There was a time when the world of skincare for me was dull and felt like a chore; just another step between brushing my teeth and going to bed. A simple face wash and a touch of moisturizer was the limit of my commitment. I didn’t see the beauty in the process or understand the power. To me, skincare was solely functional; something I did to avoid acne ridden skin, not something to be worshiped and enjoyed. But then, I stumbled upon the world of Korean skincare, and suddenly, my routine transformed into a radiant ritual: a moment of self-care and a gateway to glass skin.
My introduction to self-care wasn’t something I simply discovered on my own through TikTok or Instagram—it was something that had been shared with me through rituals. As a child, I would sit cross-legged on the bathroom floor, mesmerized by my aunt’s nightly routine. She would gently pat serums and moisturizers into her beautiful skin, explaining the importance of self-love. Her words weren’t just about beauty—they were about patience, kindness, and the joy of nourishing our skin and mind. I adored these moments, listening and watching intently as she showed me her favorite products, the natural ingredients that soothed and healed, and the ethical choices that should be prioritized in one’s routine. It was through her that I discovered the importance of using that were cruelty-free, non-harmful, and gentle on the skin; values that just so happened to align perfectly with Korean skincare.
I remember the first time I truly started caring about my skin. It wasn’t just about breakouts or dryness; it was about understanding what my skin craved. Korean skincare not only introduced me to an extensive lineup of my new favorite products—it introduced me to the importance of routine and self-care. Unlike today's Western beauty trends, K-beauty emphasized dedication, patience, and protection. It wasn’t about stripping my skin dry with harsh exfoliants but nourishing it, layer by layer anymore but rather with gentle toners, serums, and SPF.
At first, I was a bit skeptical. The trendy 10-step routine seemed excessive, an elaborate money grab. However, curiosity got the best of me, starting small I began double cleansing at night, incorporating hydrating toners, and applying SPF in the morning. Within weeks, my skin never felt so soft, natural glow replaced dullness, and hydration took over dryness. But the most surprising? My relationship with myself evolved.
Skincare became my form of tranquility. The gentle patting of serums, the soothing glide of a gua sha, the tingling sensation of a face mask; it all became an act of love. In a fast-paced world where self-care often feels unattainable, these few minutes each morning and night were my way of meditating. My bathroom was seen as a mini sanctuary, where anxiety melted away with each face wash.
Beyond the personal introspection, K-beauty opened my eyes to the cultural perspective behind it. The Korean approach to beauty isn’t about the quick-fix but about patience. Skin health takes priority over simply covering up our imperfections. This view helped me shift my mindset: rather than obsessing over pimples, acne, and dry spots, I learned to appreciate my skin for what it was; an evolving part of me that deserved nurturing.
Another aspect of K-beauty that deeply aligned with me was its commitment to ethical and skin-friendly formulations. The majority of Korean skincare brands prioritize natura, non-toxic ingredients, unlike many products here in the U.S. that contain harsh chemicals, leading to irritation. Rather than sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, Korean products harness the power of rice water, bean essence, green tea, and snail mucin; ingredients that work with the skin and not against it. Moreover, K-beauty emphasizes cruelty-free testing, ensuring that their products are ethically sourced and practiced. Knowing that these products not only benefit my skin but also align with ethical and sustainable values makes it all the more beautiful.
Some of my favorite brands embody these values wholeheartedly. Mixsoon, for instance, encourages a three-layering skincare routine using pure, organic essences tailored to the skin’s everyday needs. Their commitment to extracting only the essential active ingredients my skin craves, gives me that dewy glow. The Soonjung skincare line from Etude House has also become a staple in my routine. Designed for sensitive skin, it’s free from artificial ingredients and strengthens the skin barrier. Last but definitely not least, Round Labs has impressed me with its dedication to using naturally sourced ingredients like mineral-rich sea water from the East Sea and birch sap from the Taebaek Mountains to deeply hydrate and restore skin health. These brands not only help me achieve a radiant complexion but also gives me peace of mind, knowing that I’m nourishing my skin with the gentlest, most ethical ingredients available.
Of course, all journeys have challenges. At first glance the volume of products and ingredients can be overstimulating. I’ve had my share of trial-and-error moments; a face wash that broke me out, a spot treatment that didn’t live up to the hype. But that’s part of the process. As with anything in life, discovering what works for you takes patience and an openness to learning.
The biggest takeaway from my Korean skincare journey is simply that: beauty is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. Skincare isn’t just about achieving glass skin; it’s about creating a routine that makes you feel good. For me, that means embracing the failures, being kinder to myself, and understanding that skincare is a journey, not a destination.
Now, as I step out into the refreshing morning air, I feel the sun gently warming my skin. I can almost feel the layer of SPF gently protecting my skin, keeping me hydrated and soft. The glow I once thought was unattainable now shines effortlessly in the sunlight, and I walk to class with confidence. The air feels fresh and my skin feels alive, luminous, and clear.
As I massage my oil cleanser into my skin, I reflect, knowing that this isn’t just about skin care anymore. It’s about self-care, self-love, and taking the time to be kind to myself; one step at a time.
Written by Yuhki Saleff
I think this is a great way to reframe your perspective on skincare. I've felt a similar way about makeup, where instead of doing it in order to look "presentable," I've been using it to express myself and try out fun new looks. Companies often try to make once innocent things like cleaning yourself into a pressure-filled industry, and I love that you're reclaiming it for yourself.
I liked reading your perspective on this because I honestly thought of it as another unnecessary trend. I'm seeing now that it's also about self-care and self-love and how those can manifest in different ways for people. I love your point that everyone's skin needs different things. Just the other day, I saw someone on Instagram saying she only uses honey and beef tallow for her skin, and it works for her. The difference between her routine vs. yours shows a lot about the diversity in skincare culture, and I find it so interesting to hear these different sides.
I love learning about skincare because I struggle with rosacea and acne. I have not yet explored the world of Korean skincare, although I have heard it is amazing. I am currently resisting the urge to search up the recommendations you've included in your blog. Since I know I don't need them because I have found a skincare rountine that satsifies my skins needs. It's beautiful that you find such comfort and joy in skincare. Your story is niche, sweet, and inspiring. - Abigail Hamrah
Your sensory details, like “the soothing glide of a gua sha” and “the layer of SPF gently protecting my skin,” make the reader feel present in your routine, almost as if they, too, are experiencing the transformation. I loved this topic and you did a great job!!