K-beauty routine focuses on gentle ingredients, far from harsh chemicals that strip the skin’s natural barrier.
Always patch test the products before use to see if you have any allergic reactions to any ingredients.
1. Centella Asiatica (gotu kola/tiger grass/ Asiatic pennywort)
Centella Asiatica is a medicinal herb primarily growing in Asia and widely used in skincare. Thid herb is also known to be suitable for sensitive skin.
Centella Asiatica has;
– anti-inflammatory properties which can help treat acne, psoriasis and eczema.
– anti-aging properties: The active element of centella asiatica is madecassoside, which is an antioxidant that has anti-aging properties and can help repairing skin cells.
– hydrating properties: The amino acids present in centella asiatica help to deeply hydrate your skin.
2. Snail mucin
Snail mucin (aka snail secretion) contains vitamin A, E, glycoprotein, proteoglycans, copper peptides, hyaluronic and glycolic acid which provide skin hydration and help boost collagen production. Its regular application can help get a “glass skin”.
Snail mucin for cosmetic use is processed for safe use.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is rich in antioxidants that help prevent skin cells from ageing. It contains vitamin D and vitamin B12 that help in boosting skin’s collagen production.
Ginseng also has anti-inflammatory benefits that can help sooth redness, psoriasis, acne and eczema.
4. Green tea
Green tea is a powerful antioxidant for your insides and also your skin. It has skin anti-inflammatory effects, soothing effects while also having anti-aging benefits for the skin.
5. Rice water
Regular use of Rice water is known to brighten the skin. Plus, thanks to its rich content in antioxidants it can also have anti-aging properties (inhibiting the activity of elastase, the enzyme that damages elastin).
6. Licorice root
Licorice root comes from the licorice plant. It can help with hyperpigmentation issues, lighten the skin and even out your overall skin tone, it has natural SPF, and also anti-inflammatory properties (helping improve acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis).
7. Bamboo extract
Bamboo extract and its powdered form were traditionally used in Asia for centuries for treating many skin issues.
Bamboo has anti-aging properties; it contains silica which is one of the main components of collagen. Thus, it helps with recharging collagen stores to the skin. It helps hydrating the skin and locking moisture.
8. Tremella mushroom (aka Silver Ear)
Tremella mushroom contains a high amount of vitamin D. When topically applied, it has skin healing abilities such as wound healing, strengthening the skin barrier, helping cell growth.
Tremella has anti-aging properties; it contains polysaccharides that can help promote skin collagen synthesis which help boost skin elasticity. Plus, according to this study tremella has a better moisture retention than hyaluronic acid as it is known to hold up 500 times its weight in water.
9. Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a complex sugar (polysaccharide) that is naturally derived from yeast, fungi, oats or seaweed.
It has antioxidant properties, which protects the skin from free radicals and supports well-ageing. β-glucan deeply hydrates the skin by acting as a humectant (which means that it can lock hydration to the skin and prevent moisture loss). It is known to hold up 1000 times its wight in water, which is a higher amount compared to hyaluronic acid.
10. Mugwort extract (aka Artemisia Vulgaris)
Mugwort extract is a medicinal plant extract that was used along with tea to get rid of toxins from the body.
It is rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants which gives Artemisia its anti-aging properties. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties helping improve acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema.
11. Yuza (aka Yuzu, Yuja)
Yuza is a citrus fruit found in the tropical island Jeju which is located in South Korea. It is rich in vitamin C, and is known for having it 3 times as much as lemons.
Yuzu is used for its anti-aging properties; it helps boost collagen production and helps inhibit the formation of AGEs (Advanced glycation end products) thus it can prevent early signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles) and improve skin elasticity.
Yuzu is also known for its skin lightening properties which can benefit hyperpigmentation skin issues.
12. Propolis
Propolis contains powerful antioxidants (such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids) that have anti-aging properties. It can help smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Propolis acts as a natural sealant, it helps skin retain moisture. Propolis also has anti-microbial benefits.
13. Royal honey
Royal honey is considered as one of the best types of honey, because it is more condensed in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids which all benefit the skin.
Royal honey works as a natural humectant, by binding moisture to the skin and has strong anti-aging properties thanks to its rich content in nutrients.
14. Birch Juice
Birch Juice is extracted from Birch trees and is rich in proteins and antioxidants. It helps soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Birch juice is also extremely hydrating for the skin due to its rich content.
15. Pearl
Pearl has anti-aging properties; it keeps the skin acidic thanks to its minerals, thus it slows the skin’s ageing process while keeping it hydrated.
16. Cactus oil
Cactus oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids which gives skin hydration and lock moisture in.
Patch test
Always patch test before deciding to use any new product. Apply any new product on your wrist, elbow or jawline first then cover the area.
If you don’t have any negative reaction following 24hours after application, then you can apply it on your skin.
Legal Disclaimer
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
Leave a Reply