How Moving to Korea Changed My Perspective on Beauty and Skincare

Growing up, no one ever sat me down and taught me how to properly care for my skin or even how to take care of myself as a woman. Skincare routines, the importance of hydration, or how to protect my skin from aging were things I just didn’t know about but was just figuring things out as I went along. For the longest time, my approach to beauty was simply covering up imperfections with makeup. For me, makeup wasn’t something I saw as something fun or artistic. I used it as a shield to hide my hyperpigmentation, scars, and uneven skin tone.

But over the years, people in my life encouraged me to explore beauty and self-care. Still, it wasn’t until I moved to Korea that my entire perspective shifted. In Korea, skincare isn’t just about looking good. It’s a part of everyday life, a form of self-care, and even a way to slow down and be present. I started doing my research, looking for ways to get rid of my dark spots, improve the wrinkles on my hands and feet, and take better care of myself overall. Now, I’ve embraced skincare not as a chore, but as an act of love for myself.

The Culture of Beauty in Korea

 One of the most significant cultural differences I noticed after moving to Korea is the emphasis placed on skincare rather than makeup. While makeup is still a big part of beauty culture, the belief here is that great skin is the foundation of beauty. Skincare is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, with people starting routines at a young age and treating it as an essential part of their day, just like brushing their teeth.

Unlike in the West, where skincare often focuses on fixing problems after they appear, Korean skincare is all about prevention. The goal is to maintain healthy, hydrated skin before issues like wrinkles, dark spots, or acne even have a chance to develop.

And it’s not just about the face. People don’t talk enough about how important it is to take care of the skin on your neck, hands, and feet. The neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging, and our hands and feet go through so much every day, yet we rarely give them the same attention we give our faces. I never really thought about this until I noticed how much Korean beauty brands focus on hand creams, foot masks, and even neck creams.

Morning vs. Night Routine: Why You Need Both

 Another thing that changed my perspective was understanding the difference between a morning and night skincare routine. Before, I washed my face, threw on some lotion, and called it a day. But I learned that morning, and nighttime skincare serve two very different purposes.

Morning Routine: The focus is on protecting the skin from environmental damage such as UV rays, pollution, and dirt. It’s about keeping your skin hydrated and shielded throughout the day.

Night Routine: This is when the actual repair happens. Your skin regenerates while you sleep, so the focus should be on deep hydration, nourishing ingredients, and targeting specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation or fine lines.

Now that I understand this difference, I tailor my routines accordingly, no longer focusing just on cleansing. I ensure my skin is getting what it needs at the right time of day.

The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

 If you’ve heard anything about Korean skincare, you’ve probably come across the famous 10-step routine. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Ten steps! Who has time for that?” But here’s the thing. It’s not about doing all ten steps every single day. It’s about layering your skincare in a way that suits your skin’s needs. Some people only do a few steps, while others go all out. The key is to listen to your skin.

Here’s a breakdown of the routine: 

1. Oil-Based Cleanser: Removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil from the skin

2. Water-Based Cleanser: Cleanses sweat, dirt, and any remaining impurities

3. Exfoliator (2-3 times a week): Helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin

4. Toner: Balances the skin’s pH and preps it for better absorption of products

5. Essence: A lightweight hydrating treatment that nourishes the skin

6. Serum/Ampoule: Targets specific concerns like dark spots, wrinkles, or acne

7. Sheet Mask (2-3 times a week): Provides deep hydration and treatment benefits

8. Eye Cream: Hydrates and prevents fine lines around the delicate eye area

9. Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and strengthens the skin barrier

10. Sunscreen (Morning Only): Protects against UV rays, the most significant cause of premature aging. At night, instead of sunscreen, you can use a sleeping mask or heavier moisturizer to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep.

How Skincare Changed My Relationship with Beauty

 Since embracing an actual skincare routine, my relationship with beauty has completely changed. I used to rely on makeup to cover imperfections, but now I use makeup because I enjoy it, not because I feel like I need it. My skin is healthier, and I feel more confident without makeup. It’s not about having “perfect” skin. It’s about having skin that I feel good in.

I’ve also noticed how much of a difference skincare makes for my mental health. Taking time to care for myself feels grounding, even if it’s just a few minutes in the morning and at night. It’s a small act of self-love that sets the tone for my day and helps me unwind before bed.

Encouraging Other Women to Embrace Their Beauty

It can be overwhelming to start a skincare journey, especially if you weren’t taught about it growing up. I encourage you to see skincare not as a chore but as an opportunity to care for yourself. You don’t need to follow 10 steps or buy expensive products. You need to find what works for your skin and stick with it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about care. Taking care of your skin is taking care of yourself. And that, to me, is the true essence of beauty.