Korean culture, cuisine, and music have taken the world by storm. But what the country is also famous for are its skincare products. The idea of a ‘glass skin' - skin that is poreless, translucent, and free of acne and blemishes - is popular among Koreans, and the wish to have the same has traversed beyond the country's borders, even in India. In conversation with Only My Health, Dr Vibhuti Dhaundiyal, an aesthetic physician, RV LUXE Clinic, Noida, said, “The wellness and personal care industry is exponentially rising in India, and the latest addition is Korean skincare. With its innovative ingredients, multi-step routine approach, and a preventive mindset, the approach is gaining momentum even in Indian markets.”
But taking the conversation a step further, she discusses whether Korean skincare products and routines are suitable for everyone?
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The Hype Around Korean Skincare
“Korean skincare products often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and botanical extracts that provide intense moisture to the skin, resulting in a plump and glowing complexion. Korean beauty brands often introduce novel ingredients, such as snail mucin, bee venom, and plant extracts, which are believed to offer unique benefits like improved elasticity, brightening, and soothing properties,” said Dr Dhaundiyal.
However, as an aesthetic physician, she notes that skincare is an extremely personalised process, so what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Same goes for Korean skincare.
Indian Versus Korean Skin Type
Korean skin is not as prone to pigmentation concerns. This explains why Korean skincare products primarily focus on providing hydration, the doctor added.
According to Dr Dhaundiyal, Indian skin falls within the Type III to VI range on the Fitzpatrick scale, and therefore, is more susceptible to tanning and less prone to sunburn. She added that it is also prone to pigmentation issues.
For Indian skin, hydration alone is not sufficient. “Therefore, Indian skincare needs to combine hydration with targeted treatments to effectively tackle pigmentation concerns unique to this skin type,” Dr Dhaundiyal emphasised.
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Is Korean Skincare Suitable For Indian Skin Type?
As mentioned above, skincare is personalised and what works for one person does not work for another. As far as Korean skincare goes, it may or may not work on Indian skin types.
According to Dr Dhaundiyal, Korea and India have different climates and environmental conditions. Korean skin tends to be more resilient and adaptable to the cold and dry weather that is prevalent in Korea, hence Korean skincare products are primarily designed to meet the standards of Korean skin. India, in comparison, has a hotter climate with high levels of humidity, and various levels of air pollution. Such factors may have a substantial impact on how the skin reacts to various formulations and skincare components. As a result, several Korean skincare solutions might not adequately address the issues and conditions that Indian people frequently experience, the doctor explained.
In conclusion, the doctor shared that Korean skincare with its multi-step processes, emphasises hydration, protection, and nourishment. Although the 10-step method is popular, it is critical to avoid over-layering to minimise clogging of pores and breakouts, she added. Hence, it is important to tailor and personalise your skincare regimen based on your specific needs.