There are many different cultures with different types of skincare. In Korean skincare, the ideal is to have “glass skin” where the skin is smooth and evenly toned. Koreans use lightweight products and lots of sun protection. They also have a lot of skincare hacks; one example is the three-second rule, where you apply your first hydrating toner within three seconds of washing your face to lock in all the moisture. Double cleansing is very popular: they first use an oil cleanser to wash away all the sunscreen or makeup, then follow up with a water-based cleanser. They also use waterpacks, where they soak thin cotton pads in saline and place them on dry parts of the face.
Alternately, Japanese skincare varies in the composition of their products and how they apply them. Many Japanese skincare routines consist of non-stripping products and use ingredients like sake, rice, and green tea, which helps add moisture and brightens the skin. Some hacks use lots of micro-foam cleansing, where the cleansers turn into a bubbly marshmallow form. Lots of people also like to soak thin cotton pads in their toner and stretch them over their face instead of using face masks.
In French skincare, people try to keep less than three-four products and have a simple skincare routine. Some people avoid washing their face with harsh tap water and instead like to use a cotton pad with micellar water on it to use in the morning and night. They also like to spray their face with a mist and apply moisturizer while the skin is damp to really get all the benefits.
In Indian skincare, many people want to make sure whatever they are putting on their faces is good to eat, and they prefer naturally brighter serums or moisturizers. They often use “Ubtan,” which is a soap-free power paste made of gram flour instead of foaming face washes. They also like to shrink their pores by keeping rose water (Gulab Jal) in the refrigerator and misting it on the skin throughout the day.
In Chinese skincare, lots of people focus on their diet, like drinking herbal teas, tonics, and eating a balanced diet. They also make sure they get the recommended hours of sleep in order to improve their skin. In addition, they make sure to use water that is neither too cold nor too warm because it can disrupt the digestive system, which would then disrupt the skin. They really like to use jade or gua sha to help depuff the face. They also use products like mung beans to avoid skin inflammation, mixing mung beans with water or yogurt.
Much like Lexington High School’s diverse student population, there are so many people who come from different ethnicities and can be inspired to try different types of skincare from different cultures.
My mom is Chinese and always uses different natural ingredients, which is really cool to see, and I would like to try it. I also enjoy using Korean skincare products in my own skincare routine, like the Medicube Zero Pore Pad, which helps get rid of all the bumps on my forehead. I also like to use gua sha after applying a serum to my face.
I hope that this guide has inspired you to try different skincare methods from different cultures too!
