You might not know it yet, but glycerin is your dry skin’s best friend. In fact, it’s the third most common ingredient in skin care formulas, and for good reason. Glycerin works to hydrate the outer layer of the skin, improving skin barrier function and accelerating the healing process, all without irritation.

So, what is glycerin, exactly? It’s a clear, colorless humectant naturally derived from vegetable oils (and sometimes animal fats). Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, allantoin and glycerin, help to draw water into the skin and keep it there — a must-have first step for treating dehydrated skin. 

By introducing glycerin-heavy products into your routine, your skin will look and feel more dewy and hydrated. In order to maximize the effectiveness of this moisturizing agent, just remember that the order of application is key: humectants work best when applied first to clean, damp (not wet) skin. After applying your glycerin products of choice, lock them in with richer, more occlusive products—like petrolatum for slugging—for skin that stays plump and healthy from day to night.

Where To Find It

Glycerin is extremely common across the skin care world, but a lot of products designed for sensitive and dry skin feature glycerin right at the top of their ingredient lists thanks to its ability to act as a moisture magnet. Here are a few of our favorite K-Beauty stand-outs that will give your skin a healthy dose of glycerin goodness.

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask

Glycerin is a favorite for sheet masks as it works to hydrate while its viscous texture helps keep masks locked in place. This mask from Klairs is beloved for its barrier-repairing abilities thanks to the addition of ceramides, cooling aloe vera and soothing centella asiatica extract. Keep it in the fridge and pop it on when your skin is in need of some TLC.

Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner

Glycerin gives hydrating and exfoliating toners a comfortable “slip” on the skin, helping to prep it for more intensive treatments. 

This one sweeps away dead skin cells with a 1% blend of AHAs and PHAs for gentle smoothing. It also contains other hard-working humectants like birch juice and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin feeling comfortable and soft. Its mild formula makes it a perfect introduction to exfoliation for even the most sensitive, dehydrated skin types.

Neogen Probiotics Double Action Serum

After toning, smooth this serum onto skin for a barrier-strengthening boost. Both sides of this dual-chamber serum have glycerin in their formulas, as it works to draw the soothing and repairing ingredients deeper into the skin for better product penetration. With probiotics, niacinamide and peptides, this gentle serum makes skin stronger, smoother and brighter.

Make P:Rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cream

Easily absorbed into the skin, this cream has a minimal ingredient list which makes it perfect for fussy, easily-irritated skin. Plant-derived berry extract and squalane work alongside glycerin to calm itchiness and prevent moisture loss, with reviewers raving about its abilities to soothe rashes and redness.

Is glycerin a part of your hydration routine? Let us know in the comments.

The post Why Glycerin Is A Must-Have For Deeply Hydrating Your Skin appeared first on The Klog.

If you’ve heard anything about K-Beauty, chances are you’ve heard about COSRX. The South Korean brand has been around for years, empowering skin care devotees to heal, soothe and brighten their skin with their innovative, cruelty-free product lines designed to target specific skin care concerns. 

Whether your skin is sensitive and prone to redness or oily and prone to breakouts, COSRX has the right treatment for you. After a short hiatus, COSRX is back at Soko Glam, and we’re so excited to help you find the star COSRX products that will work best for you.

Here are 5 of our top picks to get you started!

1. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

Is your skin in need of a helping hand? The 96.3% snail secretion filtrate in this essence works to repair and rejuvenate skin that’s dehydrated, irritated or in need of a glow-boost. Snail mucin helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, while allantoin and panthenol soothe and sodium hyaluronate boosts hydration levels.

With continued use, skin is plump and glowing. It’s a bestseller for a reason!

2. Acne Pimple Master Patch 

The holy grail of pimple patches, this hydrocolloid patch helps to protect blemishes from dirt and creates a moist environment conducive to quick healing.

The pouch contains various sizes to cover pimples of any size, and you can wear them overnight or during the day — the clear material practically blends into the skin for incognito healing on the go. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing that while these patches speed up blemish healing and protect the skin from further breakouts, they also help decrease the chances of spots leaving behind dark spots or scarring. At $6 a pack, they’re a must-have.

3. Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser 

Start the day with a fresh, glowing complexion thanks to this gentle cleanser that sweeps away sebum and dirt from the night before.

