By Kathie FitzPatrick

Why do Korean women have such beautiful skin?

The process of achieving beautiful skin, and high doing quality skin care, is both a good healthy lifestyle and a good skin care routine.

The Korean Skin Care Regimen begins with 10 steps. Not each one needs to be done every day, for example, a good mask only needs to be done once or twice a week.

The Korean Skin Care Routine

1. First Wash With an Oil Cleanser

The first step in Korean skin care is to cleanse your face with a quality oil-based cleanser. Oil cleansers, also sometimes called cleansing oils, are premier at gently removing makeup, old moisturizer, sunscreen, or any other products still lingering to create a clean plane on the skin.

Handy tip: It’s better not to wet your hands or face before lathering on an oil cleanser. If your face is wet, the oil won’t be able to cleanse your skin adequately.  Cleanse with a warm cloth.

Click here to buy oil cleanser on Amazon

2. Next, Use a Foaming Cleanser

Now that you’ve cleaned all the products off your skin with an oil cleanser, you’re ready to cleanse your face with a gentle, foaming cleanser. This process will actually clean all the impurities and sweat from your pores. That’s why double cleansing is so critical for the best results.

Click here to find the Korean foaming cleanser on Amazon:

3. Exfoliate

Of course, the exfoliating process is not required daily. You only need to exfoliate once or twice per week, depending on your skin type. If your skin tends to be on the dry side, once a week is plenty. If you have an oily skin type, exfoliating 2 or 3 times a week is ideal.

Click here to find a favorite Korean skin exfoliator here:

4. Next, Apply a Toner

The Korean skin care routine advises patting on a toner. Think of a toner as base coat for everything else. It will help balance your skin’s pH level and prepare your skin for the application of other products.

Click here to find Korean skin toner on Amazon:

5. Apply Some Essence – An Important Step

Essence is a product element at the heart of Korean skin care. It’s similar to a toner, but it has a higher concentration of important active ingredient, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that are meant to penetrate more deeply into your skin for best results.

With essence, Instead of soaking a cotton ball or tissue with the product and then applying it to your skin, you simply pat, not massage, essence into your face with your hands.

Simply put, essence helps brighten up your skin and gives a  wonderful radiance. It does this by adding hydration to your skin and helping younger brighter skin cells show through.

Click here to find Korean “essence” on Amazon:

6. Use The Serum That’s Best for You

Serums tend to have more active ingredients than most of the other products in a Korean skin care routine. That’s why it’s important to choose a serum that’s right for your skin!

If you want to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, look for a serum with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and plenty of vitamins. And if you’re serious about your wrinkle-fighting regiment, wear recommended SiO beauty patches overnight to get real results. SiO Beauty patches are clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth in as little as one night!

Click here to find Korean skin serum on Amazon:

The Facial Mask is Essential

Let’s talk about how important facial masks are. It’s no secret that masking is a great way to reduce redness, fight acne, boost plumping and hydration while treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Typically, a Korean skin care routine calls for sheet masks packed with various vitamins and minerals. But there are other types of Korean face masks you can try too. We encourage experimentation!

See the variety available here on Amazon, from clay masks to vitamin sheet masks, there are many to choose from.

Find the mask that provides the best results for your unique skin type. Masking once or twice per week is recommended for more radiant skin.

Click here to find a Korean skin care mask on Amazon:

8. Be sure to Moisturize

Moisturizing is a step that can’t be skipped in the Korean skin care routine. While you should definitely moisturize every morning and every evening, for that extra dewy look, you’ll want to apply a few times throughout the day, as well.

If you work at home, which is becoming more common these days, leave your make up off and moisturize a few extra times during the day.

Click here to find a quality Korean moisturizer here on Amazon:

9. Eye Cream

After using toner, essence, and your choice of serum, you might not think it’s necessary to apply eye cream. But it is! If you want to avoid crow’s feet and eye lines, you’d better not skip this step. Just make sure to apply your eye cream the right way by gently patting on, not rubbing.C

Click here to find a high-quality eye cream on Amazon

10. Protect from Sun Damage

This is yet another step that some are tempted to skip, especially when the weather is overcast or chilly outside. But applying sunscreen is essential every single day! The sun’s UV rays can seriously damage your skin, so the Korean Skin Care philosophy promotes the daily use of sunscreen

Click here to purchase a quality sunscreen on Amazon:

The use of silicone SiO Beauty pads are also a way to accelerate your positive skin care results, and wrinkle reduction. Sio beauty pads contain a medical grade of silicone for optimum results. See the wide variety of SiO beauty pads and overnight facelift formula kits.  See the wide variety on Amazon.

