4 Things I Learned From Korean Skincare

35 Comments on 4 Things I Learned From Korean Skincare

1. Poor snails! I received some samples with snail extract in it and I thought it was gross and probably not true. Now that I read this, it is from little snails. Ugh no no no! Poor things
   D:

   Im using a Korean sheet mask right now. 😀

   • Janessa, snail extract is so good for the skin, but using it makes you feel so guilty. It’s really awful how it’s collected.

     What a coincidence! What mask are you using?

     • What about makeup that contains snails ecretion in it, like IT Cosmetics CC Cream Your Skin But Better SPF 50? Snail extract is the 2nd ingredient in their list! It’s $38/1.2 fl but if this snail extract thing really works then I will definitely give this a try. A foundation that has hydration benefit is always welcomed 🙂

       • Audrey, if you dry skin, snail slime is perfect for you. It moisturizes very, very well. 🙂

2. I haven’t tried snail slime, and am not sure I am ready for that :)))

   • Marina, I thought I wasn’t either, but when I tried it, I was blown away. It’s not as bad as it sounds, really.

   • I saw a sheet mask with big snail picture in the cover and I almost screamed in that drugstore LOL scared the hell out of me!

     • Audrey, it’s creepy, isn’t it?

       • SO creepy. And the snail is not even in cute animated form, it’s like a zoomed in real photograph of snail. Even the sheet mask packaging is snail-shaped. I don’t know why it’s placed near BioDerma micellar water though. Even more scary, I saw a video of people going to snail experts and getting snail slime facials. So they sleep, and the expert put a lot of snails (like 10-15 ish) on their face and let the snails “walk” all over their face and neck. They all said they feel their face are better after the snail facial

         • Wow, they definitely went overboard with that packaging! And ugh. I don’t deny it works, but there are so many others ways to moisturize your skin without going to these extremes!

           • Definitely. It’s just that the Korean skincare is such a booming business these days here in Indonesia and after seeing so many patients at derm clinic came because they’re irritated by their new Korean skincare products I never even bother to see/read about their products. With my sensitive skin I mostly trust Western products (especially French pharmacie, the French products are the best regarding sensitive skin IMO). SImple, gentle, yet effective 🙂 All we could ever ask for from skincare products.

             • I’ ve noticed that a lot of Korean products feature long ingredient lists. They just stick everything in there. French companies are the opposite. Their formulas are very simple, boring even. But when you have sensitive skin, that’s what you need 🙂

               • I also love how the French pharamacists and aestheticians are trained there, especially pharmacists! Extensive training (it’s so long it feels like they’re doing med school) makes them so knowledgable in every way. A friend of mine, a 20-something girl, is even “scolded” by the French pharmacist because she has retinol product in her basket.The pharamcist said “Oh no no, young girl. You don’t need retinol. This is for your Mum” and she took it from her basket and put it back in the shelf. She really took that stuff from my friend’s basket! So hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. While everybody else in the world is trying to make us feel insecure about our skin, they are just embracing their skin as it is, having a “je ne sais quoin” approach to skincare & makeup & of course, aging gracefully instead of trying to defy nature with tons of expensive procedures. Such a great philosophy they have!

                 • Audrey, I agree, that’s a beautiful philosophy. Much healthier than the beauty philosophy in most parts of the world. I guess there’s a reason why French women have such great skin.

                   • I am originally from Germany, and while in Europe regular people are still more into avoiding our exaggerated approach to wanting to stay young eternally like here in the US, they are not quite as relaxed as one might want to believe. There are many, many products in the drugstores and those special Parfumeries (places that sell perfume and walls of makeup and foundation) are geared to the same goal.

                     While cosmetic surgery, Botox, etc is also a big staple in those countries, it is really still more for those with lots of money, those who aren’t but are willing to pay off a bill of those dimensions, and of course in most case for people in the public eye. In big cities, many women and men are doing A LOT to look their best.

                     What one should never underestimate in why some Europeans look so much healthier and therefore better, is the fact of nutrition. The European food is not as over-processed, nor does much of it have all those additives and chemicals, which are often prohibited in Europe. (GMO is making a lot less money over there because it is widely not completely prohibited).

