One could argue that people with sensitive skin, as a whole, are one of the most conscientious when it comes to skin care. They must be in order to prevent uncomfortable—sometimes painful—irritation, flare ups, and breakouts. One sideways move can lead to weeks or months of picking up the pieces, so patch testing, label reading, and extended research are all par for the course.

With that said, we imagine that those of you with sensitive skin reading The Klog are already doing a pretty good job of maintaining your dermal health. We want to help you take it one step further, though, by sharing some additional ways you can be even more gentle with your delicate skin.

Be aware of environmental extremes

You’re already wearing sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun’s potent rays, but it’s important to be mindful of other environmental factors, as well.

“Heat, cold, wind and sun are all tough on skin–even when it’s protected by sunscreen,” says Craig Kraffert, a board-certified dermatologist. “Outdoor activities are an essential part of work and play for many of us, but it is especially important to be mindful of environmental extremes if you have sensitive skin.”

For example, if it’s cold and blustery outside, extended exposure can lead to wind burn, which can create flare ups and discomfort. The key is to keep as much of your skin covered as possible, and to layer up with moisturizer before and after heading outdoors. One of our favorites for both soothing and protecting the skin is the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream.

Contrarily, prolonged time spent in extreme heat can result in prickly heat rashes or be very drying. A non-occlusive moisturizer is key in preventing rashes, as is placing a layer of clothing between your skin to prevent chaffing, and taking lots of breaks in the shade or AC.

Skip the cotton pad

When applying a toner, essence, or any other thin skin care product, cut out the cotton ball or cotton pad middleman. Instead, pour a small amount of product into clean hands and gently pat the product into your face. Not only will you prevent irritation from the cotton rubbing against your skin, you’ll also get more product on your face.

Don’t rely on cleansing wipes

“Resist the urge to substitute cleansing and rinsing for the quick trick of cleansing wipes,” says Kraffert. “While these can be great in a pinch and at times for makeup removal, they do not clean exceptionally well or exfoliate thoroughly, and they leave chemicals on the skin which can be undesirable.”

He explains that makeup wipes have certain inherent issues for them to be effective.

“Due to the need to apply concentrated surfactants and emulsifiers for best results, they can be drying and irritating,” he says. “Also, due to the nature of makeup wipe packaging and the product itself, high levels of preservatives are generally required to ensure long shelf life. These preservatives may also trigger irritant and allergic reactions.”  

Interestingly, Dr. Kraffert notes that makeup wipes are actually falling out of favor in the Korean skin care market, and are instead being replaced with other handy, but much safer and gentler, options. For example, foam cleansers, powder cleansers, and cleansing sticks that are easy to apply, easy to remove, and easy to travel with. We recommend the Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick or Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser. Both are super gentle on skin but harsh on dirt and sebum pore-clogging elements. 

Say no to microdermabrasion

A visit to the spa is always a treat, but make sure to stay away from aggressive forms of dermabrasion, including microdermabrasion and potent chemical peels. The goal of these treatments is to break down and resurface the skin barrier, but sensitive skin is sensitive precisely because the barrier is already very fragile. Whether at home or at the spa, opt for mild forms of exfoliation—ideally light peels or facials peels with ingredients you know are safe for your skin. Also, you should do these sorts of treatments this less frequently than other skin types.

Be kind to yourself

It’s possible to have a firm handle on your skin care regimen. However, when you don’t have a handle on other things going on in your life it can disrupt your skin just the same. It’s no secret that stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and a poor diet can wreak havoc on your physical wellbeing, and that includes your skin! When you’re stressed, overworked, and/or undernourished, your skin becomes more reactive and underlying conditions can flare up.

Make sure you’re not overcommitting, taking important breaks for yourself, eating well, and surrounding yourself with people and things that bring you joy instead of stress.

+ What are you best tips for how to prevent skin irritation? Share them below!

The post 5 Ways to be Gentler to Sensitive Skin and Prevent Irritation appeared first on The Klog.

Bundling up for winter is hard enough, but keeping your skin moisturized is a whole other project. This is because your skin goes through a lot, forced to experience harsh winds and dry indoor heating and becoming dull as a result.

I, for one, used to struggle to keep my skin balanced and glowing during this season. I had tried everything from extra thick moisturizers to serums that claim to intensely hydrate, but nothing seemed to work.

