As the summer sun graces us with its presence, it’s time to revamp our skincare routines to ensure our skin remains radiant, protected, and hydrated. Korean skincare, renowned for its innovative and effective ingredients, offers a treasure trove of solutions perfect for the summer months.
Indeed, Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm in recent years. Known for its innovation and effectiveness, Korean cosmetics are now a staple in many people’s skincare routines. But what sets Korean skincare apart from its Western counterparts?
The Korean approach to beauty is deeply rooted in a philosophy of prevention and gentle care. Unlike the Western focus on treating skin issues as they arise, Korean skincare emphasises maintaining healthy skin through a consistent and multi-step routine. This often includes double cleansing, toning, essence, serums, moisturisers, and sun protection. The goal is to nourish and protect the skin, preventing problems before they start.
In contrast, Western skincare products are often thought to contain harsher, more acidic ingredients aimed at quickly addressing skin issues like acne, pigmentation, and signs of ageing. While effective, these ingredients can sometimes be too aggressive, leading to irritation and sensitivity, especially for those with delicate skin.
Here are the must-have Korean skincare ingredients to keep your skin glowing and healthy this season, along with some must-try products and what they do.
Snail Mucin: Ideal For Tightening & Smoothing
Snail mucin might sound unconventional, but it’s a powerhouse ingredient in Korean skincare. This slimy secretion is packed with nutrients like hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. These components work together to tighten and smooth the skin, making it an ideal addition to your summer skincare arsenal.
Thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the snail mucin, it has moisturising properties that help lock in moisture too. Not only does it replenish and revitalise dry damaged skin, it also helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making it ideal for maturing skin.
Whether you’re dealing with fine lines or seeking a smoother complexion, snail mucin is your go-to.
Must-Try Product: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- What It Does: This essence contains 96% snail secretion filtrate, which helps to repair and rejuvenate the skin. It provides intense hydration, improves skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Double Sunscreen: Ideal For Ultimate Sun Protection
When it comes to sun protection in Korea, it’s all about the double SPF trend. Korean skincare offers both chemical and mineral sunscreens that cater to different skin needs. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, converting them into heat and releasing them from the skin, while mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays.
Both types are essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Additionally, many Korean sunscreens have mattifying properties, perfect for keeping your skin shine-free during those hot summer days.
Must-Try Products:
Chemical Sunscreen: Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45/PA+++
What It Does: This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight, essence-like texture ensures it spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It also contains hydrating ingredients to keep the skin moisturised and comfortable throughout the day.
Mineral Sunscreen: Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+/PA+++
What It Does: This mineral sunscreen provides high-level sun protection with a non-greasy, matte finish. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and acai berry to soothe and protect the skin. The lightweight formula is perfect for sensitive skin and helps to control excess oil, making it ideal for hot summer days.
Centella Asiatica: Ideal For Soothing Heat Wave-Driven & Hay Fever Flare-Ups
Centella Asiatica, also known as Cica or Tiger Grass, is a miracle worker for sensitive skin, especially during the summer heat waves. This herb is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it ideal for calming hay fever flare-ups and reducing redness. Incorporate Centella Asiatica into your routine to keep your skin calm and collected, no matter how high the temperatures soar.
Must-Try Product: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream
What It Does: This cream is formulated with Centella Asiatica to soothe and repair irritated skin. It helps to reduce redness and inflammation, making it perfect for sensitive skin prone to flare-ups. The cream also strengthens the skin’s barrier, providing long-lasting hydration and protection against environmental stressors.
Rice Water: Ideal For Banishing Pigmentation & Blemishes
Rice water has been a staple in Asian beauty regimes for centuries, and for good reason. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, rice water is excellent for brightening the skin, reducing pigmentation, and tackling blemishes. It’s also a fantastic ingredient for scalp care, promoting healthy hair growth and soothing an irritated scalp too. This summer, let rice water be your secret weapon for a clear and even complexion.