With BHAs and tea tree extract, the gentle lather of this cleanser keeps pores clear and oil production balanced. It’s safe for all skin types and doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances or sulfates. If you’re a fan of morning workouts, this cleanser belongs in your gym bag, stat. 

4. BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 

If blackheads stress you out every time you glance in the mirror, meet your new skin care savior. With 4% BHA and willow bark water, this toner works to deeply penetrate built-up dirt and dead skin cells in the pores and dissolve them away for a clearer, smoother complexion. Saturate a cotton pad with the solution and sweep over congested areas a few nights a week to discover your best skin yet.

5. Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch 

Tired eyes in need of a refresh? Pop these patches on for 15 minutes for a brighter, smoother under-eye area that says “I got eight wonderful hours of sleep last night”. With nourishing snail secretion filtrate, brightening niacinamide and hydrating glycerin, these patches help to fight fine lines and can be applied below the eyes, to smile lines around the mouth or to forehead wrinkles for an instant plumping treatment. 

+Which COSRX products are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

The post COSRX Is Back At Soko Glam! Here’s What You Need To Try appeared first on The Klog.

If you find yourself struggling with a dry scalp or staticky, frizzy hair in the wintertime, you’re not alone. Winter can be a particularly tricky time for hair health, since the same weather-related issues that wreak havoc on our skin (arid air and dry home indoor environments) can cause a multitude of winter hair troubles too. 

With the right ingredients in your hair care arsenal, you can tackle these woes and make it through the coldest months with fabulous locks intact. Read on for our top ingredient and product picks for your best winter hair.

Soothe An Itchy Scalp With Salicylic Acid and Panthenol

Dry indoor heating and extra-hot showers can make your scalp irritable and imbalanced. Using a gentle shampoo bar like Skin Grammar Sweet & Gentle Shampoo Bar will help bring hydration back to the scalp and balance oil production.

Lather up with warm (not hot) water and let the vitamin B5 (panthenol) in this formula work to soothe irritation. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil also help to promote healthy sebum production levels while exfoliating flaky dead skin cells, and shea butter and olive fruit oils are also included for their nourishing properties with biotin to strengthen weakened hair strands. 

Bonus: one shampoo bar replaces three traditional bottles of shampoo! 

Repair Damage With Argan Oil 

After shampooing, it’s time to give hair some TLC with a deeply reparative mask like the Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Plus Hair Mask.

Squeeze out any excess water and then work the mask through lengths of hair, focusing on the ends to seal in the healing fatty acids and nourishing argan oil. Leave on for 5 minutes or more for best results. With regular use, this mask helps to strengthen hair that may be weakened from dry air and over-styling.

Hydrate Parched Strands with Hyaluronic Acid 

Our hair can get especially dry in the winter time, with indoor heating sapping away much-needed moisture from parched strands.

A hydrating leave-in treatment like British M Extra Glam brings moisture back into hair with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient also beloved in skin care for its water-locking capabilities. After towel-drying hair, evenly apply a small amount of this treatment throughout for soft, healthy hair. No need to rinse out!

Fight Frizz With Macadamia Oil and Squalane

Hair oils work as the ideal “finishing touch” for a blow dried look. After drying, add a few drops of La’Dor Wonder Hair Oil to the palms of your hands and work into the ends and through the lower lengths to lock in essential moisture with the help of plant-derived squalane. This formula also contains macadamia seed oil, known for its frizz fighting power and avocado and argan oils for added shine. 

How do you keep your hair looking its best in the winter? Let us know in the comments!

The post Your K-Beauty Guide To A Hydrating Winter Hair Care Routine For Shiny, Healthy Strands appeared first on The Klog.

While following a K-beauty routine can give you smoother, brighter skin, there are some skin concerns that require a little extra help. There are a number of laser procedures available today that will target just about any issue you may be experiencing. There’s an option to help you achieve your skin goals, whether you’re trying to treat hyperpigmentation or sun damage, texture issues and scarring, broken blood vessels or fine lines and wrinkles. Discover which treatment is best for you below.

