Skincare Across The Globe
How different cultures care for skin.
by DESJAH ALTVATER ★ JULY 30, 2020
Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA - like the people with poreless, glowing skin say. The health and appearance of your skin is the result of your daily habits which have a big impact on your reflection in the mirror. But depending on where you reside in the world, your approach to skincare may be different. Varying from culture to culture, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to which ingredients should be present in your routine.
Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal, but let’s take a trip around the globe to see how French women, South Korean women, and American women care for their canvas.
America:
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In America, we aim to obtain that sunkissed glow and sustain youthful appearance. According to Kim Robertson, VP of customer experience and education at Kiehl's, "The American girl aims for fresh, healthy, young-looking skin.” Preventing the signs of aging is often a key priority for us, and products formulated with natural ingredients are starting to become more accessible. Due to this disparity, Americans may also lack the knowledge of skincare science and the chemicals hiding in our product bottles. And let’s not forget, because we Americans like things to happen fast, we are driven by the promise of overnight results.
The typical American skincare regimen consists of: A gentle yet thorough cleanser, toner, a concentrated serum, a weekly detoxifying mask once a week, and a night cream.
France
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The French approach to skincare is "less is more.” Their goal is to use as few products as possible, that are as gentle as possible, to wake up with skin that is "clean, baby soft, hydrated, and rested. The French are big on pharmacies and buy most of their beauty products there including brands Caudalie, Nuxe, and La Roche-Posay.
The typical skincare routine in France takes only two or three steps, though it often expands with age. The average regimen consists of a gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturizer on face, body, hands—the whole deal. At night, the French often add a face oil, which they usually apply to the ends of their hair as well.
South Korea
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If you are a skincare enthusiast like myself, then you have certainly heard of the 10-step skincare routines that Korean women are famous for. But what inspires such an intensive process? The genius ideology behind the extensive skin routine is that Korean women know that the skin regenerates most actively while you sleep. Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. our skin regenerates, heals, and produces more collagen during the nighttime and skincare routines are designed to support that process.
The typical 10 step skincare process includes: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask.
While skincare basics tend to vary across different cultures, it should be noted that there are a few principles that should always be at the foundation of your regimen no matter what.
Regular cleansing - You should cleanse then moisturize every morning and night.
Your skin needs sleep - An average of 8 hours per night is always ideal.
Drink water - At Least 8 glasses of water each day will maintain hydration in your skin and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.
Eat healthy - Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while also low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.