There are plenty of beauty trends that come, go, and resurface again, but Korean beauty (or K-beauty, for short) will always be around. Maybe it's because K-beauty, which rose to mass popularity as early as 2011, places emphasis on natural formulas and ingredients that provide nearly immediate results — or because the vast market offers a product for every skin tone and type. Whatever the reason, the best K-beauty skincare products all have the seal of approval from dermatologists, meaning that these goods are far from a fad.
“The Korean culture is obsessed with skincare and looking younger. But think of it as a more holistic approach to embracing your skin,” says Angela Kim, founder of Savor Beauty. “They'll to great lengths to protect and nurture their skin and prevent premature aging.”
The effectiveness of the products, according to Kim, starts with embracing your inner glow, focusing on skincare products that get at the root of conditions, and treating problem areas before they start. "All of our K-beauty ingredients are inspired by nature and ancient Korean beauty rituals designed to work long-term,” she notes.
For dermatologists, the focus on hydration and sun protection — the two main pillars of skincare, according to Dr. Gary Goldenberg, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology — are a bonus, but that's not the only difference between K-beauty and Western beauty. "In 2016, Bloomberg rated South Korea as the most well-rounded innovative country," says Dr. Raheleh Sarbaziha, dermatologist and anti-aging expert. "Having been to South Korea myself, I can attest to the country's efficiency and innovative qualities. It's quite common for a doctor to create a slimmer jawline, whereas in the West we may take a more conservative approach to our facial aesthetics and beauty."
If you can't take a quick trip to South Korea like Dr. Sarbaziha, check out some of the most innovative and effective derm-approved K-beauty tools and products, ahead.