So you want to treat pitted acne scarring and deep wrinkles?
Try: Fractional CO2 Lasers

Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are considered the best for treating deep texture issues, including acne scar pitting and deep wrinkles, because they have the longest wavelength of any laser on the market. The CO2 laser beams deep into the skin and then fractionates into thousands of small shafts of light, which then penetrate damaged collagen and encourage the growth of new, healthy collagen fibers at a deep level, resulting in repaired and smoothed skin texture over time. CO2 is not recommended for treating skin redness and can occasionally exacerbate redness issues in the skin, so if this is an issue for you, pulsed dye laser could be a better treatment option (more on that below!).

Depending on how deep the textural irregularities are that you are treating with CO2, treatment downtime may be longer and your skin could take more time to heal. It can take up to two weeks to experience full healing, and full results won’t be seen for three to six months, but the ultimate results will provide smoother, more even-toned skin with less pitting and deep lines and a rejuvenated, healthy glow.

So you want to treat broken blood vessels and rosacea?
Try: Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy

If you experience a concentration of broken blood vessels and rosacea that displays in small red lines across the face, pulsed dye laser therapy could be the treatment for you. Pulsed dye laser treatments specifically target red pigment in the skin and destroys the damaged blood vessels. As it treats each area, it can feel like a small rubber band snapping on the skin’s surface. Immediate side effects include swelling and flushing and your doctor may apply an ice pack to the skin to soothe any of the discomfort or ask you to take an antihistamine to reduce swelling.

Extensive rosacea may require more than one treatment, but most patients with mild capillary issues will notice a reduction in skin redness after one session.

So you want to treat unwanted hair?
Try: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Hair Removal

If you have an excess of unwanted dark, coarse hair anywhere on your face and body, it can be treated with IPL hair removal. During this process, highly concentrated light pulses target the pigment in hair follicles, heating them until the follicle is destroyed, resulting in decreased or ceased hair growth, depending on how many treatments are performed. Typically, you’ll see results after three to six professional sessions. Because IPL is drawn to dark pigments, these hair treatments work best on those with fair skin and dark hair, as the contrast allows the hair pigments to attract the bright light best.

So you want to treat overall skin texture and tone (with minimal downtime)?
Try: Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is a subtle, noninvasive laser treatment that treats the topmost layer of skin with heat, encouraging collagen regrowth. It is a great introduction to laser treatments as it is an all-in-one treatment that targets scars, darkness and texture issues in a painless, low-impact procedure. Because the treatment is so gentle, results aren’t as noticeable as other laser treatments, but if you have minor skin issues, Laser Genesis is a great way to deal with any minimal texture irregularities and bring back a healthy glow to your skin.

So you want to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots?
Try: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial

Just like IPL hair removal, intense pulsed light therapy is used to treat dark spots as well, as the light targets dark pigment in the skin. IPL therapy causes a controlled injury to the dermis, just below the skin’s topmost layer (the epidermis). This results in a stimulating and regenerative effect that causes the skin to produce more collagen during the natural healing process.

Skin will experience tenderness and redness immediately after the procedure, but these side effects will subside in a few days to a week. Best results – smoother, brighter and more even-toned skin – are seen in a few months after getting the treatment once a month. 

Remember, the best way to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation from occurring is to use an SPF daily to keep UV damage at bay and keep your skin youthful and even-toned.

Bottom Line

There is only so much that products can do, and if you’re experiencing one of the concerns mentioned above, it might be time to bring in the big guns. Interested in one of the treatments? Talk to your dermatologist to see if it’s the right choice for your skin.

+Have you had a laser treatment performed on your skin? Let us know about your results!

The post The Best Laser Treatment to Zap YOUR Top Skin Concerns appeared first on The Klog.

Black Friday is basically here are Soko Glam’s celebrating with their biggest Cyber Weekend sale yet!

Soko Glam’s Skin Care Wonderland Sale continues with a sitewide 30% OFF everything* (using code SGWONDERLAND30), but they’re kicking it up a notch for Cyber Weekend (which for Soko is starting 11/23) and offering 40% OFF orders of $195+ with code SGWONDERLAND40.

But that’s not all! From 11/23-11/29, gift sets will be included in the sitewide sale for the first time ever. If you’ve been waiting to fill your cart, this sale is definitely the time to score some amazing deals.

Here are our top picks to grab for everyone on your list (and of course, treats for yourself, too!)

good light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

You may have seen this good light superstar popping up all over TikTok, and for good reason. Combining gentle AHA exfoliation with deeply hydrating snow mushroom and moisture-locking ceramides, this toner alleviates redness, reduces pore size and balances oil production. It’s a perfect treat for winter-dull complexions and makes a great gift when paired with Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad, because who doesn’t love the gift of good skin?

