Korean skincare’s approach to actives is generally different from Western skincare where there is a bigger focus on lower percentage actives and more calming, soothing ingredients which help skin barrier and nourish the skin. Also, Korea’s FDA equivalent has stricter regulations on active percentages in skincare sold without prescription which could also be another reason why the approach to “trouble” skin as acne concerns are called in Korea is gentler.
Most people’s hyperpigmentation is due to post acne marks or melasma. Hence tyrosinase inhibitors are key in preventing further melanin production in spots and to heal pigmentation that already exists. As a general skin turnover cycle lasts about 28 days, most products targeting pigmentation require about 2 to 4 weeks of use before significant results can be seen, especially with K-beauty choices for this skin concern with this lower percentages of actives. However, this also makes these options can work well for people with sensitive skin or beginners to skincare who aren’t yet sure how much actives their skin can tolerate.
- Nots Centella Scar Ointment
This has a balmy texture that you’re supposed to mainly apply to active or healing spots. This can include recently popped pimples (even if you’re not supposed to be popping them but alas we are all susceptible to it heh), healing zits or hyperpigmentation after a breakout. With continued use, I did see significant fading of spots after about 2 weeks. As it is a balm, I generally used this as part of my last step in my night time skincare routine. The centella asiatica in this formulation helps to really heal and smooth the spot and the balm sort of forms a barrier over the spot to bring extra nourishment and hydration to expedite skin healing. This does not contain any artificial fragrance but does contain natural fragrance.
You can get this on Shopee or Olive Young Global.
2. VT Cica Cream
VT Cosmetics have been all over social media the past few months for their reedle shot. However, this is also a pretty good product from the brand that I feel often gets overlooked. A gel like consistency that does leave a glow deeply hydrates and provides a lot of calming and soothing to the skin. I usually use this as a moisturizer all over my face but you could also use it just on spots. It contains CICALIAO which contains centella asiatica and green propolis that help to soothe the skin and promote skin recovery. This could also be used for people encountering redness or irritation as long as you aren’t sensitive to fragrance as I did notice fragrance as the last ingredient in the inki list and the product does have slight earthy fragrance.
You can get this on Shopee or Olive Young Global.
3. Numbuzin No 5+ Vitamin Concentrated Serum
This is a more recent launch from the brand where they collaborated with popular YouTuber and Makeup Artist Arang. The product was aimed to target both hyperpigmentation and acne and improve overall skin health. This is formulated with glutathione capsule containing vitamin C, B12, B5 E that helps to boost hydration whilst gently tackling spots and helps to even out and gently brighten skin tone to make it more radiant. They also act as gentle tyrosinase inhibitors to prevent worsening or further melanin production on spots to improve overall skin tone. I did notice some results after continuous use for about 3 weeks so patience is key as you wont see anything significant overnight. The texture of the serum is fluidly but has weight to it and absorbs easily into skin. This makes it a good choice for layering under sunscreen in the morning and it does sit well under makeup and sunscreen.
You can get this on Shopee or Olive Young Global.
xoxo, Ash.
