Let's talk about glowing skin!

Glow and radiance have become something that many people want to achieve with their skincare routine. Korean skincare focuses a lot on maintaining a healthy and moisturized skin that gives that natural healthy glow from the inside out.

Korean skincare has different concepts & techniques when it comes to glow and we'll go through those below.

• Chock chock - Moisturized, dewy skin that has gained a lot of glow through many layers of moisture
• Glass skin - Healthy, clear and moisturized skin where the texture is reminiscent of mirrored glass
• Gwang - Describes a natural glow that is basically soft, smooth and supple
• Honey skin - Glossy glow reminiscent of the texture and shine of honey
• Water skin - Sometimes also called water glow and refers to a plumped and moisturized skin where the luster gives the impression that the skin is dewy

Korean skin care is very much about moisturizing the skin and you often work with moisture in several layers. 7 skin method is a method often used in the skin care routine that aims to apply thin layers of moisture in several layers, the method is often used in the toner step.

The toner is an important foundation in the Korean routine as the main focus is to provide moisture and balance the skin's pH value and subsequent products can be better absorbed on a moist skin.

How can you moisturize the skin?

The method involves using layering to moisturize the skin. The toner is applied in thin layers that are gently patted into the skin and allowed to slowly sink in before applying a new layer. All skin types need moisture, but as always, it is individual with what you prefer and what works best for your particular skin and your needs.

In addition to using the 7 skin method technique, you can use a moisture mist and mist between your steps. Adding a mist to your routine is often a good complement and easy to take with you in your bag to replenish the moisture levels in the skin even during the day. A mist that is a big favorite is Hyggees All in one mist which is mildly formulated with birch sap and hyaluronic acid that helps to moisturize and contribute to the glow of the skin. Perfect to mist even over make up for more glow.

Sheet mask is also a complement in the Korean skin care routine that has become a popular step by many around the world for that little extra booster in the skin. Sheetmask or sheet mask is a disposable face mask. The sheet is soaked in an essence where the purpose is often to provide quick moisturization to the skin or work on various skin conditions such as soothing.

A sheet mask that works both moisturizing and soothing is Comfort me barrier hole mask from Make P: rem.

In addition to the importance of working with moisture in your routine to create the natural luster, it is important to prepare and prep the skin. By using a gentle exfoliation adapted to your skin type and skin condition about 1-2 times a week, you help to increase the skin's cell renewal and also contribute to better absorption of subsequent products.

Exfoliation aims to remove dead skin cells and comes in many different forms such as mechanical scrubs, enzymes or acids of different molecular sizes. Below we list some common examples of exfoliation.

• Mechanical scrub - Usually consists of a sugar base that aims to exfoliate the skin using grains and is often recommended for tougher skin
• Enzymes - Often found in a powder form that when in contact with water forms a lathering foam. The enzymes work by dissolving the bonds so that the dead skin cells are gently removed from the outermost layer of the skin. Exfoliation is often suitable for more reactive skin.
• Acids - Is a chemical exfoliation that starts a chemical process in the skin to stimulate cell renewal. Acids come in different forms that, depending on their molecular size, work at different depths in the skin. Smaller molecular = more powerful, while larger molecular = gentler
• AHA acids (Alpha hydroxy acids) - Is a water-soluble acid that goes by different names.
• BHA acids (Beta hydroxy acids) - Is an oil-soluble acid that also goes by different names.

• PHA acid (Poly hydroxy acid) - One of the mildest acids that works more superficially. The acid has moisture-binding properties and is often better suited for a slightly more sensitive skin. One of the most common PHA acids is Lactobionic acid
• LHA acid (Lipo hydroxy acid) - Is like the BHA acid an oil-soluble acid, which makes it good at working to balance sebum production, the difference is that it has larger molecules and works more superficially, which reduces the risk of irritation and thus suits a slightly more sensitive skin better.

If you want to read more about the differences between the acids where we also go into the subcategories of AHA and BHA, you can check out our previous posts

What is the difference between AHA&BHA acid? and the post Acid school

Working with the right customized exfoliation for your skin's needs in the skin care routine is one of the 10 steps in the Korean skin care routine, which helps to remove the dead skin cells and the dull / dull skin we may experience at times and thus get more radiance in the skin.

Some important pillars to achieve glow in the skin care routine are: Double cleansing - exfoliation - moisturize the skin preferably in several layers - use antioxidants or luminous ingredients and protect the skin in the form of Spf!

Find your brightening ingredient

• Propolis - Gives a luminous dewy finish, tips to also apply as a highlighter on the cheekbones or mix with your cc or bb cream for extra glow
• Vitamin C - Is an antioxidant that works smoothing and brightening
• Niacinamide - In addition to the balancing effect, this star ingredient also contributes to the luminous effect on the skin
• Rice extract - Traditional Korean ingredient with brightening effects
• Ginseng- Energizing antioxidant with circulation-enhancing properties for radiance
• Kombucha - Fermented ingredient that is rich in b vitamins and contributes to moisturizing & glow
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Licorice Root) - Smoothing and brightening antioxidant
• Honey - Nourishing, moisturizing and brightening

We are happy to help you find the perfect luminous products for your skin and your needs via email, dm, chat or instagram <3