KOREAN WINTER SKINCARE TIPS
Korean Winter Skincare Tips
For the first 21 years of my life, I was the quintessential LA girl. I wore denim shorts from Abercrombie and Fitch and lived in flip-flops year round (except when I was compelled to wear UGGs in 60 Fahrenheit weather).
Then I went to live in Seoul and I was introduced to something called seasons.
I was initially down with it. I finally had a reason to buy mittens (with little finger flaps), a fur-trimmed coat and knee high boots. (It was imperative that I looked cute while frolicking in the foliage).
Then of course, winter came. It was my first real winter, and it was brutal.
People kept telling me, "you'll get used to it." Considering that it is now technically my seventh real winter, I think it’s safe to assume that I don’t think I'll ever (like, ever) get used to bone chilling temperatures. Seoul and New York winters are pretty comparable and result in one or more of the following: 1) a red and drippy nose, 2) dry and patchy skin and 3) chapped/peeling lips. Not a pretty sight.
Looking back at my very first winter, I realize I've come a long way. I once felt like a deer caught in headlights, but now I know what necessary steps it takes to make sure I'm protected from all the environmental elements. When I battle cold bitter winds to skin-cracking heaters, I make swift, ninja-like moves to keep my skin (and lips) looking bouncy and healthy.
If you're tired of looking like a splotchy, flaky mess this season, follow my Korean winter skincare tips below!
Oil cleansers are also moisturizing, which leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Manefit Bling Bling Hydrogel Masks $6 each
When in doubt– mist.
Missha First Treatment Essence Mist $19
Sheet masking is perfect for home when you're Netflix-ing and sipping on a glass of wine but what's a quick and easy way to hydrate when you're out and about? Mists! Mists can be kept in your bag or at your desk for a quick refresher. Remember, when your skin is dehydrated– it contributes to more visible fine lines and wrinkles. Plump up those areas with a dose of hydration and moisture.
End the night with a soothing sleeping pack.
Goodal Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Cream Pack $32
Sleeping packs are kind of the best thing that happened since sliced bread, and an uber popular skincare step in Seoul right now. Sleeping packs not only intensely hydrate your skin (more than your regular ol' night cream) but they also provide noteworthy results: soft, elastic skin with less visible fine lines.
I'm currently obsessed with this sleeping cream pack from Goodal. It has fermented argan oils to intensely hydrate your skin, and I give it major bonus points for its therapeutic lavender aroma.
Mmm... such a soothing way to end the night.
SPF all day, every day.
Missha All-Around Safe Block Sun Milk $17
SPF should be top-of-mind, no matter what season. People tend to get lazy about applying sunscreen in the fall and winter because they think cloudy, rainy or snowy days means UVA/UVB rays don't come out to play. You can still get brown spots (pigmentation) from being outside whether it is in December or July.
xx. charlotte
Do you have any special winter skincare tips? Share below in the comment section!
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