                     Europeans eat a lot more fresh food DAILY, very little deep fried if any, and don’t fall for the myths of butter, regular milk, eggs, etc. are bad for ya.
                     Plus, the nice glass of wine with dinner is already scientifically proven to aid in keeping the heart and other organs healthier.

                     AND, one of the biggest differences…Europeans are not pill-gobblers! If you buy a headache painkiller in Germany (and other countries) for example, you will get usually about 10 pills in a package. Not 30/50/100/250+ like here. That tells a lot about the culture and their approach to taking pills and medication in general!!!
                     I had medical problems before I moved to the US, but since then they have multiplied exponentially. I was always a skinny person until I emigrated. Despite the fact that we eat very European, the food is just not the same. I am also used to taking pills, have to for my chronic problems, but the daily amount is ridiculous and I am getting off all those chemicals now. I wish I was still in Germany for my medical needs because there you have naturopaths and everything holistic around every corner and some treatments are even partially covered by the health insurance. All things that can contribute to inner and outer health, wellbeing and beauty.

                     Sorry for the long rant but I thought it was important to shed a little more light on what all is really very different on the other side of the big pond.
                     Despite my “complaints” about what is worse in the US, I love my new country of 23 years and would not go back. But after so many years away, I sure miss the ancient, wise and beautiful culture of Europe in some aspects of my daily life. And that is okay. :))))

3. I do love cooked snails, so maybe I should look into a cream!

   • Marina, I haven’t found the courage to try cooked snails yet! lol. But if you have dry skin, a cream with snail extract will definitely help.

     • Escargots are a fantastic meal. Done right, preferably in a “French cuisine” restaurant, you will absolutely love them if you like garlic. Garlic is a must when they are served in hot butter with herbs. Yuuuuuum!

       • Mo, I’m not a big fan of garlic, so I think that settles it. 🙂 But my father loved escargots.

4. I’ve tried snail slime products before (from Missha), and it was too rich so I’ve avoided snail products since. It’s a shame how they’re always kept under stress just to produce the slime. And I agree completely with your post. Korean skincare’s very creative and innovative, the western market can definitely learn a thing or two from them.

   Hope you’re doing well! xx

   • Dee, thanks. Hope you’re fine, as well.

     Snail slime is very rich, indeed. The first time I tried it, I had your same reaction, but now my skin has become dry, it really helps a lot. But I agree, it’s awful how it’s produced.

     Western skincare is quite boring in comparison, isn’t it?

5. Oh dear, you put me to shame my Western friend . As an Asian consumer, I used Korean beauty products for years yet I only know half of what you discussed here. I completely agree with you on the overhype-ness of their products. Also, you’re correct about how fun their products can be sometimes. Not to mention, super cute packaging. =)

   • Hanna, hehe I’ve had the chance to study it very carefully. It was a lot of fun. Although they’re not the miracle workers they are touted to be, most of them work really well. And the packaging. So cute!

   • Lol! I guess I’m not the only Hannah commenting on this blog!

     That’s interesting to know about korean skin care. I was wondering if some of it had to do with hype but I had also heard excellent things about it.
     I am looking into this product with snail slime: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770257
     (To me I guess it seems cruel how they get the slime,but I guess for me it’s not really a turn off because I don’t really sympathize for bugs like I do animals. I guess I somehow feel that bugs don’t exactly have feelings and aren’t aren’t nearly as important. I dunno.Honestly,I don’t really like bugs.)

     • Hannah, a lot of it is just hype indeed. The difference is that they focus a lot more on hydration than Western brands, and that’s a lot more important than people think.

       No one likes bugs, do they? Ewww.

       • Does the CC cream product look like a good one? I know you aren’t that into them but I like how they look and feel and they still offer a little bit of protection for when I’m too lazy to put on sunscreen before cover up and/or in a rush and just want to slap something onto my face. Plus, I kind of feel like if was was to wear a chemical sunscreen the active ingredients wouldn’t degrade as fast because of the meager physical layer of protection on top. 🙂

         As I’ve expressed before, I prefer physical sunscreens but I’m willing to go lax on it every once in awhile for one that offers solid protection compared to most of the american sunscreen junk that doesn’t even filter UVA well,so I was wondering what you thought of this La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen, Water Resistant with SPF 15. I am interested in it because it has Mexoral in it and the active ingredient formulation seems pretty decent. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Anthelios-Daily-Moisturizer-Sunscreen-Resistant/dp/B000R9A56I

         How do you like La Roche Posay sunscreens in general?