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Click here to view the wide variety of Sio Beauty pads on Amazon. Get an overnight facelift!

The Red Light Therapy Mask

Beyond creams and serums, there is a high technology tool for the face that helps enhance the production of elastin and collagen production in the skin through the use of Red Light Therapy. One reviewer on Amazon mentioned that the Red Light Therapy mask had been all the popular rage in Korea a few years before the concept ever came to the United States.  Here are some comments from an article on Red Light Therapy from herspaplace.com entitled, “Discover the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Your Face and Body,” by Kathie FitzPatrick

In a hurry? Buy your red light therapy mask on Amazon now:

“The LED high-tech optical whitening beauty instrument uses the principle of photodynamic therapy, activation deep within the skin cells. When light is absorbed by the skin, light energy is converted to intracellular energy, to relax and strengthen the micro blood vessels helping make the skin produce a catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cells, which assume the office of the cells “Guard” and “cleaner” increasing photochemical reaction-enzymatic reaction which increases the cell energy source and promotes new cell synthesis.”

This may seem like some heavy science, but it all means nicer skin for you.

“Red light therapy is as natural as can be. It’s non-invasive non-abrasive and painless. There are no chemicals or drugs whatsoever. It takes just minutes for each session and you can now do it yourself, from the comfort of your own home.

Each color has a specific function. The red lights helps the body produce more collagen and elastin for stronger and firmer skin. It also targets sagging skin, lines, and wrinkles. Yellow helps improve blood circulation and reduce redness. While the amber calms sensitive skin and reduces redness and that flushed look. It’s also useful in minimizing the appearance of veins. Many Red Light Therapy home units come with 7 colors.  Each wavelength for that color has a different purpose to cure various conditions and enhance the beauty of the skin. Infrared lights, though impossible to see, penetrate the skin at the deepest level to aid in cell repair and collagen production – which helps lift sagging skin and heal damaged skin.”

Korean Face Massager – LED Red Light Face Lift Machine

Users say this Korean Facial Massager is a great quality device!

One satisfied user commented that the Korean massager felt great on her skin. She and another family member we both use it at home, and it is now part of their daily skin routine, she says. She personally likes to use use it in the AM and the PM for 5 or 10 minutes depending on how much time she has. She commented that the truth is once you start using it feels so good that time flies!
It has two modes (5 min. each), one is a warm soothing massage, and the second one cooler temperature with a completely different vibration, they both feel so great and relaxing. The purchaser says that the red light does not bother her eyes at all, even if her eyes are open. She feels that it is a very convenient design and easy to charge.
She also commented that her skin felt very moisturized even after waking up in the dry winter months.

This product below is a very good replacement for the one listed here which is currently sold out.

Click here to buy the Korean Facial Massager on Amazon

Home Red Light Therapy machines and wands are abundant on Amazon.

See more about the concept and how to buy the best machine for you by going to the full article here:

Discover the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for your Face and Body

Onward to more about the Korean Skin Care Plan

The Korean skin care plan is actually a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just something you can try for a week then return to a poor lifestyle, lack of sleep and a junk food diet.  We are going to explore a few of the top lists for nutrition that contributes to healthy-looking and beautiful skin.

These 10 principles are essential:

1. Eat lots of anti-aging foods

The eating of vegetables that build the skin and collagen and elastin are essential. This method builds beautiful skin from the inside out. These vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, dark green lettuce, and spinach, to name a few, are essential to good health and beautiful skin.

According to healthline.com/nutrition    

These are the top 12 foods for healthy skin:

1. FATTY FISH – Salmon, mackerel, and herring

These types of fish are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids which help keep the skin thick supple and moisturized.

2. AVOCADOS

Avocados are high in healthy fats which benefit many functions in your body, including the health of your skin. Eating enough of this healthy form of fat is essential in keeping keep skin flexible and moisturized.