$22 $15.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Brillie Hand Wash Variety Set

If you’re seeking the perfect host gift, look no further than this eco-friendly set. Designed to reduce single-use plastic, Brillie has created powdered hand washes that activate when you add water. Simply add the solution of your choice to their stylish refillable bottle, mix with water—et voila!—a luxurious hand soap that lathers into a creamy foam for clean and comfortable hands. This set includes a starter bottle and three pouches in Almond, Vanilla and Fresh scents. 

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Chasin’ Rabbits Limited Edition Set

This might be the cutest set out there, and while we recommend giving it as a gift, we won’t blame you if you keep it for yourself. Featuring three of our favorite Chasin’ Rabbits products (in full-sizes!), this set stars the Mindful Bubble Cleanse, a head-to-toe purifying charcoal cleanser, Magic Beauty Shroom, a hybrid essence for healing and hydration, and Green Golden Ruler, a yogurt-like cream packed with antioxidants and probiotics for a more balanced complexion. Packaged together with a tie-dye dust bag, stickers and a super-soft headband, this set is the perfect introduction to the Chasin’ Rabbits line.

$85 $59.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Acwell pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream

This is definitely a holy grail eye cream. The hydrating Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream formula features licorice water and licorice extract to brighten dark circles and hyper-pigmentation.

This brightening dream is a great way to start the day, as it features caffeine to help depuff after a good night’s sleep.

$30 $21 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

The winter days may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to skip out on SPF. This lightweight new sunscreen from Neogen is a treat to apply with its fast-absorbing, airy finish. Featuring 20 kinds of plant extracts, it hydrates and calms without clogging pores or leaving a white cast. At a savings of 30% off until November 29th, you can grab a tube for yourself and your besties, because gifting sunscreen says, “I love you, and I want you to protect your gorgeous self!”

$32 $22.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

Unpa Bubi Bubi Bubble Lip Scrub

Recently repackaged and reformulated for even more bubbles, this innovative lip treatment is the perfect stocking stuffer (but maybe grab one for yourself, too). With its unique bubbling effect, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells away without being abrasive, while shea butter, olive oil and ceramide NP nourish so lips are left soft and protected. 

$12 $8.40 with code SGWONDERLAND30 until November 29th*

What caught your eye during this Cyber Weekend Bonanza? Let us know in the comments!

*SGWONDERLAND30 30% OFF and SGWONDERLAND40 codes do not apply to Then I Met You or books. Gift set discounts only valid 11/23-11/29. Sale ends November 29th, 2021.

The post The Soko Glam Cyber Weekend Sale Is Here, And We’re Laying Out How To Shop It! appeared first on The Klog.

It’s time to get excited — the Soko Glam Skin Care Wonderland sale event has begun! What does that mean for you? So glad you asked! This Cyber Month, you can take 30% OFF* glow-inducing goodies and top rated K-Beauty holy grails at Soko Glam using the code SGWONDERLAND30.

From now until November 29th, celebrate with the best way to bring joy to your routine and get a head start on gifting for the skin care-obsessed folks in your life. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our cult fave products that deserve an “Add To Cart”, stat.

Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser

A great cleanser is the cornerstone of any well-built routine, and this one is beloved for its ability to purify oily, combo and acne-prone skin without over-drying or irritating. With fermented green tea extract, it brightens and calms for clear, even-toned skin that stays balanced.

 $19 $13.30 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Benton Let’s Carrot Multi Oil

Facial oils are a great way to keep the skin hydrated during cold, taxing months. This oil, packed with carrot seed oil, beta-carotene, and tocopherol, keeps moisture from evaporating from the skin while it also works to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body!

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30

SKIN GRAMMAR Sweet & Gentle Shampoo Bar

We need to stop ignoring our scalps and strands. This season, we’re ready to wave good bye to flaky scalps and dull locs.

SKIN GRAMMAR is amping up K-Beauty’s hair care game with their vegan, cruelty free, and sustainable shampoo bar. Their bar, which equates to 3 bottles of shampoo, gently exfoliates the scalp and delivers much needed strength to brittle strands with vitamin B5 and B7.

