The desire for beautiful, flawless skin is something most people, if not all women, crave. Exfoliating is an essential routine that helps immensely with this. But how do you know what to choose? How do you decide amongst the hundreds of beauty products on the market? Continue reading as we delve into exfoliation and its importance, K-Beauty, and the best Korean exfoliators out there. Let start!
In addition to being the largest organ on your body, your skin is a telltale sign of your health and lifestyle. While we do what we can for our bodies, our skin complexion might not always align with our efforts. This is where the massive and incredible design that is the beauty industry takes center stage. Through the brilliance of men and women and their innovative efforts to produce quality skin care products, we now have the ability to purchase products for just about any skin concern a person may have.
These range from dryness, dull appearance, acne, redness, wrinkles, fine lines and more. This is where one step can make a huge difference in all of these concerns and the general health of your skin, exfoliation. Exfoliating is a method that has been practiced for centuries on the face and body. This is especially true of Korean culture where beauty and self-care is an essential part of a person’s hygiene.
In fact, in K-Beauty, exfoliation is one of many important yet unique skin routine steps. Oh, did I mention its ten? We’ll get to that in a little bit! Regardless, Korean Beauty is an all encompassing skin culture that possesses an artistic philosophy regarding skin care and overall health. Therefore, exfoliation is a major part of that.
Exfoliation – What Is It?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This can be done manually/physically or chemically. Dead skin cells are shed through your every-day, normal activities. In addition, the skin renews itself around every thirty days so there are resulting dead skin cells from that as well.
The replacing of these dead skin cells is the naturally occurring cycle that happens in everyone regardless of your skin type. However, as you age, this process does slow down. This is where exfoliation on a regular, consistent basis can serve as a protection for our skin, in addition to promoting a glowing, healthy complexion!
Why Should I Exfoliate?
It’s important to exfoliate because of what an excess of dead skin cell build-up can do to your skin. Failure to remove dead skin cells can result in a dull and rough appearance. Highly textured skin and large pores are also implications of a lack of exfoliation.
Also, if your skin type is oily and you are prone to acne, not exfoliating can result in the excess dead skin cells clogging your pores and creating breakouts that can be painful and unsightly.
Chemical vs Physical
The difference between a chemical exfoliant and a physical or manual exfoliant is in the method that the dead skin cells are removed from the skin’s surface. A chemical exfoliant will remove the dead cells by dissolving the cells while a physical exfoliant will literally scrub or rub away the dead skin cells.
Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and that is selective for every individual no matter their origin and every skin type, ranging from sensitive skin, acne prone skin, oily skin, to dry skin, aged skin, and combination skin. The goal is and will always be to remove the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface safely without harming or modifying the skin in a negative way.
K-Beauty: Beauty in Each Step
Exfoliation is a key step in a K-Beauty skin routine but this regime goes past the surface, pun intended! It is important to note that every culture, even Western, American, specifically, have their own standards in regards to beauty. What we consider beautiful is not something that was simply thought of yesterday. Instead, it is an image that we have conceptualized since we began to take in information. It is based on history, tradition, trends, individuals in popular culture, and more.
The same can be said of Korean beauty culture.
Korean Beauty, essentially, is the collection of Korean based products for optimum skin health and the philosophical concepts behind Korean beauty.
K-Beauty Concepts
A Korean Beauty routine can consist of ten distinct steps:
- Oil-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Toner
- Essence (a high concentration of highly concentrated fermented ingredients)
- Treatments
- Sheet Masks
- Eye Cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Though this seems like an insane amount of skincare steps, it is not mandatory to do each step. However, each of these steps plays an important role in obtaining and maintaining healthy skin. Customization and understanding your personal, unique journey to attaining healthy skin is the hallmark of this beauty culture.
You may have noticed, while this is an extensive skin care routine, a lot of Korean women wear little to no makeup. This is based in the Confucian belief system of being modest and unadorned in appearance. By choosing to create and perfect your own routine based off of these ten steps you can gain a clear, glowing complexion needing little to no make-up as well!