Over time, I realized this was happening because I was trying to alleviate a skin issue without understanding why it was happening. The most important thing you can do to combat a skin issue is to understand why it occurs in the first place. So let’s start by going in-depth on why dry winter skin occurs. That way, you can choose the best course of action and have glowing skin all winter long.

How your skin works

To really understand how the winter weather affects your skin, let’s quickly review what your skin is made up of. Your skin is composed of several layers that range in depth and thickness. The lowest layer is comprised of subcutaneous fat, which helps insulate the body so that it can withstand varying temperatures. It also helps with energy storage.  

The next layer up, the dermis, is a thicker layer that contains sweat and sebaceous glands as well as hair follicles. This layer is where sebum is secreted into hair follicles to keep skin moist and protected.

The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis, and it’s a thinner layer that serves as the skin’s protective barrier. The epidermis is where most of the damage occurs to the skin, especially during the winter.

What cold weather does to your skin 

The outermost layer of your skin contains the moisture barrier, which protects the skin from bad bacteria, environmental stressors, transepidermal water loss, and other possible irritants. But the drastic temperature changes we tend to experience in the winter can throw off the balance of this moisture barrier. The frigid air and harsh winds, combined with dry indoor heating and lowered humidity, create a recipe for disaster for the moisture barrier.

Think of your moisture barrier as a house that is made up of brick and mortar: Your skin cells serve as the bricks, while lipids serve as the mortar that holds everything together. The lack of humidity in the air, along with the lowered temperatures, can damage the skin by causing that brick and mortar to loosen and essentially strip the skin of its protective barrier.

According to dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, this then results in “micro-cracks in the skin that show up as redness and irritation.” Plus, once it gets cooler, the water in your skin tends to evaporate quicker. As you can see, these processes make it easy to end up with dry, flaky skin.

How to combat winter skin

It’s best to reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier so it can better protect you from the harsh weather. Given that a healthy barrier is made up of a combination of lipids like cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides, in order to protect it from winter’s unfortunate effects, you need to feed it what it craves — a lipid-rich moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated all day long.

A great option is the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream. It’s specially formulated to strength the skin barrier with a combination of ceramides, shea butter, and soothing rice extract. It also contains papaya fruit extract for gentle exfoliation. 

But your facial skin isn’t the only one that gets affected during the winter: The skin on your body can become just as dry and flaky. To keep your body supple and smooth, make sure to choose a lipid-rich moisturizer like the Klairs Supple Preparation All-Over Lotion. It contains shea butter, ceramide MT, and jojoba seed oil to deeply nourish the skin and keep it hydrated without leaving behind a greasy residue.

How to deal with redness

On top of dryness, the rapidly changing temperatures can leave your skin red and inflamed, which is another classic sign of skin barrier damage. According to Mariwalla, your skin can turn red because prolonged exposure to cold temperatures “vasoconstrict our blood vessels so the skin also gets less micro circulation”. Once you return to the warm indoors, “all those vessels vasodilate, [making] you look red,” Mariwalla says.

The use of lipid-rich moisturizers will help keep your skin barrier intact and protect it from environmental damage, alleviating some of the redness as a result. You can also use products with calming ingredients to soothe that red, irritated skin.

The Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum can do just that while replenishing moisture. This serum is formulated with centella asiatica extract, known to increase skin’s healing process and relieve redness, which makes this serum perfect for those with highly sensitive and reactive skin. It also contains panthenol to smooth and antioxidant-rich green tea to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Using a soothing serum along with skin-fortifying moisturizers will definitely help keep winter redness in check.

On top of that, don’t forget to protect your face and cover it with a scarf when heading outdoors. We sometimes focus so much on bundling up our bodies that we forget to take care of our faces. 

Bottom Line:

Winter is a tough time for your skin, but if you understand why it affects your skin, you can be well prepared to combat winter’s adverse effects. To learn more about how you can keep your skin soothed and glowing throughout winter, check out our winter skin care hacks.

+How does winter affect your skin? Let us know in the comments below!

The post What The Winter Weather Actually Does To Your Skin appeared first on The Klog.

If you’re a skin care junkie, chances are you’ve already heard of the Buzzy K-Beauty ingredient mugwort. It’s been having a moment for a while now, and it doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon. The ingredient has gained popularity specifically because of its ability to target redness, sensitivity, and dryness — something that many of us are dealing with in a world with heightened pollution and increased irritants.