 $18 $12.60 with code SGWONDERLAND30

SkinRX Lab MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner

Going into the cooler months of winter, our skin needs a helping hand to protect itself against dehydration and harm from the elements. This double essence, dual layer toner works with madecassoside to soothe and ceramides to fortify the skin barrier. We love this for its ability to calm redness, smooth out rough texture and boost hydration in all skin types.

$26 $18.20 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum

If you introduce one new serum into your routine, let it be this one from Acwell. Licorice water and licorice root extracts work to brighten the complexion alongside niacinamide and glutathione, while super-ingredient Pycnogenol® works to boost collagen production and smooth out fine lines. Free from parabens, silicone, sulphates, alcohol and other potential irritants, this serum does it all without harming sensitive skin.

$25 $17.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30

MEDIHEAL N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Sheet Mask

Now is the perfect time to stock up on sheet masks, and we’re grabbing this bestseller for good reason. Containing the key building blocks to N.M.F. (that’s Natural Moisturizing Factor), it helps the skin attract and retain water. Using hyaluronic acid, amino acids and water-binding sugars, these sheet masks turns rough, dry skin into a dewy, supple complexion. Perfect for treating yourself after a long and cold winter’s day.

$9.95 $6.97 for a pack of 5 with code SGWONDERLAND30 

Elensilia CPP Collagen 80% Intensive Eye Cream

If you’re looking to take your eye cream game to the next level, Elensilia has the formula for you. Hydrolyzed French collagen extract makes up 80% of the formula, working to plump fine lines, while two different patented peptides—SYN-COLL and Haloxyl—boost collagen production and reduce puffiness and dark circles, respectively. Free of artificial fragrance and mineral oils, this lightweight yet intensive cream won’t irritate sensitive eyes. 

$20 $14 with code SGWONDERLAND30

Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack

Say goodbye to chapped winter lips with this ultra-nourishing, non-sticky lip mask. A 2018 Best of K-Beauty winner, it’s packed with avocado, sweet almond and apricot seed oils, all working to repair and protect your lips while you sleep so you can wake up refreshed. With a subtle vanilla flavor, you’ll look forward to applying it every night.

$15 $10.50 with code SGWONDERLAND30

*Some exclusions apply. Discount cannot be used on Then I Met You, sets, or merchandise (books).

+What will you be picking up from the Soko Glam Skin Care Wonderland sale? Share your cart hauls in the comments!

The post We Have The Skin Care Cult Favorites You Need From Soko Glam’s Cyber Month Sale Event appeared first on The Klog.

There are many reasons to take your skin care seriously.  Perhaps you want a clear, glowing complexion for the confidence boost it gives you, or maybe you slather on the SPF to decrease your risk of skin cancer. But chances are, one of the main reasons you’ve adopted a K-Beauty skin care routine is because you want your skin to look as youthful as possible.

Dewy, bright skin, and an even-tone are all markers of young-looking skin, but the most obvious marker of youth is a complexion free of fine lines and wrinkles. These little lines can appear on our foreheads, at the corners of our eyes and around our mouths for many reasons, but no matter their cause, the right skin care can help delay the appearance of these lines and soften ones that have already shown up.

Before using skin care to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, it’s important to understand why they show up in the first place. Different areas of our face can show signs of age for different reasons, so read on to understand how these lines are formed (and how to keep them at bay!)

Crow’s feet & fine lines around the eyes

Crow’s feet are the V-shaped lines that show up at the outer corners of our eyes. They tend to be most pronounced when we’re smiling or squinting, as they are “dynamic” wrinkles—made more noticeable with frequent movement and expression in the eye area.

Crow’s feet can also be made worse by sun damage, which is why applying your SPF to the orbital area is so important. However, SPF alone is not enough when it comes to keeping the skin around your eyes looking healthy and smooth. Since squinting from either poor vision or exposure to bright light can cause these lines to deepen, it’s important to care for the health of your eyes themselves. This means regular check-ups with the optician if you have eyesight that’s anything other than perfect 20/20, wearing contacts and prescription glasses as needed, and finding sunglasses with UV 400 protection (which blocks both wrinkle-causing UVA and cancer-causing UVB rays).

If your vision is clear and protected, you are less likely to spend time squinting to see properly, and these lines will have less of a chance to make a deep impression.

