenomenon is South Korea's classist culture, where looking 'wealthy' is a beauty standard. Fair, flawless skin is idealized because even in the past, wealthy people did not work out “in the fields”. In contrast, tanned skin is associated with the working class.
Type 5 skin is generally brown or dark brown, and so are your eyes. Your hair will naturally be quite dark as well. If you're this skin type, you probably haven't burned in the sun in a very longtime and simply tan beautifully. You probably don't have many freckles, either.
According to previous studies, the dry and combination types equally accounted for 30%, and the oily and neutral types both accounted for 15% of the Korean female population14.
To start, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then pat it dry using a soft towel. Next, wait for 30 minutes and take a close look at your skin in the mirror. If your skin appears shiny all over, you likely have oily skin. Flaky, rough, or tight-feeling skin signals that you have dry skin.
Significant disparities were observed between geographic areas. The highest prevalence of acne was observed in Latin America (23.9%), East Asia2 (20.2%), Africa (18.5%) and the Middle East (16.1%), while the lowest prevalence was observed in Europe (9.7%) and Australia (10.8%).
Canada. Canada stands among the top countries with best skin. It's skincare market is a significant sector within the cosmetics industry, poised for steady growth. In 2021, the cosmetics market in Canada generated $1.24 billion, with skincare representing about 40% of this market.
Acne was found to be more prevalent in African American, and Hispanic women than in Continental Indian, White, and Asian women in a review of one-sided facial photographs of girls and women aged 10 to 70 from 4 cities. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed in 65% of Black and 48% of Hispanic women.
Korean skincare stands out from Western skincare because it typically involves a more extensive routine. A Korean routine for acne includes double cleansing, toners and essences, and twice daily moisturizing. Most Korean skincare routines also include a weekly mask and exfoliation.
In numerous interviews, RM, also known as Kim Nam-joon, has openly discussed his struggle with dry and acne-prone skin.
Do you have pale glass skin, be tall, weigh under 50 kg, have big doe eyes, have plump lips and a small nose, have a small face, have flawless and shiny dark hair, have slim legs, and a flat tummy? If you checked all these items, congratulations, you fit Korean beauty standards!
The South Korean beauty standard
In a survey, South Korean women were asked about their preferred height range, and their answers fell between 165 to 175 centimeters. Women not only have a preferred height for themselves but also for their future spouses.
Korean Beauty Standards: A Deep Dive into Cultural Ideals. South Korean pop stars like Kim Ji-soo (Blackpink), Irene (Red Velvet), Jin (BTS), and actresses such as Kim Tae-hee, Shin Min-ah, and Jun Ji-Hyun are among the most admired celebrities in Korea and beyond.