In a study of over 700 women, it was found that a high intake of total fat — specifically the types of healthy fats found in avocados — was associated with more supple, and youthful looking skin.

Preliminary evidence also shows that avocados seem to contain certain elements that protect the skin against sun damage.  We already know that UV damage to your skin can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging

Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin E through their diet. Supplements are helpful. At least 400 IU a day of vitamin E is generally recommended.

Interestingly, vitamin E seems to be more effective when combined with vitamin C. The two are synergistic together.

Vitamin C is also essential for healthy skin. Your skin needs it to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy for the long term.

3. WALNUTS

Walnuts have numerous characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy looking skin.

They are a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that your body cannot make itself.

In fact, they’re richer than most other variety of nuts in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Because walnuts contain a good ratio of these fatty acids, they may fight the inflammatory response to excessive omega-6.

Walnuts also contain other nutrients that your skin needs to function properly and stay healthy overall.

One ounce of walnuts contains 6% of the RDI for zinc, which is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier, as well as necessary for wound healing and combatting both bacteria and inflammation. Walnuts also provide small amounts of the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, in addition to 4–5 grams of protein per ounce

Walnuts also provide small amounts of the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, in addition to 4–5 grams of protein per ounce. Walnuts are a good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and protein — all of which are essential nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy.

4. SUN FLOWER SEEDS

In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients however, Sunflower seeds are power packed!

One ounce of sunflower seeds packs 37% of the RDI for vitamin E, 32% of the RDI for selenium, 10% of the RDI for zinc and 5.4 grams of protein. This is amazing!  Sunflower seeds are a great snack to help the health of your skin.

5. SWEET POTATOES

Beta-carotene is a nutrient found in plants which functions as provitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body.

Beta-carotene is found in oranges and vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A.  One 1/2-cup serving (100 grams) of baked sweet potato contains enough beta-carotene to provide nearly four times the RDI of vitamin A.

Carotenoids, much like beta-carotene, keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock.

Once consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and protects your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death and dry, wrinkled skin.

Interestingly enough, it has been observed that high amounts of beta-carotene may also add a warm, orange color to your skin, contributing to an overall healthier appearance.

6. RED OR YELLOW BELL PEPPERS

Much like the benefits of sweet potatoes, bell peppers are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

One cup of chopped red bell pepper contains the equivalent of an amazing 92% of the RDI for vitamin A. They’re also one of the best sources of vitamin C, necessary for creating the protein collagen which keeps skin firm and strong. A single cup (149 grams) of bell pepper provides an impressive 317% of the RDI for vitamin C .

A large observational study in women linked eating plenty of vitamin C to a reduced risk of wrinkled and dry skin with age.

Bell peppers contain plenty of beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which are important antioxidants for your skin. Vitamin C is also necessary to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps your skin strong and firm looking.

7. BROCCOLI

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids that are important for skin health. It also contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from sunburn.

Broccoli contains a rich supply of many vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C.

It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta-carotene. Lutein protects your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.

But broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential benefits. It may even have anti-cancer effects, including on some types of skin cancer.

Sulforaphane is also a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: by neutralizing harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.

In laboratory tests, sulforaphane reduced the number of skin cells killed by UV light by as much as 29%, with protection lasting up to 48 hours. Evidence suggests sulforaphane may also maintain healthy collagen levels in your skin.

8. TOMATOES

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C  containing all of the major carotenoids, including  lycopene. Beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene are important as they have been shown to protect your skin against damage from the sun. They may also help prevent wrinkling prematurely.

Because tomatoes contain all of the major carotenoids, they’re also an excellent food for maintaining healthy skin.

Consider pairing carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes with a source of fat, such as cheese or olive oil as it is known that fat increases your absorption of carotenoids

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. These carotenoids protect your skin from sun damage and may help prevent wrinkling.

9. SOY

Soy contains isoflavones, a category of plant compounds that can either mimic or block estrogen in your body.

Isoflavones may benefit several parts of your body, including your skin.

One small study in middle-aged women found that eating soy isoflavones every day for 8–12 weeks reduced fine wrinkles and improved skin elasticity

In postmenopausal women, soy may also improve skin dryness and increase collagen, which helps keep your skin smooth and strong.  Soy is not recommended for cancer patients who need to work with their doctors to maintain safe hormonal levels.  

