Overview
“Hallyu” or the “Korean Wave” refers to Korea’s global “soft power” cultural phenomenon of South Korean pop culture, including K-Pop (BTS, Blackpink), K-Dramas, Parasite winning Best Picture at the 2020 Oscars, K-beauty products and skincare, video gaming, and its unique cuisine. A big part of global tourism to Korea is based on it attracting global tourists with its “well aging” treatments, preventative maintenance that manages aging rather than fighting it. Japanese and Chinese people account for most of Seoul’s medical tourists, but Americans are now third with over 75,000 arriving for beauty treatments in the last year alone. For a starting fee of $750, some businesses will handle the logistics, vetting doctors, booking appointments, and arranging translators. The offered treatments often include Rejuran, a popular skin injection made with salmon DNA, Ulthera, doses of focused ultrasound applied along the jawline, and Theramge, jabs of radio frequencies. While Ultehra and Thermage are available in the US, they are more expensive in LA as they would cost over $5,000.
Spa Experiences
While visiting Korea in 2023 and later living there in 2024, I was able to try a few skincare and spa experiences. At the Four Seasons, I was able to try their Bespoke Therapeutic aroma therapy massage. They offer a scent choice of mandarin, oolong, ore, or sun oils for a custom, calming experience. I distinctly remember starting with a foot bath massage, moving onto the body and a tea of your choice served at the end. My masseuse was exceptionally skilled with incredibly strong hands. My tense muscles were thoroughly kneaded into submission. At Sulwhasoo Spa in the Lotte hotel I had the Prestige restorative journey 180-minute massage. This massage focuses on intensive anti-aging, firming, and revitalization of both skin and body. They used oils with ginseng to fight stress, boost circulation, and reduce muscle fatigue. I felt more relaxed during this massage and my guide even said I was glowing afterwards.
Korean VS Japanese Skincare
The Lynch family has it’s own personal dispute’s over which skincare brand reigns supreme. My dad, Randy, prefers the Japanese skincare brand Cle de Peau because it helps product his fair skin from the sun. On the other hand, my mom, Beverly, and I prefer Korean skin care brands like Sulwhasoo and Illiyoon. Generally, the light dewy nature of the products both protects our skin from the sun and leaves us with a subtle glow. South Korea is also considered number one in skin care so sadly, I think my dad loses this battle 2:1.
My Skincare Routine
Thanks to my upbringing in the west and my frequent travels to the east, I’ve managed to find a skin care routine that combines both skincare cultures. Since I have acne prone skin, I tend to stick to cleansers that are western. I use Avène cleansing gel in the morning, a gentle cleanse, and Neutrogena’s pink grapefruit cleanser at night, for exfoliating. I use Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream for my morning moisturizer and Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen*. I love this combination since they make my face look dewy without looking oily, and the sunscreen has virtually no smell. At night I use Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel. I find that the hyaluronic acid helps my face feel supple and thoroughly moisturized.
Zen’s Daily Skincare Routine:
Morning: Avene cleanser, Illiyoon moisturizer + Beauty of Joseon sunscreen
Night: Neutrogena’s grapefruit cleanser and Hydro Boost moisturizer
*A few notes about the Korean products, the Illiyoon moisturizer can be a bit sticky and dewy upon application, so the consistency may be something to contend with for those who are texture adverse. The moisturizer gets less sticky as it absorbs into the skin. The Beauty of Joseon sunscreen has recently risen in fame with Tiktok’s help. It may be hard for you to find, or there may be dupes of the product that don’t work as well. I bought my Korean products from Olive Young. With overseas shipping being quite expensive, I would recommend checking out some other products, buying in bulk or teaming up with some friends for a large order where you split the shipping cost.
