Wondering if Korean skincare is any good for Indian skin?
Korean skincare products can be very beneficial to those with Indian skin. The light formulations, natural ingredients and the ability to tackle environmental skin damage are just some of these.
However, there are certain aspects to K-beauty that can be detrimental to Indian skin as well.
Therefore, those who have such a complexion will have to be careful with what they use and the manner in which they use it. But, if you observe all the necessary safeguards, Korean skincare can be a dream come true.
Let’s dive deeper.
In What Ways Is Korean Skincare Good for Indian Skin?
Korean skincare can be good for those living in or descending from India in several ways. For those living there, the pollution levels are insanely high and so is humidity. This is horrible for anyone’s skin, including men. In terms of genetics, Indian skin tends to be oily and often succumbs to things like acne.
Dual Cleansing
The double cleansing process is wonderful to combat the results that can happen from humidity combined with pollution or having oily skin. The initial oil cleansing removes icky debris from the skin’s surface and then the foaming cleanser gets deep beneath the skin to thoroughly wash away impurities.
Suitable Treatments, Serums & Ampoules
Also, Korean skincare has a whole line of wonderful products to tackle many concerns commonly associated with Indian skin. This includes exfoliation, essences, toners, serums, ampoules and other treatments to tackle environmental pollution exposure, sun damage, oiliness, acne, scars and hyperpigmentation.
Many Products Tackle Hyperpigmentation
Indian skin is notorious for being rich in melanin, with a beautiful caramel complexion that ranges from a light brown to deep chocolate. However, it also means there are often issues with hyperpigmentation, dullness and uneven skin tone. [1]
K-beauty products can help with all of this due to their focus on brightening, lightening and whitening ingredients contained within their formulations. Plus their approach to hydration is more ideal for Indian skin because “moisturizing” doesn’t always equate to using a cream or lotion, which may increase oiliness issues.
Moisturizers Beyond Traditional Creams
They have mist and gel moisturizers that are just as effective, if not more so, than traditional creams for the face. This is invaluable for those who live in regions with thick humidity and moisture lingering in the air. These products last all day and you can reapply as needed without worrying about clogging pores or increasing skin problems.
Sun Protection Is a Priority
Whether living in India or some other location, the sun can cause irreparable damage. Almost all Korean skincare products address protecting the skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays. Therefore, they have a plethora of SPF-friendly products with the final step in their notorious 10-step process to religiously apply a quality SPF.
How Is Korean Skincare Detrimental to Indian Skin?
While there are many benefits to Indian skin employing a regimen of K-beauty, there are some things to take into consideration. The first is the 10-step routine. This can be far too harsh on Indian skin because of overexposure to environmental pollution and intense sunshine.
10-Step Skincare Regimen is Overwhelming
So, it’s highly advisable that Indian skins reduce the number of steps to accommodate their particular skin type and circumstances. For instance, damaged and sensitive skin – even if oily – should only use five steps. Those who are out in the sun all day long should not use more than eight steps.
This is because going with the full 10 can worsen and increase problems rather than solve them. Such a thing is antithetical to the Korean skincare philosophy. So, it’s imperative that people with Indian skin consult with a trusted esthetician or dermatologist versed in Korean skincare to ensure they get and use the best things possible.
Incorrect Use of Products
Another aspect are the types of products people tend to use. Just like women in the West, Indian women will often use inappropriate formulations that will worsen and enhance the very problems they’re trying to treat. Therefore, it’s imperative for anyone to know their skin well, what its pH balance is and use the right products accordingly.
What Ingredients Should Those with Indian Skin Look for in K-Beauty Products?
Even though Indian skincare products contain wholesome, holistic and natural ingredients, Korean ones have others that will be very beneficial. They’re gentle, effective and they work to combat issues.
- Honey
- Bee Propolis
- Tea Tree Oil
- Vitamin C
- Licorice Root
- Green Tea
- Mulberry Extract
- Grapefruit Extract
- Salicylic Acid
- Hyaluronic Acid [2]
- Aloe Juice or Gel
- Ceramide
- Niacinamide
- Birch Juice
- Centella Asiatica
- Snail Secretions
- Yuzu Lemon
- Bamboo Extract
- Pearl Powder
Which Korean Skincare Brands and Products Are Good for Indian Skin?
While there are many brands that are ideal for Indian skin, the list below lists the ones most touted. They have whole lines people can trust to be safe and effective with long lasting results.
Innisfree: They have a wonderful array of skincare products for Indian skin. But, the best one is their Unisex SPF 50 Anti-Pollution Sunscreen.
TheFaceShop: The Rice Water Cleansing Foam comprises moringa oil and fermented rice water which helps detoxify and brighten while moisturizing skin at the same time.
Etude House: Many Indians love their Dear Darling Lip Tint because it offers a natural pigmented look to the lips with the added bonus of plumping them. It’s water gel but provides a matte finish.
TonyMoly: Using exclusively cruelty-free and vegan-friendly ingredients, TonyMoly has a product called Green Tea Watery Skin that many Indian women swear by as a god send. It comprises fermented green tea called Chung Tae Jeon.
Laneige: This luxury K-beauty brand has a Lip Sleeping Mask which is great for nighttime care. It rids of dead skin cells to reveal smooth and elastic lips.
SNP: Many people with Indian skin love their Ice Bear Hyaluronic Face Mask. This helps restore the skin’s firmness and promotes elasticity. It also works wonders around the mouth and eyes to brighten and moisturize these delicate areas.
Dear, Klairs: Made with only the most gentle and eco-friendly ingredients, they have Stabilized Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drops. This is a serum that helps rejuvenate skin cells while repairing acne scars and hyperpigmentation marks.
COSRX: This company has a wonderful product called Pimple Patch. It’s a hydrating and medicated dot you place on zits, breakouts, pimples and acne to protect it from further inflammation.
Elizavecca: The Milky Piggy Elastic Pore Cleansing Foam contains activated charcoal. This is a great cleansing agent to remove environmental impurities, oil and acne from deep within the pores.
I’m From: This K-beauty manufacturer has a whole line of topnotch products excellent for Indian skin. However, their Ginseng Essence Anti-Aging Face Serum helps maintain a youthful appearance while refreshing and moisturizing skin.
Heimish: One of the best-selling Korean skincare brands on the market today, Heimish has their infamous All Clean Balm. This comprises a white flower complex to improve skin tone. It also has coconut extract, citrus herb oil and Shea butter. [3]
Missha: Another trusted K-beauty brand worldwide, they have a perfect product that combines moisture with sunscreen. The M Perfect Cover Fresh Skin Hydrating BB Cream has an SPF of 42.
Final Thoughts
After all, Korean skincare is good for Indian skin. However, there should always be cautious when buying any type of skincare. Using the wrong skincare might cause irritation, redness, or even scars.