These isoflavones not only protect the cells inside your body from damage but also your skin from UV radiation, which may help prevent some skin cancers in certain individuals.

10. DARK CHOCOLATE

If you needed one more good reason to eat chocolate, here it is: The effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty phenomenal. Studies on this are very interesting.

After 6–12 weeks of consuming a cocoa powder high in antioxidants each day, participants in one study experience thicker, more hydrated skin.

The skin of those tested was also less rough and scaly, less sensitive to sunburn and had better blood flow, which brings more nutrients to the skin in general.

Another study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate.

Several other studies have produced similar results, including improvements in the appearance of wrinkles. However, keep in mind that at least one study did not find significant effects. Results have varied.

Be sure to chose dark chocolate, 70% cocoa level or higher, low in sugar.

11. GREEN TEA

Recent studies show that Green tea may protect your skin from sun damage and aging.

The powerful compounds found in green tea, called catechins, actively work to improve the health of your skin in a few various ways.

Like several other antioxidant-containing foods, such as a variety of raw veggies, green tea can help protect the skin against sun damage.

In one 12-week study including 60 women, it was found that drinking green tea daily could reduce redness from sun exposure by up to 25%. Green tea also improved the moisture, roughness, thickness, and elasticity of their skin in most cases.  While green tea is a great choice for healthy skin, you may want to avoid drinking your tea with milk. There has been evidence that milk could reduce the impact of green tea’s antioxidants, so drink it plain for best results.

In summing it up, the catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can potentially protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness as well as improve its hydration, thickness and elasticity.

12. RED WINE

Red wine is infamous for containing the substance resveratrol, a compound that comes from the skin of red grapes.

Resveratrol is credited with a wide range of health benefits, among them is reducing the effects of aging.

st-tube studies suggest it may also slow the production of harmful free radicals, which damage skin cells and cause signs of aging.

Unfortunately, there’s not much evidence that the amount of resveratrol you get from a glass of red wine is enough to impact your skin. And since red wine is an alcoholic beverage, there are definitely negative effects to drinking it in excess.

It’s not recommended to start drinking red wine just because of its potential health benefits. However, if you already drink in moderation, you might enjoy red wine as your alcoholic beverage of choice.

Resveratrol, the famous antioxidant found in red wine, may slow your skin’s aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that are known to damage your skin.

For additional information on foods for healthy skin see this link:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/healthy-skin/faq-20058184

More on the Korean Skin Care Philosophy

1. Eat Lots of Anti-Aging Foods

Go green. Learn to love those salads with spinach and kale. As already mentioned, sweet potatoes and avocados are also great for the skin, and certain nuts such as walnuts have unique nutrients that enrich the skin. Various experts seem to agree on this.

Anti-aging Fruits

Pineapple

You don’t often hear about pineapple being an anti-aging food, but it’s rich in the mineral manganese, which sets off a chain reaction in your body and resulting in increased collagen production.

Blueberries

Sometimes referred to as a superfood, blueberries are an extremely rich source of vitamins and antioxidants They’re good for both your cognitive abilities and your skin.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are fully packed with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and ellagic acid. The other powerful ingredient is a compound called punicalagin that’s thought to preserve the collagen in your skin.

Figs

Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. Figs also help remove toxins called free radicals from your skin cells. Figs are also a great source of fiber.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

This is around 8 glasses 16 oz size of water each day. Ideally, this should be Spring Water. Even nicer, is cutting and squeezing a few lemon slices in your ice water. This helps detoxify the body, as well as hydrate it.

3. Get your Sleep

Beauty sleep is more than just a saying…it’s a fact. Seven to 8 hours of sleep is essential.  It helps keep the wrinkles away, particularly around and under the eyes. The body is re-building itself as we sleep. That 9 PM to midnight block is particularly crucial to building the brain and short term memory. This block is also important to strengthen the immune system. If you stay up until midnight for a special event or to finish a project or study for an exam, don’t make a habit out of it! You can make up for sleep only to a point. Our bodies are set on a Circadian clock. At 2 am the body wants to re-building the liver, pancreas and kidneys, and you’d better be asleep if you want this benefit! People who work nights and through the night, should change this routine as soon as possible.