Choosing a Korean Exfoliator
Korean exfoliators are a beautiful combination of innovation, science, nature, and artistry. The biggest benefit of Korean exfoliators is its vast ability to cater to all skin types. There is a great and immense availability of both physical and chemical exfoliants as well as various methods of application.
When choosing a good exfoliator, you want to take into consideration your skin type and concerns.
Oily Skin
This is the result of excess sebum being created by the skin. This renders a shiny or greasy look and can encourage acne. Skin types such as these will do well with an above average strength in chemical exfoliators and/or mechanical exfoliation. Being on the lookout for exfoliators that promote the clarity and tightening of pores would be a good move as well.
Dry Skin
What this skin type is in need of is hydration and retained moisture. Out of all the skin-types, dry skin probably benefits the most from this practice. Very gentle to no physical manipulation is advised for this skin type.
A mild chemical exfoliator containing ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acid will do well for the skin. Night creams and moisturizers with exfoliating properties would be a great addition to your skin routine.
Combination Skin
The combination skin type is when both oily and dry skin are present on the skin. A lot of the time, skin will be dry on cheeks and oily in the T-Zone. Combating this is a little complex because in addition to providing hydration to the dry parts of your skin you must also balance sebum production in others.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Betaine Salicylate or BHA are great for this skin type as they help the skin retain moisture while also encouraging a balance in sebum production. Exfoliating ingredients in cleansers and toners can greatly advance your skin health.
Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin is likened to oily skin a lot of the time. Since oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum, there is a higher chance of acne and breakouts coming about because of this.
Once again, individuals with this type of skin type will want to look at AHAs and BHAs and avoid physical or manual exfoliation. You wouldn’t want to scrub or rub too hard and hurt or even pop a breakout! Chemical exfoliators in either liquid or gel form are fantastic for this skin.
Sensitive Skin
Now, we have sensitive skin. This type of skin must be treated and handled carefully and gently. Not only do we have people that are sensitive to chemical manipulation but also physical. Too much pressure and you could harm your skin and aggravate it. Also, too harsh of a chemical exfoliator and you could even have an adverse reaction.
When on the search for an exfoliator, be on the lookout for Poly Hydroxy Acid and Lactic Acid. An effective, yet mild exfoliant that is suitable for many sensitive skin types.
Normal Skin
If you have been fortunate to have normal skin then you will be happy to know that either a physical or chemical exfoliation will work for your skin type. Be sure to assess your skin to see if perhaps it takes better to one over the other.
The 6 Best Korean Exfoliators
Now that we have a little idea of why we exfoliate, what to look for in exfoliation products, and its importance in Korean self-care, let’s take a look at the best Korean exfoliators on the market. Here they are!
1. NEOGEN DERMALOGY Bio Peel+ Gauze Peeling Pads
First on our list is an exfoliant that is both a chemical and physical exfoliant. This is due to its unique and easy to use design.
These exfoliating pads are composed of three layers, the first being 100% cotton that removes, dirt, impurities and dead skin cells. The second layer is a cushion pad which fits to the skin as you apply the pad to your face and lastly the third layer. An embossed pad that is filled with the active ingredients needed to dissolve those dead skin cells and nourish the skin.
These peeling pads, specifically, contain resveratrol, a hero antioxidant found wine extract. This helps with anti-aging as well as removing excess oil from the skin and skin impurities.
This could be the best Korean exfoliator for normal skin, however, this product also has other varieties to tackle various skin concerns while still effectively exfoliating the skin!
2. SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
Ideal for dry skin, this physical exfoliator is great for the old school sugar scrub feeling. I don’t know about you, but the first scrub I ever put on my face was a sugar scrub and I definitely remember not knowing anything about exfoliation!
This rich exfoliator acts as a hydrator as well. Black sugar granules are actually stock full of essential nutrients for the skin that restore moisture to the skin. These include minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.
The black sugar used for this product is grown organically so you can be sure of the quality of product. Probably one of the best and most popular Korean physical exfoliators, this is definitely a product that would do well on your skin.