If you’ve had a particularly rough day in terms of eye exposure—maybe you’ve been staring at a computer screen too long, or forgot your sunglasses on a trip to the beach—try treating tired eyes with a hydrating eye patch, like the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch. These patches not only sooth and depuff with seaweed extract, but the snail mucin in the formula helps infuse moisture back into the skin, helping to fill out and fine lines that may have formed in this tender area of the face.

Forehead lines

If you’re an overly expressive person, chances are you’ve noticed your forehead tends to wrinkle up—especially when you’re feeling surprised, stressed, or confused. These wrinkles start out as faint lines across the forehead, but can deepen into something permanent without preventative measures. Exfoliation with AHAs, like glycolic acid, is a great way to soften these lines and give skin a smoother appearance. Then I Met You’s Birch Milk Refining Toner is packed with glycolic and lactic acids to smooth fine lines and tackle acne.

Of course, the best way to prevent these lines is to ensure you’re wearing SPF everyday. Exposure to UVA rays is the fastest way to cause permanent aesthetic damage to the skin, and an unprotected forehead is likely to wrinkle faster. Pair your favorite daily SPF with regular use of antioxidant-infused products, like vitamin A and vitamin C, which will help your skin protect itself against free-radicals: those annoying aging atoms that skin is exposed to through air pollution and UV rays.

If you notice fine lines on the forehead beginning to appear, try the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine. This is a star product for smoothing these lines, as it combines the power of AHA exfoliation with the antioxidant properties of resveratrol, an ingredient naturally found in wine that helps fight free radicals in the skin.

Smile lines and lines around the mouth

Our mouths move a lot throughout the day: from talking, eating, smiling and frowning, this is a very expressive area of the face and naturally, the skin around our lips is prone to show lines fast if it is not properly cared for. Staying hydrated is an important first step to keeping these lines minimal, so try to include drinking plenty of water in your daily routine, and try to ingest hydration-boosting foods like lettuce, watermelon, cucumber, broccoli, and pineapple.

Additionally, you may notice fine lines form faster if you have skin that’s on the drier side, since lines are more noticeable on the tight and flaky surface of dry skin. It’s important to exfoliate gently on a regular basis if you have a dry complexion, and to ensure that moisture in the skin is regularly replenished. The Son & Park Beauty Water contains willow bark and papaya extracts to gently sweep away dead skin cells, leaving skin prepped to better absorb hydrating treatments afterwards.

After exfoliating, try following up with a collagen-boosting serum or ampoule. Over time, our skin naturally loses collagen—the protein that keeps skin firm and plump—but certain ingredients can help stimulate collagen growth. Look our for products with retinoids, rose hip oil, or collagen-boosting vitamin C, found in the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop. This brightening and plumping ampoule also contains niacinamide, another fine line fighter!

Neck lines

Checking your phone too frequently could be the sneaky cause for lines along the neck. “Tech neck” is the name given to deep lines across the neck region that occur due to staring down at our phones too much, or slumped posture in general.

Minimizing screen time and working to correct your posture will help maintain the appearance of a smooth and elongated neck, but lines can still occur since the neck is so frequently left out of our skin care regimens!

Giving attention to the neck and extending your K-beauty routine beyond the face, including SPF application, can help keep your neck youthful looking and smooth. Try the Cocokind Daily SPF, a gentle hydrating sunscreen that will protect your neck area without leaving a greasy residue.

Additionally, try a gentle exfoliating treatment on the décolletage and neck once a week, and follow up with a hydrating serum applied in gentle, fluttering upward strokes.

The bottom line:

Overall, daily sun protection and antioxidant-packed skin care products are your best friends in the fight against all kinds of lines. Exfoliation can also help improve the overall smooth appearance, particularly in drier complexions prone to flaky, tight skin. Look out for products that encourage collagen production, and keep an eye out for free radical fighters like vitamin C and vitamin E.

+ What sneaky reasons have you found for why wrinkles form? Which products do you love for smoothing fine lines? Do you have any secrets for keeping wrinkles away? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Reason Why Different Types Of Wrinkles Form (And How To Prevent Them) appeared first on The Klog.

When it comes to trying out new skin care products, I have to approach them with caution. I love experimenting with new textures and formulas, but my highly reactive skin means I have to play it safe. Just looking at the wrong ingredient can set off unexpected hives and rashes that have me reaching for antihistamines.

