I’m pleased to say that at 41 years old, I regularly get mistaken for a decade younger. (This is a real compliment considering I’m a mom of two young children, and I feel like I look haggard most of the time). Sure, part of why my complexion looks the way it looks is genetics (I’m half Asian), but a lot of it comes down to my thorough K-beauty skin care routine.
I’ve updated my regimen to exclusively include Korean skin care products—and the results are evident. I have incredibly sensitive, dry skin, so super harsh actives like retinol are big no-nos for me. I’ve found that K-beauty formulas are gentle yet effective when it comes to targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, and dullness without ending in reactions or breakouts. The best part: My holy grail picks are all less than $35 at Amazon. (You can thank me later.)
Credit: Amazon
Although I don’t wear makeup every day, a cleansing balm is an important part of my skincare routine. This Banila formula removes makeup, dirt, and grime from my face with ease. Plus, it soothes my sensitive skin thanks to its gentle ingredients like centella asiatica (cica) and madecassoside. Because it’s just $18, I don’t have to ration it and can use a good amount to cleanse my skin thoroughly.
Credit: Amazon
I adore how gentle SKIN1004 products are—and the Light Cleansing Oil is no exception. It contains six plant-based oils and makes for the perfect addition to my double-cleanse routine. The formula leaves me feeling squeaky-clean but never dry. Plus, it’s made with centella extract (there’s a theme here!) to calm my skin and strengthen its barrier.
Credit: Amazon
This hybrid cream is the newest addition to my routine, and it may just be the most efficacious. It contains white ampoule capsules infused with niacinamide and other skin-brightening ingredients suspended in a hydrating gel. The formula is chock-full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like peptides, collagen, salmon PDRN, and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and plumpness.
Credit: Amazon
I very liberally apply this hydrating serum for extra nourishment after my ampoule cream has dried. It’s formulated with beta-glucan, a moisture-retaining humectant with even higher hydration than hyaluronic acid (a.k.a. a lot). I regularly put this on throughout the day if I feel like my skin is extra parched and it always comes to the rescue.
Credit: Amazon
As my final step, I seal everything in with this thick ultra-hydrating cream that gives me a good glow and that glass skin look that I adore. It’s packed with a high concentration of cica to smooth visible signs of aging. I love that Centellian 24 is a decades-old Korean brand that is relatively new to the American market; my skincare philosophy has always been to follow my Asian elders.
Run to Amazon to score my anti-aging Korean skin care from $17, plus more K-beauty below.
