My K-beauty products for anti-aging
Over the years, I’ve tried everything under the sun when it comes to skincare: luxury creams, budget-friendly options, and serums galore. I was always searching for that miracle product to make my skin better.
I don’t even want to think about how much money I poured into this quest. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
I’ve used Shiseido, Clarins, and even Chanel skincare. While they smell divine and come in gorgeous packaging, they did not do much for my skin.
My skin isn’t overly problematic, but it’s far from perfect. It’s slightly oily with fine lines and melasma (thanks to pregnancy). Many creams were too rich for me, and new pimples would appear almost instantly. I lost count of how many products I had to abandon.
Then, about 8 years ago, my sister introduced me to Korean skincare, and everything changed. After trying a few creams, toners, and serums, I realized I’d been overpaying for subpar results.
The products are packed with clean, gentle ingredients and no heavy fragrances. From the moment I made the switch, I never looked back.
Now, I swear by brands like Cosrx or Klairs.
Overview of my skin
My skin is far from perfect. It is very sensitive and prone to blemishes. If I put on a cream that is thicker, with oils and perfumes, I always wake up with a couple of blemishes.
I am now in my forties, so I also worry about fine lines and dark spots.
But overall, my skin is nice, I’ve never had acne or any serious problems with it. It is still nice and plump.
Current skincare routine
The biggest improvement in my skin came when I introduced tretinoin.
Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin texture and elasticity.
It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use over time to avoid any potential irritation or sensitivity. It’s also important to always use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
At first, I started slowly, using it once a week mixed with my moisturizer. It took about a year for my skin to fully adapt, but the results were worth it:
- Improved skin tone
- Fresher, smoother complexion
Now, I use tretinoin every 2–3 days for maintenance, depending on how my skin feels. I never go more than a week without it. If you’re prone to blemishes like me, I highly recommend giving tretinoin a try, but be patient and introduce it gradually to avoid irritation.
My Morning Skincare Routine
My morning skincare routine focuses on hydration and prepping my skin for the day. Here are some of my favorite K-beauty products for anti-aging:
- Cleanse: I wash my face with water to keep it gentle.
- Tone & Hydrate:
- 1 layer of Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
- 1 layer of Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
- 1 layer of Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
- Finish with Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence
- Moisturize: I finish with Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream, my go-to moisturizer for over five years. It’s lightweight yet hydrating. And I end with my go-to sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50
This might sound like a lot, but I adjust based on the season:
- In summer, I keep it simple with just one toner layer.
- In winter, I layer everything for extra hydration.
I streamline my routine when traveling by packing just one hydrating toner or essence. Occasionally, I add serums like propolis or Centella calming serum.
My Evening Skincare Routine
My evening skincare routine is similar to my morning one but focuses more on cleansing and repair.
I always double cleanse in the evening to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities:
- Oil-Based Cleanser: I use Haru Haru Cleansing Oil, which effectively dissolves makeup and excess oil without irritating my skin.
- Second Cleanser: For the second step, I use the La Roche-Posay Gentle Cleanser to ensure my skin is clean and balanced.
I didn’t always know about double cleansing. In my teens and twenties, I’d often go to bed without properly removing makeup, which caused most of my blemishes.
Once I started double cleansing, my skin improved dramatically, it’s a game-changer for anyone prone to breakouts.
After cleansing, I focus on treating and hydrating my skin:
- Tretinoin: 1-2 times a week, I apply tretinoin as the first layer. It’s been a crucial part of keeping my skin smooth and clear.
- Moisturizer:
- On most nights, I use the Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream from my morning routine.
- If my skin feels particularly dry, I switch to Cosrx Ceramide Cream. I also add a couple of drops of Castor oil or Almond oil.
- Extras (as needed): If my skin feels dehydrated, I’ll add an essence or toner before moisturizing. I also love Klair hydrating serum, as well as the Cosrx ones.
My skincare tips
There are a couple of tips I learned over the years after numerous mistakes and wasted money:
Do not over-exfoliate your skin
Over-exfoliating your skin can do more harm than good, leading to irritation, redness, and even a damaged skin barrier.
While exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy glow, too much can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and sensitive.
I realized over the years, that if I use too many strong products, I end up with blemishes and irritated skin. This especially happens with glycolic acid products.
For best results, limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week, depending on your skin type, and use gentle products.
Also avoid using tretinoin one day, and then acids the next day. Give your skin some time to recover, before introducing another exfoliant.
On YouTube, many people claimed they were using acids and tretinoin daily. This may well be, but I do not think that is for everyone.
Depending on your skin, you may only be able to use glycolic acid or tretinoin once a week, or even once a month.
If you notice that your skin is red, burning, or itching, stop immediately. And then try again once your skin recovers.
For instance, I am unable to use glycolic acid. Every time I tried using it, I ended up with painful pimples. So I gave up. Tretinoin is enough for me and I sometimes use Azeleic Acid.
Enjoy your skincare routine
These 5 minutes are just for you, to enjoy some “me” time, massage your skin, and relax.
Skincare should be something you look forward to, not a chore. Take a moment to relax and enjoy each step, whether it’s cleansing, applying serums, or moisturizing.
I really enjoy my evening skincare routine. I put on my red light mask, then apply serums and creams and finish with a sheet mask before bed.
It’s not just about taking care of your skin, it’s a simple act of self-care that helps you feel good. Choose products you love and make your routine a time to unwind and focus on yourself.
Consistency is the key
As with any habit, consistency is important when trying to improve your skin. I do this routine every single day, even when I am not well, or when I travel.
I never go to bed with makeup or an unwashed face.
So you need to always do at least basic things for your skin. For me, that is washing my face and putting on a face cream.
That is the least I do when I am ill, or too tired to think about anything else.
Pay attention to ingredients, not the price or brand
I used to pay a lot for Shiseido or Clarins creams, but I quickly realized that the brand is not important. What matters is what is inside the bottle.
I now prefer to use simple skincare with clean ingredients.
Amazingly, once you start paying attention to ingredients, you both save money, and you improve your skin.
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