RELATED: How Squalane Can Give You Baby Soft, Glowy Skin

Mugwort: A Long-Cherished Ingredient for Sensitive Skin

Also known as artemisia — or ssuk in Korean — mugwort has a long and rich history in Korean medicine and skin care. It’s known as a healing herb for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and has become a key ingredient used in food, medicine, and even in herbal baths at Korean bathhouses to help detox and soothe the body.

According to experts, mugwort’s soothing benefits make it a top-choice ingredient for folks who have rosacea, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and even acne. The ingredient’s soothing properties is the main reason why it’s commonly found in Korean skin care products that target sensitive skin.

All that said, even if you don’t have sensitive or acne-prone skin, mugwort is be worth adding to your skincare routine because it’s also quite moisturizing and can help brighten skin for a more luminous complexion. In fact, mugwort has been compared to tea tree and vitamin C for its antioxidants and bacteria-fighting benefits.

Mugwort Skin Care Products to Try

If you’re keen on trying mugwort yourself, we recommend starting with one of these Klog-approved picks.

I’m From Mugwort Essence

For those looking for a soothing and hydrating essence, we recommend trying this healing and nourishing product from popular brand I’m From. The formula contains 100% mugwort extract, a herb that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. This mugwort essence also stimulates collagen production, which plumps up the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.

I’m From Mugwort Cream

For sensitive skin that’s in desperate need of relief and moisture, try this calming cream from I’m From. Formulated with 73.55% mugwort extract, this cream’s fast observing and leaves no sticky or heavy residue.  The result is an deep nourishment that works to moisturize and hydrate! 

The post Mugwort Skin Care Products to Calm Your Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Cleopatra did a lot of questionable things.

Crocodile dung face masks, crushed beetle blush, lead-infused eyeliner— it’s safe to say that her beauty ritual would not have been approved by the skincare gurus of today. 

But not all of it was total nonsense. Legend has it that Cleo bathed in sour donkey milk for soft and supple skin— and weirdly enough, there’s science to back up her beauty secret, as the two are both packed with one of our favorite AHAs.

Though I don’t advise anyone to bathe in sour donkey milk, Cleo was onto something: sour milk contains lactic acid, which is the sensitive-skin-friendly cousin to the AHAs of the world.

On TikTok, lactic acid is the newest miracle ingredient going viral for its gentle but effective exfoliating properties. 

Not Your Mother’s AHA

Naturally found in milk, lactic acid is a powerhouse ingredient and part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, a group of acids that remove dead skin cells and smooth the surface of your skin (AKA: exfoliate). What distinguishes lactic acid from other AHAs is its larger molecule size, which makes it safer and more suitable for sensitive skin. There’s more: unlike other AHAs, lactic acid’s unique structure helps bind water within skin, hydrating your skin while lightly exfoliating. 

If you’ve ever tried other AHAs and found them to be too strong, lactic acid is your soulmate. Because lactic acid is part of your skin’s natural moisturizing factor, it has unique hydrating properties that aid the chemical exfoliation process for sensitive skin. In different concentrations, lactic acid’s benefits range from fading discoloration to repairing sun damage to smoothing textured skin. 

Tried and tested

Over the past month, I used various kinds of lactic acid products — peeling pads, serums, toners, and masks — to test out TikTok’s bold claims. In the course of a week, I noticed a dramatic change in my skin’s texture and tone. Those little red bumps that aren’t quite acne but kind of are? Gone. Skin tone? Brightened. Dry patches? Zapped away. Having been on Accutane years ago, my skin is still acne-prone but extremely sensitive— so gentler acids like lactic acid were bound to be a miracle worker for my skin concerns.

Looking to get in on smooth and exfoliated, but almost never irritated skin?

Here are a few ways I incorporate lactic acid into my routine:

Inward’s Agas ACue Cleansing Foam has become an essential part of my double cleansing routine. This cleanser features a mix of different AHAs and BHAs, including lactic acid. Different AHAs work best in conjunction with lactic acid, which helps to gently slough away dead skin while boosting your skin’s hydration. With other AHA cleansers, I’m normally concerned with my face getting itchy and red after cleansing— but this cleanser is the perfect in-between. 

What did I do before I met Then I Met You’s Birch Milk Refining Toner? I pat this into my face every other day after my double cleansing routine, and I find that my skin feels adequately toned, soothed, and prepped for the rest of my skincare routine. The ingredient list explains it all: this toner contains a soothing blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, shea butter, and birch juice to combat breakouts and smooth skin texture. For those looking for an affordable dupe to SK-II’s Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, this toner is eerily similar— without the hefty price tag. 