         • That sounds like a good CC Cream. It should be pretty hydrating, and even if it can’t provide the same protection as sunscreen, it would definitely help in that regard, too.

           I like the La Roche Posay Anthelios range, too. Like you, I prefer physical sunscreens, but, if you have to go chemical, go with mexoryl. It’s one of the most effective and gentler chemical sunscreen actives, and not so controversial as others.

           • Totally agree! I find it shocking that the FDA hasn’t even approved Mexoral in the majority of sunscreen products, with a few exceptions,of course. Otherwise they would not sell the spf 15 one in the United States. Unfortunately,this is the only product they make that they sell in the U.S. (unless if you’re willing to risk buying a sunscreen off of an unrepeatable site or possibly, seller on Amazon). You’d think they would have approved Mexoral and Tinosorb when they are always warning people to wear sunscreen everyday of the year!? What’s the FDA’s problem? Honestly as important I think protecting your skin is, if they think it’s soo important they should at lest make sure that all sunscreens protect from UVA well and would have approved Mexoral,and the like! Heck, Mexoryl and Tinosorb are far less controversial than PABA, Oxybenzone, and Homosalate (or was is Oxitinxate?)and many other things that are in skincare products formaldehyde releasers and parabens! Like even EWG,as much as their critics say they exaggerate on things, rates Mexoryl with a safety score of 1 (out of 10,10 being the worst)! You are SOOO luck to have good sunscreens where you are.I think the U.S. should pass sunscreen laws like Europe and Japan that will increase UVA protection in sunscreens.Don’t you?;)
             Uh oh! Guess what? I just checked Beautipedia and the majority of La Roche Posay’s products,including sunscreens rated badly. I’m bummed because I had heard they were recommended by dermatologists and I checked their active ingredients and their concentrations and seemed pretty decent but they have for 1.7 oz for $36(?) very little antioxidants but very high concentrations of a harsh alcohol that’s bad for skin (I believe I read somewhere I believe up to 70% alcohol and those aren’t the spray on’s even!). The only sunscreen that got a good rating really from them without criticism (and I think is worth my time and$), other than stars being deducted for being spf 15 instead of 30, is the one I’m interested in,fortunately. I care more about the concentrations and ingredients that serve as UVA filters anyway in the product,anyway, and the formulation looks good. Does it?: Avobenzone 2% (sunscreen) • Ecamsule 2% (sunscreen) • Octocrylene 10% (sunscreen).
             Here’s the link for La Roche Posay on Beautipedia:http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews?N=4294966879&Ntt=la+roche+posay

             Quick question? Do Asian sunscreens use high concentrations of damaging alcohol so I should be wary of ever using on? I heard the often contain alcohol.

             Do you know of any sunscreens that have both Mexoryl and zinc oxide?I think that a sunscreen with both would offer amazing protection.

             Do you think that with the CC cream that I should be concerned of the minerals breaking down the avobenzone or do you think most minerals in CC creams are coated?

             Thx. 😉

             • I totally agree re sunscreen laws in the US. Unfortunately, there, sunscreen agents are considered drugs, and drugs can take up to 15 years to be approved! Both mexoryl and tinosorb are stuck in bureaucracy, which is nonsense, but that’s how it is/.*sighs*

               As for La Roche Posay, I believe we have different formulas here in Europe. But yeah, like all French brands, they barely contain any antioxidants. One of the reasons why I never got the hype about French skincare – so boring! But I like the sunscreens, including the one you mentioned, because of Mexoryl. That protects well, which is the most important thing. And, you can always use an antioxidant serum for anti-aging.

               Yes, most Asian sunscreens contain alcohol. That’s why they’re so lightweight. So, if that worries you, I’d have avoid them, or at least look for one of the few that are alcohol-free.

               I agree on that as well, but I haven’t come across one yet. When I do, I’ll let you know. 🙂

               A lot of minerals these days are coated. But, unless the packaging clearly state so, I would simply reapply it a bit more often.

