Koreans believe in using the products that are made in their homeland for their skincare regimen. They hardly apply any other product on to their skin. The main reason behind it is that they believe in the amalgamation of innovation, science and traditional beauty practices.
Skincare is also deeply valued in Korean culture, with most people starting to care for their skin from a young age. Together, all these factors--water quality, climate, diet, and a strong skincare culture--combine to give Koreans their smooth, glowing skin. It's not just about genetics; it's truly a lifestyle.
Diet and Lifestyle: The traditional Korean diet, rich in vegetables, fermented foods like kimchi, and omega-3-rich fish, is thought to contribute to good skin. This diet is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria, all of which are great for skin health.
Korean beauty routines are centered around hydration, gentle ingredients, and nourishing the skin, making them suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Their products are made with natural ingredients like green tea, ginseng, and snail mucin, which are believed to improve skin health over time.
Koreans take skincare very seriously, and that is evident from their beautiful glowing skin. Not all of that is genetic. It's the result of an extensive skincare routine and naturally sourced hydrating extracts present in almost all Korean skincare ranges.
Japan has always been known for the most hi-tech and advanced skincare buys in the world. Here, the concept of “mochi skin” is central, meaning soft, plump, and hydrated skin, which is why Japanese beauty culture typically prioritises skincare over makeup.
1. Sulwhasoo. Pronounced “Suhl-ha-soo," this skincare brand was founded on the philosophy of balance. Utilising Korea's finest natural ingredients, Sulwhasoo is one of the best selling Korean brands on the market.
Dr. Hee Jin Koh, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, agrees that calming serums are an easy place to start, and she also suggests trying out K-beauty sunscreens. “Korean sunscreens are very well made and easy to incorporate into your routine,” she says.
One key biological factor is that Koreans tend to have thicker skin, particularly in the dermis—the middle layer of the skin that contains collagen and elastin fibers. A thicker dermis provides better structural support, making the skin more resilient against wrinkles and sagging as it ages.
Sleeping on the floor may also be consistent with lasting Confucian ideas of humility and respect. The ondol flooring heating systems (in homes that include them) would often use water pipes or electricity to heat the floor, which would provide warmth while sleeping.
The coveted “shiny” or radiant look of Korean skin isn't a product of heavy makeup or overnight solutions; it's the result of a dedicated, thoughtful approach to skincare that emphasizes hydration, gentle care, and consistent protection.
High Volume Sales. With global demand skyrocketing, Korean brands produce at scale, which lowers production costs. Yes, that means your holy grail products stay budget-friendly.
At issue is not just whether people are using enough sunscreen, but what ingredients are in it. In countries such as Japan, South Korea, and France, sunscreens include newer chemical filters, some of which have been shown to provide broader protection against UV rays than those used in the U.S.
Germany: Excellence in Medical Standards
German dermatology clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by highly trained professionals. The country excels in providing comprehensive dermatological care, including advanced treatments for skin cancers and chronic skin conditions.
Korean skincare is known for its multi-step routine, with products being layered from thinnest consistency to the thickest. “This multi-step approach maximizes absorption of products and focuses on skin health and hydration,” Dr. Chang says. Toner and serums are popular additions to skincare routines.
Korean skin care is also known for using unique and exotic ingredients that aren't commonly found in Western skincare products. Yup, Snail Mucin is a thing, and it's a game-changer. Snail Mucin is a sticky substance that snails produce to protect their skin from environmental damage.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, the minimalist approach of Japanese skincare, with its emphasis on hydration, may be the best solution. On the other hand, people with oily skin may want to try the Korean routine, as it emphasizes exfoliation, oil control, and targeted treatment.
The Basic Philosophy of Korean Skincare
This involves a multi-step regimen to address various aspects of skin health, keeping it hydrated, protected, and balanced. You'll encounter natural ingredients like botanical extracts, fermented ingredients, and innovative compounds like snail mucin and bee venom.
L'Oréal remains the world's most valuable cosmetics brand, with its brand value improving 11% to reach a staggering USD13. 4 billion.
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.
Skin barrier function is reportedly stronger in darker skin tones (the stratum corneum is the skin barrier). Asian skin is reported to have similarities with Caucasian skin in terms of water loss and has the weakest barrier function.