More on the Circadian Clock: https://www.howsleepworks.com/how_circadian.html

Supplements for Beautiful Skin

1. Fish Oil Pearls

Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

These fatty acids aid in collagen production and are a protein powerhouse that smooths lines and wrinkles and adds elasticity to your skin. Fish oil can also help regulate the moisture production of your skin, and fight the symptoms of rosacea and eczema. Take from 4 to 6 fish oil pearls on a daily basis, fish oil will also improve the overall look and texture of your skin.

2. Black Current Seed Oil

Black currant seed oil is a natural source of the fatty acids omega 3, 6, and 9, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a natural anti-inflammatory that promotes healthy skin growth naturally. Results may not show for about 6 to 8 weeks so be patient.

3. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phytonutrients that plants produce to combat damage. For humans, flavonoids do much of the help prevent skin aging and promote that much sought after radiance. They can also prevent skin damage caused by too much sun exposure.

So how can you increase your flavonoid intake? Sip on some green tea or cook with parsley; both are stocked with flavonoids. If you like grapefruits, they are also rich in this nutrient. A supplement called Pect-a-Sol-C by ecoNugenics is also helpful.

Fern extract is sometimes referred to as Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, or PLE extract, as that chemical compound is the primary active ingredient.

So why is fern extract one of the best supplements for beautiful skin? It’s because fern extract offers special protection from the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays are a leading cause of collagen degradation, so extra protection goes a long way in keeping the skin beautiful.

GLA OILS

GLA oils, are Omega-6 fatty acids, or gamma-Linolenic acid oils. Like the related oil, the Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6s also helps to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. While they are essential for your skin’s health, your body doesn’t produce them naturally.

So how can you get the GLA oils? They are found in vegetable oils. The most common GLA supplements are evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and black currant seed oil. All these varieties of GLA oil can be found in tablet form. Like the related oil, the Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6s also help to keep skin healthy and beautiful. And while they’re essential for your skin’s health, you have to take them as supplements.

5. Zinc and Calcium

Zinc and calcium are both necessary for good health overall, but they’re also critical for the health of your skin. Zinc is essential for cell structure and tissue strength, which helps reduce wrinkles and keep the skin tight. Taking a zinc supplement that is at least 50 mg in strength is essential. Meanwhile, calcium helps with cell regeneration and cell growth, therefore keeping your skin youthful and beautiful.

6. Let’s Talk about Vitamins A, C, and E

We all know that vitamins are good for your health. But it’s worth stressing how important these Vitamins A, C, and E are for your skin in particular.

Let’s take an overview look at the benefits:

Vitamin A tends to increase cell reproduction and stimulates collagen production.

Vitamin C, an essential vitamin, helps prevent damage to cells facilitating the production of elastin and collagen.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects skin cells and helps maintain moisture in the skin.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients, which are plant-based, are wonderful supplements for beautiful more natural-looking skin because they expel toxins and harmful chemicals from your skin cells. This allows for more healthy cell regeneration and maximum collagen production for your skin.

Effective Facial Products

Sio Face Lift

“Sio Face Lift” provides a surprising overnight facelift effect with a new radiance for the skin.  These patches contain a medical grade silicone that helps erase the telltale signs of aging.

Sio Neck Lift

Users rave about how well these silicone patches work. It is stressed how important it is to use the patches consistently. Each patch can be re-used up to 15 times.

Sio Brow Lift

These comfortable medical grade patches smooth and de-creases the appearance of brow and forehead wrinkles while you are sleeping. Patches are re-usable.

Sio Beauty Skin Care Pad for Cleavage and Decollate area

Smooth skin on your chest and decollate area while you sleep. Surprisingly effective.

The SiO SkinPad is made from two Primary elements: Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O). These simple atoms are cross-linked with Hydrogen and Carbon to make a silicone polymer, which is a breathable material that encourages the skin to hydrate, plump and rejuvenates itself when placed over the skin for extended periods of time.

Healing Sio Skin pads come in many varieties on Amazon. Be sure to explore all the possibilities!

SUMMARY

There you have it! The Korean Skin Care concept has to do with good health habits, health supplements for skin, foods that are known to nourish the skin, and a really great number of innovative and specialized skin care products. Study well for what works best for you!