12 Korean Beauty Hacks For Flawless Skin

Barley tea is about to become your new best friend

 source:redbookmag.com

I must admit, being Korean, and working in the beauty industry, the pressure is multiplied to have impeccable skin. I was definitely groomed from birth by my mother, aunts and countless maternal figures on how to eat, wash, and care for my skin. It's just part of Korean beauty culture, which isn't about products at its core, but about skin-preserving methods and techniques. But on the days I need a quick fix, here are nine of my go-to hacks that'll transform your skin from blah to amazing, any day.

1. Give your face a steam massage in the shower. Skin clinics are down every block in South Korea, where you can get a facial massage as easy as a budget manicure. I recommend not only using circular motions with your fingers, but also tapping in rotating motions—starting on the forehead, then the cheekbones, cheeks, and working down to the jawbone. Massaging increases circulation and creates a dewy complexion. For added benefit use an oil cleanser to maximize hydration.

2. Use a charcoal sheet face mask. Buying sheet masks are as common as getting Kleenex in South Korea. And all the rage ingredient? Charcoal. It detoxes and exfoliates your skin, and all you have to do is let the sheet sit on your face for 15-20 minutes while you relax. I like this one from Dr. Jart.

3. Exfoliate with a washcloth soaked in hot water. My aunt is 70 and has no wrinkles. Her secret? She uses a nubby washcloth to massage her face every day, using upward moving, circular strokes.

Alisha Prakash

4. Apply a facial essence between two layers of moisturizer. Many modern Korean women feel that essences are the key to sealing in all the goodies of your daily cleansing. Essences are mild, skin nutrient filled solutions (not toners) that hydrate your skin and are applied after cleansing (here's one of my new favorite ones by Mizon). The next step is to add a serum, and then you can add your moisturizer for maximum skin elasticity and hydration.