Must-Try Product: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
What It Does: This cleansing oil effectively removes makeup and impurities while brightening the skin. Enriched with rice water, it helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. The lightweight formula leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated without any greasy residue.
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Egg White: Ideal For Restoring & Hydrating Your Complexion
Egg white is another traditional ingredient that has stood the test of time. Known for its ability to tighten pores and restore the skin’s natural complexion, egg white is perfect for those looking to achieve a hydrated and refreshed look. Its high protein content helps to nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Incorporate egg white masks into your routine for a quick and effective skin pick-me-up.
Must-Try Product: Skinfood Egg White Pore Mask
What It Does: This mask is formulated with egg white extract to deeply cleanse and tighten pores. It helps to control excess oil and remove impurities, leaving the skin looking smooth and refined. The mask also provides hydration, ensuring the skin feels soft and refreshed after use.
Mugwort: Ideal For Strengthening Your Skin’s Barrier
Mugwort, a lesser-known but highly effective ingredient, is fantastic for fortifying the skin’s barrier. This herb is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for protecting the skin from environmental stressors and keeping it healthy. Mugwort helps to maintain the skin’s moisture balance, relieving itchiness and ensuring your skin stays hydrated and resilient throughout the summer.
Must-Try Product: I’m From Mugwort Essence
What It Does: This essence is made with 100% mugwort extract to soothe and protect the skin. It helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, providing long-lasting hydration and resilience against environmental damage. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling calm and refreshed.
Propolis: Ideal For Calming Sensitivities & Shielding From Sun Damage
Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by bees, is a gem in the world of skincare. Known for its soothing and protective properties, propolis is perfect for calming sensitive skin and shielding it from sun damage. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits make it a great addition to your summer skincare routine, helping to keep your skin calm, clear, and protected.
Must-Try Product: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
What It Does: This ampoule contains 83% propolis extract to soothe and nourish the skin. It helps to calm irritation and reduce redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration and protection against environmental stressors.
Camellia Oil: Ideal For Reviving Dry & Damaged Hair
Camellia oil, derived from the seeds of the Camellia japonica flower, is a revered ingredient in Korean hair care. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, camellia oil is perfect for reviving dry and damaged hair, especially during the harsh summer months. It deeply nourishes the hair, restores shine, and protects against environmental damage.
Must-Try Product: Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum
What It Does: This hair oil serum is infused with camellia oil to deeply nourish and repair damaged hair. It helps to restore shine and smoothness, making the hair more manageable and less prone to breakage. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, providing long-lasting hydration and protection against environmental stressors.
Green Tea: Ideal For Refreshing & Protecting Your Skin
Green tea is a beloved ingredient in Korean skincare, especially during the summer months. Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps to protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. Its refreshing properties make it a perfect addition to your summer skincare routine.
Must-Try Product: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
What It Does: This serum is formulated with green tea extract and green tea seed oil to provide deep hydration and nourishment. It helps to soothe and protect the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalised. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it perfect for layering under your sunscreen.
Aloe Vera: Ideal For Soothing & Hydrating Sun-Exposed Skin
Aloe vera is a classic ingredient used all over the world for soothing and hydrating the skin, especially after sun exposure. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for calming sunburns and reducing redness.
Must-Try Product: Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
What It Does: This soothing gel contains 92% aloe vera extract to provide intense hydration and relief for sun-exposed skin. It helps to calm irritation, reduce redness, and promote healing. The lightweight, non-sticky formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling cool and refreshed.
The Bottom Line
This summer, embrace the power of Korean skincare ingredients to keep your skin and hair looking their best. From the tightening effects of snail mucin to the protective benefits of propolis and the nourishing properties of camellia oil, these ingredients offer a comprehensive approach to summer beauty.
So, go ahead and update your beauty routine with these Korean gems and enjoy a radiant, healthy complexion and luscious locks all season long.
Now, here’s how to refresh your skincare routine in 7 simple steps, IDEAL for a glowing complexion