               • Thanks. Totally agree about using an antioxidant serum. I’ve read that the amount of antioxidants thrown into sunscreens just doesn’t do nearly as good as layering an antioxidant serum underneath. 😉 My concern with the majority of the La Roche Posay sunscreens was that with such high concentrations of alcohol and such low amounts of antioxidants,the antioxidants basically can do nothing to combat the aging affects of a lot of alcohol,so hence are technically going to waste. A big problem because the majority of people who start wearing sunscreen probably don’t wear an antioxidant serum and possibly moisturizer so the damaging sort of alcohol can be a big problem if not combated

                 Even though asian sunscreens contain alcohol,is it very large amount and if so, is it the damaging sort? I’ve heard that there are different sorts in skincare products,and some are not harsh and drying at all. My skin isn’t that sensitive so it can probably tolerate some 🙂

                 • Hannah, that’s true. Personally, I’d put antioxidants everywhere, but when used in sunscreens, which are fairly thick formulas, it can be hard for them to penetrate the skin as they should.

                   I agree re the alcohol. It’s all about how you use it, really. If you know the side effects, and know how to avoid them, alcohol won’t be much of a problem. Asians are obsessed with skincare, so they tend to use lots of anti-aging and hydrating formulas to counteract its effects. But, we in the West aren’t as careful.

                   Alcohol Denat is the kind usually used in sunscreens to thin out the formula. And that’s one of the bad ones. I’ve read scientific studies that claim it’s not as drying and irritating as commonly thought, but when I used astringent toners (those that contain alcohol denat and little else), my skin became drier indeed. As I said, it depends how you use it. If you choose a formula with antioxidants and moisturizing agents, the alcohol won’t damage your skin.

6. I think most Asian skin looks better because they are fanatics about avoiding the sun. Also why people in northern countries have better skin, less sun. Unfortunately for me, I live in the desert. I can’t use Korean skincare because they load it with fragrance and I’m allergic. Now, Japanese skin care interests me. They have a lot of fragrance free products. As for water, I started applying moisturizer while my skin was still wet, to trap the water. Complete game changer, my skin has never looked better, especially my undereyes. Thanks for the reviews!

   • Sherry, I completely agree. They’re obsessed about sun protection and eat a better diet, too. Those things help A LOT more than any skincare product does.

     I think Japanese and Korean skincare have some similarities in common. For example, they both recommend double cleansing and focus on hydration. But I think the Japanese tends to stick to the basics of skincare (ie what skin needs) whereas the Korean are more creative and constantly come up with new gimmicks.

7. Every time I watched Korean dramas, all the Koreans seem to have flawless and plumped up skin! Does it mean that with sufficient hydration we do not need to worry about anti-aging?

   I have other tons of questions if you could help.

   Eye cream- I have dry and matured skin, and I read from your post that eye cream is not necessary. My products are usually in thicker texture because my skin really needs the extra hydration, is it safe to apply thick formula under our eyes? I do have a jar of eye cream, was wondering can I use it as my face cream?

   HA- I have The Ordinary HA 2%, should I use it before or after sheet mask?

   Supplements- What other ways can we take care of our skin health? Does vitamin C and collagen supplements have any impact on our skin?

   Pat or massage- Should we pat or massage our products, and why? (I.e toner, exfoliant, prescription products, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen).

   • Evelyn, I wish! Remember that celebrities and actors need to care for their appearance so they have lots of treatments done. They just don’t tell you about it. Wrinkles and dark spots are mostly caused by sun-induced free radicals and moisture can’t stop them. But it can make those wrinkles LOOK smaller by plumping them up. Also, Koreans are religious with sunscreen. That prevents lots of the damage to begin with! So if you use sunscreen and hydrate well, you’re gonna age more slowly and look younger than someone who doesn’t. But, eventually, you’ll develop wrinkles and dark spots like everyone else.

     As for eye cream, it depends. It’s true that for most people, eye cream isn’t necessary BUT if the skin under your eyes is a different skin type (i.e. less dry) than the skin on the rest of the face, then a separate (and in this case, lighter) eye cream would help. But if you have the same skin type all over, go for it. I wouldn’t use your eye cream as your facial moisturiser just because that’ll run out quickly and you’ll spend too much money buying it again every few weeks.

     You can use TO HA both before or after sheet masks. They’re both hydrating products so in this case, the order doesn’t really matter much.

     You can find my opinion of collagen supplements here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/truth-collagen-drinks-work/

     I’m a patter. I write about the reason here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-products-work-better-pat-rub/

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