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skincare basics
Your Skin Progress Journey
Throughout the year, we’ve invited you to complete the Skin Progress Journey survey, and now it’s time to review the results! We asked our customers to share their experiences using NIASHA’s curated products, and here’s what they had to say.
What Can You Expect When Using Korean Skincare?
Our customers are fans of Korean skincare because of the quality of the products and amazing value. Here are some benefits you can expect when using our K-beauty staples:
Softer skin. When your skin is dry, it feels rough and looks dull. Using hydrating products and finishing with a moisturizer that suits your skin type will give you noticeably soft and nourished skin.
Smoother complexion. Tackle fine lines and wrinkles
with ginseng, snail mucin, and peptides. These classic ingredients smooth skin and encourage regeneration.
Better acne control. Prevent acne breakouts before they happen with effective but gentle cleansers containing tea tree oil and salicylic acid. Mid-breakout? No problem. Discreet pimple patches and other treatments can help reduce inflammation and optimize healing.
Balanced skin/less oiliness. Keeping the oils in your skin balanced can help reduce acne, blackheads/whiteheads, and clogged pores. Thorough cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and pH-balancing products help to control sebum production and keep skin clear.
Calmer skin. Korean skincare is designed to be non-irritating, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Fermented ingredients, probiotics, centella and other soothing ingredients reduce itchiness and redness.
Faded pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is one of the toughest skin concerns to tackle because it can take a long time to fade. Consistency and a good dose of tried-and-true treatments (like vitamin C) can fade dark spots.
A healthy glow. All-over even skin needs a combination of exfoliating and brightening products. Get everything you need from our skin brightening collection !
Firmer skin. Well-hydrated skin feels and looks plumper and smoother. Korean skincare gives you that firm, smooth skin without heavy and greasy products.
Common Skincare Mistakes
Whether you’re experienced with Korean skincare or a newbie, it’s always a good idea to evaluate your routine! Here are some common mistakes we’ve noticed, and ways to correct them:
Double-cleansing in the morning. If your skin is oily in the morning, you may want to wash with a gentle cleanser, but double-cleansing in the morning (with an oil and foam cleanser) generally isn’t needed. Over-cleansing can lead to stripping and skin barrier damage. If you’ve cleansed thoroughly before going to sleep, you can likely just rinse your face with water in the morning before applying other products.
Under- or over-exfoliating. If your skin concerns include pigmentation, acne, blackheads, and signs of aging, you’ll benefit from regular exfoliation to encourage quicker turnover. However, remember that a lot of cleansers and toners have exfoliating ingredients. To avoid over-exfoliating, it’s best to limit exfoliating products to once per routine, and only use dedicated exfoliators 1-2 times per week.
Not double cleansing in the evening. You may be wondering whether you need to double cleanse if your skin isn’t oily. If you wear SPF and/or makeup during the day, the answer is “yes”! Use an oil or balm cleanser (or other makeup remover of your choice) to cleanse sunscreen and makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser (gel, foam, soap, or enzyme) to remove any residue. Even micellar water should be followed by a water-based cleanser.
Not using moisturizer in the evening. If your skin goals include wanting dewy, plump, and/or youthful looking skin, you need to use a dedicated moisturizer before going to sleep. Not only does it soften and hydrate your skin, but it helps to seal in moisture from other products like toners, essences, and masks.
Using too many products. More is not always better, especially if you have conditions related to a damaged skin barrier, like acne or other sensitivities. The rule-of-thumb when dealing with an unhealthy barrier is to regularly reduce your skincare products and go back to basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun. When your barrier is healed, slowly start adding other products (with active ingredients) back into your routine.
Must-have Products
Curious about what other Niasha customers are using? It seems like many of you rely heavily on cleansers, toners, and essences, and consistently mention moisturizers and sunscreens as your daily must-haves. Coincidentally, these are the basic steps we typically recommend when you’re starting a skincare routine. You don’t need a 10-step routine to take care of your skin when you have intentionally-chosen, curated products in your line-up.
Long-term Use = Better Results
A lot of our survey respondents noticed improvements like smoother skin, less redness, and better hydration after using our products for six months or more. While it can be fun trying new products, being consistent with your basic skincare routine is the key to reaching your skin goals. Most products require regular, long-term use to really reach their full potential.
Use our Cheat Sheet to Know Your Skin Type to figure out where to start, then use our amazing filtering system (available in all product collections) to hone in on products that could work for you.