Rosé is bae, right? With Then I Met You’s Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask, a little goes a long way. I use this mask once or twice a week in lieu of an exfoliator— with a blend of 6% lactic and glycolic acid, this mask reveals softer, fresher skin. With most chemical exfoliation masks, my sensitive skin usually suffers from a mild chemical burn; this mask is irritation free. Plus, who wouldn’t want rosé in their skincare routine?

This cult classic is a facial in a jar. Neogen’s Bio-Peel Lemon Pads are perfect for whenever your skin needs a quick pick-me-up: before a night out, I’ll prep my skin with these pads before I put on makeup. The end result? A smoothed, dramatically brightened canvas. It’s also amazing for zapping away acne— if I have any stubborn pimples, I’ll soak it in the pad for a quick solution. 

With great power comes great responsibility

Lactic acid comes with some unwritten rules. As a rule of thumb, lactic acid products should also not be combined with harsh exfoliating products like scrubs or retinoids. Likewise, as with every AHA, sunscreen is key: if you’re not already applying sunscreen every morning (which is an absolute CRIME), you’ll need to combat unprotected sun exposure with daily SPF. My favorite is Thank You Farmer’s Sun Project Light Sun Essence, which is the perfect lightweight sunscreen to layer over makeup. 

What ingredients do you want to learn more about? Let us know below!

The post Lactic Acid 101: Your Guide to the Buzzworthy Acid for Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Klog.

It’s technically still summer, but the weather outside is already showing us that fall is following very closely behind. To combat dry skin during this time of year, many turn to a humidifier to supplement a hydrating product routine. But, can keeping a humidifier at your desk and/or bedside really make a difference in the state of your skin? We spoke with two dermatologists for more insights on a humidifier’s benefits. 

How can the humidity of the air affect skin?

Even if your skin feels the same all year round, the humidity of the air can still be affecting hydration levels as well as your skin barrier. When the air is more humid, there is little to no evaporation of moisture from the skin, which according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, keeps your skin more supple and smooth. Therefore, low humidity causes an adverse effect on your complexion.

“When the air is dry, water readily evaporates from our skin, which becomes dry and cracked – similar to the bottom of a dried out puddle,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin. If your outer skin layer becomes dehydrated, it can make the skin barrier less functional in its protection of your skin.

Low humidity can be even more damaging if you’re worried about signs of aging. In a 2007 scientific study in Japan on the skin effects of room humidity, volunteers had their skin conductance, elasticity and wrinkles assessed after acclimating to a high-humidity room, and then later again after being in a low-humidity room. The results showed that a 30% decrease in humidity could significantly reduce skin elasticity and deepen fine lines and wrinkles in just 30 minutes.

This is especially relevant in the colder months because not only is the air less humid outside, but central heating inside your home or office can have the same drying result and strip even more moisture from the skin. 

RELATED: The 3 Winter Skin Care Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

How does a humidifier help?

It’s common to use a humidifier to prevent these negative effects on your skin. But, how exactly does a humidifier work? “A humidifier is a portable device we can use to help control our environment,” says Vermont-based dermatologist Dr. Laura McGevna.“It forces moisture into the air and back into our skin, which helps seal the skin barrier.” Essentially, humidifiers emit water vapor into the air to improve the humidity of the area around it, which can slow down or stop the evaporation of moisture from the skin. 

Using a humidifier can be especially beneficial if you’re starting to notice the signs of low humidity on your skin, but also if you usually deal with dryness or flakes. Those with dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can even see an improvement in some of the common symptoms, according to Dr. McGevna. She recommends using a humidifier at night any time you turn on the heat, especially if you live in an environment that’s cold for the majority of the year. Dr. Tonkovic-Capin says you should also use one “as soon as you start noticing patches of dry or cracking skin.” 

So, do you really need a humidifier?

It depends on how much you think you would benefit from it. If you have naturally dry skin or it has been dehydrated and cracking from the cold weather, a humidifier can consistently increase overall hydration of the skin without the application of any skin care. It could also make your life a little more comfortable if you have dry patches all over, such as with eczema or psoriasis.

But if you’re not worried about low humidity or dry skin, adding moisturizing products could be enough to keep your skin soft and hydrated throughout the season. If you prefer the latter, Dr. Tonkovic-Capin suggests applying products with humectants, that “wick moisture to the skin.” Look for skin care products that have ingredients such as aloe, panthenol, or glycerin.