However, when I was recently given the opportunity to try out Benton’s Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel, I jumped at the chance. I’ve had mostly good experiences with aloe products in the past, but they always ended up having a sticky finish or loads of alcohol in the formula that ultimately ended up drying out my skin.

Looking into Benton’s gel, I discovered it contained a whopping 93% aloe leaf extract, along with a handful of other naturally soothing ingredients and none of the stuff my skin dislikes, like alcohol, artificial fragrances or essential oils.

Aloe is beloved for its after-sun skin soothing benefits, and this gel captures all of that goodness while adding in hydrating coconut fruit extract and anti-inflammatory Japanese seaweed extract. I love to hang out in the sunshine (after slathering on my SPF, of course!) but no matter how sun-safe I am, my fair, sensitive skin is still prone to flushing and overheating. 

After a cool shower, I apply this gel everywhere to alleviate redness and sun-induced dehydration. I love the fact that it sinks in without leaving behind any stickiness or any overly powerful scents. It also has a gentle cooling sensation when applied to the skin, but if you pop the jar in the fridge beforehand, the results are extra-refreshing—a must on hot and humid days. 

Get this- the perks of this affordable gel don’t stop at sun care.

 I recently had an allergic reaction to some hand soap, resulting in hives on both of my arms. After a few days of allergy medicine, I decided to try calming the breakouts with my Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel and my skin loved it. The previously rough texture of the hives was smoothed, and my skin felt soft and comfortable. 

Some of my other favorite ways to use Benton’s gel:

– Forgot to apply sunscreen to the part in your hair and now have sunburn? Don’t worry, this gel is safe for the scalp and won’t leave your hair feeling greasy.

– If you have tired feet after a long day of hiking or sightseeing, apply a thick layer of the gel to your feet and wrap in saran wrap for 30 minutes for a relaxing, cooling treatment that will lock in moisture.

– If your skin is in need of a quick hydration fix, try applying a generous amount of gel to the face before bed and massage it in after 15 minutes for a hydrating sleep mask that won’t leave any sticky residue.

– Mosquito bites have you seeking relief? Dab a thin layer of the gel onto affected spots to alleviate redness and itching.

Whether your skin is as sensitive as mine, or you’re just looking for the perfect multi-purpose treatment to keep on hand, I highly recommend grabbing a jar of Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel for all of your skin’s needs. Did I mention it’s only $8 for a 300ml jar? You’ve got to try it!

Have you tried this summer must-have? Let us know in the comments!

The post Why This Super-Affordable Multi-Tasking Aloe Gel Will Be My Summer Go-To appeared first on The Klog.

The moisture barrier has become a hot topic of discussion in the skin care world, and for good reason. 

A rise in popularity of elaborate routines, exfoliating treatments and an ignited desire to try new ingredients means that many of us have put our skin through the ringer on a quest to have a smooth, glowing complexion. Let’s admit it, we’ve all tried an acid treatment that’s active ingredient percentage is tip-toeing the line of acceptability.

If you’ve noticed that your skin is more sensitive lately, you may have a damaged moisture barrier thanks to the last few years’ intense skin care trends.

Don’t get down! Thankfully, it’s possible to repair your skin’s ability to protect itself with some extra TLC. All you need to get your skin back on track is a simplified routine with the right soothing ingredients. Below, we’re outlining a 5 step routine for repairing the skin barrier that’s perfect for damaged, irritated, or sensitive skin types.

Cleanse

Good Light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

With sensitized skin, we want to minimize any chance for irritation, so a soothing but effective one-step cleanser is ideal during this repairing process. This vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is free of harsh additives but thorough enough to remove makeup, toxins and other impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight. The probiotics in this formula help support a healthy skin microbiome while the glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate as seaweed removes dirt and other irritants. With a gentle gel-to-foam texture, this cleanser will leave you with clean, happy skin.

Toner

Unpa Lacto Cica Soothing Toner

When it comes to repairing the skin, we want a toner that hydrates and nourishes rather than looking for aggressive exfoliators. This ultra-gentle formula has five types of probiotics to create a protective barrier on the skin that helps to shield from irritating pollutants while locking in moisture. Gently press it into your face with your fingertips for hydrated, softened skin.

