Elevating Your Skin: Your Responses

We love hearing about your skincare experiences, both your successes and concerns. So we asked you to share what has helped you to elevate your skin, whether it’s a specific product or habit. Here is what you told us, and our take on why it’s working.

Vitamin C

Your response: “Among the serums I tried and were a game changer in my routine are definitely the Vitamin C from Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop applied in the morning and under my sunscreen gives the glowy finish look we all look for, even if we have had a rough night.” Manuel

Our take: Vitamin C is a great example of a multitasking ingredient that improves the overall look and feel of your skin. It fades hyperpigmentation, promotes collagen production and protects skin from environmental damage. All of this makes your skin appear more even and firm. Dear, Klairs’ Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a gentle choice, especially if your skin is prone to irritation.

Read more about vitamin C and how to use it. 

Sun Protection

Your response: “Personally I think using SPF is the most important step in my skincare routine. I really like using the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice and Probiotics 50+ Sunscreen. I have been using it ever since you first had it on NIASHA and I’ve been a Fan ever since. But generally I love most Korean Sunscreens. Since I started using SPF in my routine my skin has started to become clearer and more glowy. I couldn't leave the house without it anymore…” Jessica

Our take: UV rays cause hyperpigmentation, signs of aging and skin cancer, so SPF is the most important thing you can put on your skin. A few tips: wear it every day, put on enough, and reapply at least every 2 hours. Korean sunscreens tend to be lightweight and non-greasy, and provide great protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Find out how to choose sunscreen that suits you. 

A Consistent Routine

Your response: “I never ever skip the cleansing-toning-essence-serum-eye cream-lotion in the morning and the evening and I never skip suncream during the day anymore. This has changed my skin and I get a lot of comments on how my skin is glassy and glowing. I swear on pure and clean products like Beauty of Joseon and Purito. These are my absolute favorites, they are light, clean and my skin has never reacted to them.” Adina

Our take: A skincare routine needs to work for you. It needs to fit into your schedule, help you reach your skin goals and be something that you can maintain. Being consistent with even a few products is better for your skin in the long run, and will help you save time and money.

Learn how to start a skincare routine.

Double Cleansing

Your response: "The main way that I have elevated my skin care routine, thanks to Niasha...

I never "washed my face twice" before. Meaning, it was through reading your site that I understood that there was a Pre-cleanse step needed to remove sunscreen and make up.  I used to do everything with one cleansing step. I have dry/combo skin and often after I wash my face, it is quite tight. Since having the pre-cleanse step as part of my routine, my skin is much less dry and ready to receive the following steps of my routine. Another lesser way, I used to only use face masks as a method of relaxation. One peel off mask every couple of weeks to enjoy...but no, now I realize that again, my skin needs hydration and nutrients and I try to do 2-3 a week just to keep my skin hydrated and not oily. Somehow, it is all working at the moment.” Kit Ha

Our take: Double-cleansing is a step that often gets skipped, but can be really beneficial to keeping your skin clear. If you wear makeup regularly or often get clogged pores, an oil or balm cleanser can be a great way to ensure you get all the residue off your skin. Sheet masks are a fast and easy way to instantly rehydrate dry skin because the sheet keeps the formula from evaporating, helping it to absorb better.

Which is better for you, an oil or balm cleanser?

AHA/BHA

Your response: "I definitely cannot live without the AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. I have normal skin that gets some pimples from time to time so I really like to use this one.” Liudmila, normal skin, occasional acne

Our take: A combination of AHAs and BHAs a few times a week is an excellent choice for exfoliating and keeping skin clear. AHAs help with the texture and tone of your skin, while BHAs help control oils and acne. The perfect combination!

Learn how to use acids in your routine.

Pimple Patches

Your response: “With the NIASHA filters I can look for products that target my acne while being suitable for my dry skin. Usually most companies associate acne with oily skin and that just is not the case for everyone. One product that I just can’t live without are pimple patches. They have revolutionized my healing process with acne-prone skin.

