A new book written by the women who first brought Korean skincare to Europe aims to shatter the biggest myths around beauty.
The three founders of Korean beauty brand Miin – Lilin Yang, Leah Ganse and Sara Jiménez – say the book leaves no stone unturned when it comes to trying to help people achieve the perfect skin.
The Korean Skincare Bible, published by Cassell, shines a light on staple products and how to use them, claiming that many women start using anti-ageing creams when they’re too young for them to be effective, and often apply far too much serum to skin.
K-beauty! The three women behind Korean beauty sensation Miin have now penned a book about how to adopt a Korean approach to skincare and promise to shatter some myths along the way
The book claims to explain how to use such products for maximum results and what to avoid in order to achieve the coveted Korean glow.
Here, Femail highlights some of the advice offered on key products:
CLEANSING OIL
One of the beauty commandments of Korean Skincare is to perform a two-step cleansing ritual, starting with an oil-based cleanser before moving on to a water-based one.
While the oil helps make sure all traces of make-up are gone, you shouldn’t limit to just one type, with flax, onagri and sunflower seed oils just as effective as olive or coconut oil, the experts explain.
They also add that oils are great for all skin types, including oily and combination skin. They nourish dry and mature skin, they actually reduce sebum production in oily skin and they are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
And after a good night’s sleep? Cleanse again. The Korean Skincare Bible also states you have to use a cleansing oil in the morning as well as the evening in order to keep skin glowing.
Toners shouldn’t sting! It’s meant to balance skin’s ph, and should feel like any other product
WATER-BASED CLEANSER
Cleaning your face with a gentle soap is a very good way to get rid of make-up, perspiration and impurities, say the book’s writers.
But those of us wishing to save some time in the morning should think twice before reaching for the cleanser in the shower.
Water from the shower is actually too hot, and the pressure is too strong. It’s best to use the sink instead, the experts say.
And they insist that, contrary to popular belief, water-based cleansers won’t dry out your skin.
While some poor quality cosmetics might do so, a carefully selected cleanser will leave your skin clean and nurtured.
TONERS
The three experts explain that a toner is meant to hydrate the skin and balance its pH levels. How acidic your skin is can lead to varied and different skin issues.
For example, too low a pH can lead to irritation, redness or acne. And too high a pH can cause dryness and flaking, which is why a pH should be completely balanced.
If you have sensitive skin, the experts note, use your fingers to apply the toner, as a cotton pad can sometimes exfoliate the skin and irritate it.
The three women are adamant that a good toner doesn’t need to sting to be efficient. On the contrary, a toner should hydrate the skin and leave it dewy.
SERUMS
Serum is a good solution if you want to address a topical issue such as wrinkles or imperfections, the experts explain.
This particular beauty product is water-based and its small molecules are perfect for penetrating the skin and pores quickly and deeply.
A serum is best-applied with your fingers, on your forehead, cheeks and chin – with gentle massage the best way to do it.
While the experts say they’ve heard many people complain that serum didn’t last long enough to justify the high price, they argue that if used properly, these kinds of products should last a long time.
They explain that the formula in the bottles is extremely concentrated, and that four drops per use should be enough to achieve the results you want.
Don’t buy cream that advertises to ‘all ages’ and instead buy products that focus on what your skin type needs
FACE CREAMS
While the book gives insight into more recent popular products such as serums, oils and face masks, Lilin, Leah and Sara also looked into more traditional products.
Face cream is a vanity case staple, even for those who don’t keep up with skin care trends, they say.
Like any other products, there are common mistakes that can be avoided while selecting a skincare option.
Lilin, Sara and Leah strongly advise to stay away from creams that claim they suit all ages.
They explain that a cream has to be formulated with ingredients that address specific needs, be it imperfections, wrinkles or acne.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS
Those of us who are plagued with adult acne will know about the search for one product that’s going to make a difference.
But the experts advise not to resort to chemical peels if you have problem or sensitive skin.
These products contain solid particles that will only irritate and scratch the skin – avoid them!
CLEANSING MASKS
Don’t rub your products roughly onto your skin. IInstead, ditch cotton pads and use both your hands
Masks are a skincare staple. They remove impurities from pores and get rid of excess sebum. Therefore they are great for people with combination and oily skin.
However, the experts insist that people with dry skin can use these masks too, as Korean beauty products are made with carefully chosen ingredients. Many clay masks contain nutritive ingredients that are designed to leave the skin hydrated and healthy.
SINGLE-USE FACE MASKS
By far one of the biggest Korean beauty best-sellers, single-use masks are easy to use and inexpensive.
The Korean Skincare Bible: The Ultimate Guide to K-beauty by Lilin Yang, leah Ganse & Sara Jimenez is published by Cassell, £10,
They are usually applied for 15 minutes but length varies from product to product.
Lilin, Sara and Leah want to break the myth that ‘the longer you keep a mask on, the better.’
Actually, the three women insist that leaving a mask for too long won’t do anything for you.
They also add that masks shouldn’t be used more than once, and that you shouldn’t wash your face after use, but let the product sink in the skin.
HOW TO APPLY PRODUCTS
If you think rubbing your products fast and roughly to your skin will work to your advantage, think again.
According to The Korean Skincare Bible, it will just cause irritation and redness.
Instead of rubbing a cotton pad on your face, put some of the product on your hand and warm it with the other. Then place both hands on your face and dab gently.