Mask

Dr Althea Oasis Soothing Mask

Once a week, follow your toner with a reparative mask that lets your skin relax. Featuring Rose of Jericho, a plant known for surviving harsh conditions in the desert, this vegan, alcohol-, fragrance- and paraben-free mask works to trap water in the skin, while Ceramide NP improves barrier function and cica soothes and heals. Keep it in the fridge prior to application for a cooling treat that calms redness and will have you feeling totally blissed out.

Serum

Benton Deep Green Tea Serum

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, green tea is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to soothing and protecting the skin. Clinically tested for sensitive skin and featuring over 53% of green tea extracts, this serum treats irritation and redness with a cooling effect, while hyaluronic acid and panthenol boost hydration for a healthy, plump complexion. 

Moisturizer

Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

For the final hydrating step, reach for this hero healer. With a minimal ingredient list, this low-pH cream includes Centella asiatica-derived madecassoside to repair and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, along with naturally derived sunflower seed oil and shea butter to nourish and protect. It’s also free from fragrance, parabens and artificial color, so you can feel safe applying it to even the most sensitive skin.

How do you heal your skin from irritation? Let us know your favorite soothing tips in the comments!

The post This Gentle 5-Step Routine Will Help Repair Your Skin’s Barrier appeared first on The Klog.

Retinol has taken the skin care world by storm over the last few years. It went from every dermatologists’ favorite secret ingredient to suddenly lining both drugstore shelves and beauty store end caps. 

If you’ve picked up a retinol product and incorporated it into your skin care routine, you know all about its benefits when it comes to treating acne, enlarged pores, and fine lines. You probably also know that it can cause sensitivity to the sun, along with redness and flakiness if used too frequently. When it comes to this ingredient, balance is key! 

Using retinol in the winter paired with your favorite heavy moisturizer seems like a no brainer- but using retinol in the summer might raise some red flags due to all of the powerful sun rays.

But, fear not! You can keep using retinol in the sunnier months as long as you’ve got a game plan. Read on for our guide to keeping your skin happy and calm all summer long- without having to stop using retinol.

Slow It Down

To curb any sensitivity, try reducing the frequency of your retinol application during the summer months. This is especially important if you’re using a prescription retinoid. If your skin is used to you using it every other night, slow down to two nights a week. 

On the more sensitive side? Try once a week, and only apply to areas in need, like breakouts or fine lines on the forehead. Remember: a pea-sized amount of product is usually more than enough!

Keep Your SPF Game On Point

Retinol is a sun-sensitive ingredient and most dermatologists recommend applying it at night for peak effectiveness. In the daytime, you’ll want to keep your skin extra-protected with an SPF to maximize your results. Try Dr Oracle A-Thera Sunblock SPF 50 which uses a combination of chemical and mineral filters to block the sun’s rays and adds soothing centella asiatica to fight any irritation. 

If you’re planning on being outside when the sun is at its brightest, remember to reapply your SPF every two hours. Keeping a solid sunscreen stick in your bag will allow for mess-free, on-the-go touch-ups.

Simplify Your Actives

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient, but it doesn’t always play nicely with others, especially when it comes to other active ingredients. To minimize irritation, save exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs for the nights you’re not using retinol. 

If you’re on the more sensitive side, nix the more aggressive actives altogether and try a PHA exfoliant, like Klavuu Green Pearlsation PHA Calming Toner on non-retinol nights. PHAs are known to be gentler, and this toner will sweep away dead skin cells while calming inflammation with marine extracts and centella asiatica. Always remember, when it comes to using retinol in your routine, keeping it simple is best.

Be Sure To Soothe

Over time, using retinol will help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin. However, you may notice your face feeling a little drier, tighter or more sensitive in the mornings after you apply it. The best course of action is to reduce the frequency of your applications and reach for calming treatments that will give your thirsty, sensitised skin a break.

Pop a soothing mask like Round Lab Mugwort Calming Sheet Mask in the fridge for a few minutes for a cooling treat that will provide irritated skin with instant relief, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of mugwort extract and madecassoside. 

If you’re in need of a quicker fix, try misting with Leaders All Filter Mask Zone Mist. Though it was designed with mask-wearer’s irritation in mind, its soothing cica supports the skin barrier and fermented fungi extract softens and soothes, making it the perfect solution when you might have overdone it with active ingredients.

Do you use and love retinol in your routine? Let us know in the comments.

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