3. dear, Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Mask
This is more than an exfoliant, it is a three in one wonder product that is truly great for the skin. This product can be used as a physical exfoliator, cleanser, and mask. The small sugar granules found in this product are finer than the black sugar mentioned earlier. This aids in gentle physical exfoliation while fruit extracts from grapefruit and kaolin clay soften the skin texture. The kaolin provides the benefit of a clay mask within an exfoliator.
The best Korean exfoliator for dry skin and great for sensitive skin too! This product also contains raspberry and jojoba oil to moisturize the skin and even calamine to soothe it.
Use this product whenever your skin is looking dull to add moisture, softness, and smoothness to your skin while ridding your complexion of dead skin cells.
4. Benton PHA Peeling Gel
Another physical and chemical exfoliant designed for sensitive skin, this peeling gel is amazing at effectively removing dead skin cells from your skin while keeping your skin in a balanced comfortable state with little to no irritation. This product contains Poly Hydroxy Acid, an ingredient mentioned earlier great for sensitive skin.
This physical/chemical combo is due to the PHA melting the dead skin cells from the service and the naturally derived cellulose that clumps together and absorbs the dead skin cells and impurities.
An exfoliating technique that I have used before, it was also so cool to see the little small bits of rolled up dead skin fall from my face and the softness that came after was no joke!
While this might not be the best exfoliator for sensitive skin, it is most definitely high on the list.
5. TONYMOLY Floria Brightening Peeling Gel
This chemical exfoliator is another peeling gel from one of the most well known and best Korean beauty brands, TONYMOLY. If you aren’t familiar with them, they are the masters of the sheet mask game. This product specifically exfoliates the skin via natural plant and fruit extracts.
Definitely sticking to including the best nature-inspired and oftentimes rarely heard about ingredients popular in Korean beauty, this product holds true to it. Korea plum extract improves skin elasticity while moisturizing with vitamins to help stimulate blood circulation in the skin. The addition of pearl powder is used to act as a natural antioxidant to promote healthy skin.
The best exfoliators can remove dead skin while also imparting nourishing and healthy properties into the skin whilst doing so. This gel does this and then some making it one of the best exfoliators on the market today.
6. COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid
Countless reviews and testimonials make this product out to be the best Korean exfoliator for acne prone skin. Remember, when we talked about finding an exfoliator that would encourage the tightening of pores and clearing them? Well, here is a perfect example!
Containing 0.1% of Betaine Salicylate and 88% Willowbark water this exfoliator is ideal for individuals with oily and acne prone skin. It tightens enlarged pores with tannin, clears pores, and calms down the temperature of the skin. It’s obvious to see that this product was made with nature and balance in mind.
So What Do We Choose?
After going through this list you might be ready to fill your online shopping cart up with the best Korean products you can get your hands on. Or perhaps you’re even more confused than before!
We’ve assessed skin types, looked at why we should be exfoliating and what can happen to the skin without it, and looked at the top Korean exfoliators for you to give a try. So let’s make this a little easy.
Out of this list, I would say the best Korean exfoliator are the NEOGEN DERMALOGY Bio Peel+ Gauze Peeling Pads. The reason for this is because of their ease of use and the different selections you have of pads for going up against certain skin concerns. These pads work on literally all skin types and are a super easy addition to add to your beauty routine whether it is ten steps or three.
For me, my version of Korean exfoliation lies in my Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser. I am in love with this cleanser because of its ability to exfoliate my skin while not leaving it tight or dry. I use it no more than two times a week.
My skin is usually oily, however, as the seasons change I can get dry patches if I am not using the right products that are the best for my skin. I have found that by using this cleanser I am left with smooth skin, my enlarged pores are much smaller, and my old acne scars have lightened.
In Summary
Just like the culture of Korean beauty places an emphasis on finding and understanding what works for your skin tone, it will be a while until you find skincare products and methods that are the absolute best for your skin. It’ll take time, lots of tries, and patience.
The best Korean exfoliators are just another step in the lengthy process to obtain that glowy, luminous, glass-like skin that is so coveted. Be sure to be good to your skin as you make your journey to a flawless complexion and the ultimate self-care!