Shop three moisturizing products that contain humectants below!

The post Do You Really Need… A Humidifier For Your Skin? appeared first on The Klog.

When we think of pH balance, vaginal pH is normally what comes to mind. In the same way you want to maintain normal vaginal pH levels, you should also maintain to the pH level of your facial skin and, as such, the skin care products you use. In fact, the pH levels in beauty products matter more than you may realize.

What’s pH?

Unsure what pH even means? Let’s rewind for a second. The term pH stands for “potential hydrogen” and it is a scale based on a measurement of 0 to 14 used to specify how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. Seven is neutral, lower values are acidic and higher values are alkaline. In order for our skin to be its healthiest it needs just the right balance between acidity and alkalinity. This magic number is 5.5.

Keeping your skin balanced helps keep it moisturized and protected from bad bacteria that can cause acne. It can also help ward off free radicals, which expedite signs of aging. Things like using the wrong skin care products or eating the wrong foods can throw off your skin’s pH balance and potentially lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, exaggerated fine lines, inflammation, and even acne. Conversely, balanced skin tends to be hydrated, clear, smooth, and even in tone.

How to Keep Skin pH Balanced

The right skin care products can help significantly, and there are even skin care products designed to do exactly that. Start with the product suggestions below.

Start with a pH Balanced Cleanser

There’s a reason why the COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser has become such a popular pick. This super gentle gel formula contains botanical ingredients along with milk acids that work to gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It helps to remove everything from makeup, dirt, and excess oil, all while leaving skin super soft and hydrated. It’s an ideal cleanser for morning cleansing and works great on sensitive and dry skin.

RELATED: Why the pH Level of Your Skin Care Products Matters

Follow Up with a pH Balanced Toner

In addition to avoiding harsh cleansers with an alkaline pH — which can strip skin of its natural oils — adding a pH balancing toner to your routine can also make a major difference. Make sure your toner doesn’t make your skin feel tight afterwards and instead leaves skin smooth, soft, and calm. Try Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, which is formulated with peony extract and a high concentration of licorice water that work to hydrate and brighten skin. It’s perfect for all skin types.

Another great option is the SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner, which is specifically for sensitive skin types. It contains vitamin B5 and madecassoside — derived from centella asiatica (cica), which work in tandem to repair and restore damaged or sensitive skin.

Apply a pH Balanced Eye Cream

Who says your eye area doesn’t need pH balancing? The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream is formulated with licorice water and licorice extract to help combat hyperpigmentation and brighten dark circles. Green tea, blueberry extract, and caffeine work to tighten and reduce inflammation that cause any puffiness underneath your eyes.

Freshen Up with a pH Balanced Facial Mist

The Soko Glam and Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist works great as a companion to the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner. Unlike your usual facial mist, this one has more of a milky texture and leaves skin moisturized, bright, and refreshed throughout the day. Spritz a little on whenever your skin feels like it needs a hydrating pick-me-up.

The post 5 Gentle Low-pH Facial Products To Balance Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Klog.

This week’s question is: “What are some products that are great for both sensitive and oily skin?”

Here, a Soko Glam skin expert’s answer: 

It is important to understand how sensitive skin-friendly products are formulated. Sensitive skin products are typically formulated without ingredients that are known to be commonly irritating. This is why sensitive skin-friendly products are a great place to start! Of course everyone’s skin is different and there could still be ingredients in that formula that you find don’t end up working well for your individual skin.

RELATED: The Skin Care Products To Rotate Into Your Routine If You Have Oily Skin

To predict any reaction you want, avoid applying a new product all over your face, especially if your skin tends to be reactive. This is where patch testing comes in. Here, at The Klog, we recommend patch testing every single new skin care product in routine regardless of skin type. Of course, I do know how exciting it can be to open a new product and completely understand the urge to start using it right away. At the very least I recommend introducing new products into your routine slowly so you have a better idea which products are working out for your skin and which ones you might need to consider returning or gifting.

What’s great about K-beauty for sensitive skin is that the products lean to being more gentle and sensitive skin friendly. Sensitive skin is actually reported to be the most self-identified skin type in Korea. Even with more active ingredients like vitamin C or exfoliating acids, Koreans formulas typically favor lower percentages sometimes even low enough to be able to be used twice daily. To be sure, you want to take a look at the product itself and consider the percentage of the acids and also the usage directions that the brand recommends.