I am extremely grateful for all the work that NIASHA puts into their website and making sure that each individual is able to find a fitting product for their needs." Sumi, dry skin, acne-prone

Our take: You can absolutely have dry skin and still suffer from acne. Pimple patches are an easy treatment that is perfect for drier skin types, because it only treats the area where you need it. Pop them on before going to sleep, or wear them under makeup during the day. They’ll flatten and reduce the visibility of the blemish while keeping the area clean while it heals. 

Find out how to use pimple patches. 

A Clean Lifestyle

Your response: “Getting my daily water intake helped with overall mood, health and of course a healthier skin. On my day to day basis I only drink water and unsweetened tea. I also started to weekly wash my bedding, especially pillow cases and the bed linen, whereas it used to be once every two to three weeks. I feel like that helped because of all the sweat and oils that accumulate when you sleep. Having towels designated for the face and washing them in high temperature to disinfect or using laundry detergent that explicitly also disinfects might also help.” Marina

Our take: There are things you can do to improve your skin that don’t involve skincare products. Drinking enough water, eating well and getting adequate sleep all contribute to the health of your skin. Cleaning items that touch your skin often (like pillowcases and phones) can also keep acne-causing oils and bacteria off your face. 

Find out what you should clean (besides your face) to improve your skin. 

Korean Cotton Pads

Your response: “Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad. These cotton pads are a revelation and a must have for everybody who wants to save product. Regular cotton pads absorb too much liquid, a few drops of toner, remover or what have you suffice. The pads collect liquid on the surface and give it back to the skin.” Anonymous

Our take: Using tools you love can motivate you to be consistent with your skincare, especially if you feel they add real value to your routine. Cotton pads can make applying your product easier, and also gently exfoliate skin. They also help to remove any residue that’s left on your skin without harsh scrubbing.

Find out why people love dear, Klairs products. 

Korean Cleansers

Your response: "If I remember correctly, I think the first thing that I changed in my routine years ago was the fact that I started to introduce a cleanser to cleanse my skin. When I was younger I was using only micellar water and back then I didn’t used to wash it away with water (in the meantime I found out that that is a must).” Andreea, hyperpigmentation

Our take: Double-cleansing is a way to ensure that you get both oils and dirt off your face at the end of the day, especially if you wear makeup. Makeup remover or micellar water is helpful, but it’s always good to follow with a cleanser to get any residue you might have missed. 

Learn the basics of cleansing, Korean-style. 

Gentle K-Beauty Formulas

Your response: "I must say that normally I have very sensitive skin, prone to blemishes, especially if I change my routine. What I've noticed since starting K-beauty skincare is that none of the products I've used have caused breakouts, which is a big plus. Everything is very gentle and leaves my skin feeling balanced. […] My life saver product is the Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++): before that sun protection, all other sun protection would make me breakout, and I would always wonder: pimples or wrinkles? This sunscreen is amazing, protects, doesn't give any breakout, is a great make up base, unfragranced... simply the best!” Eileen, acne-prone, sensitive

Our take: A lot of people are used to sunscreens that are heavy, greasy or chalky-feeling. Luckily, Korean sunscreens are often quite fluid and light, and they provide great UVA and UVB protection. You can choose a physical or chemical formula based on your preference, both work well.

Learn how to protect your skin from the sun.

Layering Toners/Essences

Your response: “Taking care of myself helped me get my confidence back and I realized how important it is to take care of oneself. I love to layer my skin with toner and/or essence and follow a 10 step skincare routine though nowadays I do find it difficult to take out even 10 minutes, SO I have brought it down to a 5 steps routine. They elevated my skin to a supple, glass skin effect. Following this has helped my skin to stay hydrated all the time. I even tested my skin a few times where I did not apply anything during the day. Even then my skin stays supple and I do not feel dry at all.” Serina, hyperpigmentation

Our take: Layering a hydrating product (like a toner or essence) is an excellent way to get moisture into your skin, giving it that glass skin look. Avoid feeling greasy by using a watery product, and exfoliate a few times a week to smooth and brighten your complexion.

Find out how to get the glass skin Koreans love.

Hearing what you’ve learned and what products you love is one of our favourite things! Do you have any similar successes or struggles? Or would you like us to cover something for your routine? Send us a message on Instagram, and let’s chat!