Now, when looking at these sensitive skin friendly products, you want to consider some keywords to find products that are lightweight enough for oily skin. Words like “watery” and “milky” are often used to describe lightweight products that absorb into the skin well which is what we want to avoid a greasy look. In the past year, “cream skin” has emerged on the horizon as a K-beauty trend. In Korea ‘toners’ are sometimes referred to as ‘skin’ so a cream toner is a milky toner that is often meant to act as both a toner and moisturizer! How to best use a cream skin will differ between brands, so again you’ll want to check out the official directions. ‘Gels’ and ‘gel creams’ are great texture key words for moisturizers! 

Gels can sometimes be too light for even oily skin types. They tend work best for oily skin types in the warmer months or oily skin types in warmer climates though of course every formula is different. Gel creams have a best of both worlds mix of a lightweight, gel-like texture and more hydrating cream texture so they tend to work well for oily skin types year round. Another great keyword to look out for is “emulsion.” Emulsions are lightweight hydrators that sit in between essences and moisturizer in texture. For this reason, they are a great alternative to moisturizer for oil and even combo-oily skin types. Each emulsion will have its texture ranging from super lightweight to being more viscous. Check out the reviews on emulsions to get an idea of which one might be more suitable for your skin based on how oily you tend to get! 

Sensitive skin is often listed by brands as a skin type, but some sensitive skin types may be more oily while others may be more dry! Knowing that a product is formulated for sensitive skin is the first step to finding products that may work well for you. To best tailor your routine, look for textures that will work well for how oily or dry your skin tends to be!

The post Dear Soko: Are there K-Beauty products that exist for both Sensitive and Oily Skin Types? appeared first on The Klog.

Sensitive skin can by trying because you’re skin is often left feeling irritated — red, itchy, and sometimes even painful after applying something topically. Nobody has time for that! We all want to feel clean, moisturized and refreshed.

Finding products that works for sensitive skin involves a lot of trial and error, which means you tend to stay loyal to a product not because it’s particular good, but because it’s the only product that doesn’t make you break out.

The good thing is that the feedback from many of you is that you are typically sensitive and you have found success with Korean products! I love when I hear that.

So naturally, I’ve been asked: Are Korean skin care products really “less harsh” compared to Western products?

Well, when I spoke with the head of R&D at AmorePacific, Paul Kang, he said many Koreans identify with having sensitive skin. So, Korean cosmetic companies keep this in mind while creating their formulas. They tend to focus on using the most effective, yet gentle ingredients for the skin.

In my quest to find more skin care products for sensitive skin types, I looked to the brand Klairs, a.k.a. Dear Klairs. It was on my radar after tons of people actually emailed me to test it out. Have you guys heard of it?

Klairs isn’t a masstige brand with tons of brick and mortars in Seoul or a huge marketing budget with celebrity endorsements, but it has swiftly and quickly become a cult K-beauty favorite for their gentle yet effective ingredients. They also commit to 5 values: no animal testing (!!!), alcohol free, no parabens, no artificial coloring and the packaging is eco friendly.

After testing it, I’m excited to finally curate Klairs on Soko Glam.

My first Klairs love? Gentle Black Seed Deep Cleansing Oil.

It’s made up of black seed oil – from a plant called Nigella Sativa.

Some of the benefits of black seed oil: Great moisturizer, is packed with antioxidants to ward off premature aging. Not to mention it is anti-inflammatory and contains vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids. All skin pleasers!

Why I curated it: I love the medium to light-weight consistency of the oil and how it leaves my skin feeling soft and not at all sticky. I have tested one too many oil cleansers that are either too watery or way too emollient. With a splash of water it emulsifies easily and gently (which means it turns slightly milky and thus helps effectively remove the excess oil-based debris). Remember to massage a pump or two of this oil cleanser on a dry face, even with makeup. Cause like every good oil cleanser should, it should remove makeup easily and effortlessly.

And packaging? As much as I like super cute stuff, this packaging is simple and unisex. It has a natural, apothecary-type feel to it. #SokoMan approved?

Mmm, milky!

A final note: No matter what brand oil cleanser you use, make sure your oil cleanser is formulated to emulsify. Some have asked me if they can use straight, natural olive oil found in the kitchen. Not that you can’t (it’s a free country that declared yesterday that #lovewins but olive oil used for cooking means it won’t easily wash off with water. Oil cleansers formulated in the lab specifically for skin care involves adding the right ingredients that help thoroughly wash off the skin when water is introduced. That’s why I always make sure the oil cleanser I use turns slightly milky. If it doesn’t, you may be just adding a very emollient topical product onto your face that won’t really be doing you any favors. It may not be really cleansing and it might mean clogged pore central.

Finally this trio has made it to Soko Glam!

So thats my take! Are you also a fan of KLAIRS? So far I’ve curated two other Klairs items: the Rich moist soothing sheet mask and the Supple Preparation Facial Toner. And I’m sure there will be more to come. I’m currently testing their Freshly Juiced Drop (a Vitamin C serum!)

This brand wouldn’t have caught my eye without your help. If you’ve tried this brand I’d love to hear your recommendations and comments below or please leave a review at individual product listings here!

xx charlotte

The post Sensitive Skin? An Oil Cleanser for You appeared first on The Klog.

Maintaining a skin care routine in the midst of returning to school, hitting the books, and hanging with friends is practically an olympic sport.

There’s the upended routines, long nights in the library, a shift in sleeping patterns, and shrinking bathroom cabinet space (ugh, dorm bathrooms). Beyond all of this, there’s the added stress of transitions, moving, and a new environment that might have your skin breaking out around back-to-school time. 

These factors can lead to infrequent skin care routines, a night or two falling asleep in a face of makeup, and breakouts.

In order to combat any back-to-school skin care routine fails, we’re letting you in on our skin care secret for anyone with a hectic schedule: a solid double cleanse.

 All one really needs is a quick, impactful double cleanse formulated with ingredients that do more than wipe away oil and debris, followed up with a moisturizer and SPF of course. 

By fortifying your double cleanse with impactful ingredients and proven cleansers, you can whittle away at your skin care routine and make it totally fit your back-to-school schedule. 

Acwell has the perfect double cleansing duo for an effective and quick back-to-school skin care routine.

The cult Korean brand’s pH Balancing Watery Cleansing Oil and pH Balancing Bubble Free Cleansing Gel goes beyond ridding the skin of oil and water based impurities and taps into impactful ingredients to fight acne, brighten, hydrate, and balance so you can get the most out of your cleansing step, wiping out extra skin care routine steps to make your routine doable! 

You can even toss the pH Balancing Watery Cleansing Oil into your shower caddy- its pump and sanitary packaging is perfect for use while showering. This cleanser removes makeup and oil based impurities, making it super time-saving. 

Formulated with tea tree, licorice root, and green tea, Acwell’s oil also helps to fight off breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and free radical damage. 

Following the pH Balancing Watery Cleansing Oil with the pH Balancing Bubble Free Cleansing Gel provides the perfect end to your double cleanse and provides some much needed moisture back into the skin. Eight different types of plumping and moisturizing hyaluronic acids get to work once this gel cleanser is applied to the face! 

Maintaining clear skin in-between classes has never been easier. (Did we mention the duo takes up less room on the dorm’s communal bathroom sink than all your targeted acne treatments AND your cleansers?)

We all knew double cleansing was important, but did you know that they could be this impactful? We’re talking makeup removal, cleansing, breakout control, brightening and a boost of moisture all in one step. What else can a busy college student ask for?

+ Do you currently double cleanse? Let us know below!

The post Acwell’s pH Balancing Line Features The Perfect Duo For Clear, Nourished Back-To-School Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Salicylic acid-based face washes are great for many people, specifically oily and acne-prone skin types, but for others, they may not be the best choice.  After my first facial in July of 2018, I learned that the face wash I was using for years was putting me into the “others” category. 
Since I did not have a basic education about skin care and had no idea about the various skin types, I decided that going to a facialist would be a good place to start. At the beginning of my appointment, I shared my primary skin concerns with my skin therapist: dry, flaky patches and spots of bright redness.
After examining my face and the thickness of my collagen, she concluded that my skin type is dry, which I was making even more dry with my go-to face wash. Even though it was a relief to restore some hydration to my face within a matter of fifty minutes, that was only the first step in the battle of reverting the several years of damage and lack of care to my skin.
RELATED: What I Learned After Over-Exfoliating With a Popular Product Caused the Worst Breakouts of My Life

My skin is now smoother, and more hydrated and radiant than ever.

The post How I Rehabbed My Skin Back to Health After Over-Exfoliating With Salicylic Acid appeared first on The Klog.