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.

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.

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.

I think it’s important we talk about a few dirty words. OK, they’re not dirty. But they’re dubious at best.

Hypoallergenic

We get asked all the time if the products sold on Soko Glam are hypoallergenic.

Let the word sink in a minute: “Hypo,” meaning “under” from the Greek. “Allergen” (you and I both know what that means, that nasty reaction our immune system kicks up when we come into contact with something our body can’t handle too well). “-Ic.” Ick, indeed.

“Hypoallergenic” is just a way to say that this product is less likely to cause allergic reactions — but there are no ingredient regulations, guidelines or rules that determine whether or not a product is really hypoallergenic.

So sensitive skin types, beware! A lot of companies like to slap on any old buzz word that will help them sell, and “hypoallergenic” is often one of them.

Dermatologist-recommended

Literally one dermatologist can say that a product was approved or tested by them and they can say that it is “dermatologist recommended.” And that one dermatologist could have been given a pretty fat check to say that they approve of it.

Cosmeceutical

Here’s another tricky word: “cosmeceutical.” To me it kind of sounds like cosmetics that an astronaut would wear or something, but it’s actually often used on products that claim to have medicinal properties or have pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. No “cosmos” in sight. Ha.

“Cosmeceutical” has no legally regulated or recognized meeting, so cosmetic companies can use it to market their products, regardless of what their product contains.

The takeaway

With current labeling practices, there’s usually not an easy, one-word system that will determine whether a product will help or hurt your skin.

Don’t give in to everything that you see on the front of the bottle. Flip to the back to check ingredients. Make note of things you know you’re allergic to, and pass if you see it on the list.

When you find a product that you have doubts about, do a tiny “patch test.” Dab a bit of product on your arm and wait a few days. No breakouts? No problem. You’re good to go.

How do you identify products that are right for your skin? Share your tips and tricks below.

The post Skin Tip: What Does “Hypoallergenic” Really Mean? appeared first on The Klog.

We are way past the days when exfoliating meant scrubbing your face ’til it hurt with a product like the infamous St. Ives Apricot Facial Scrub. I was personally a huge fan of the St. Ives Green Tea Scrub before I learned that harsh physical exfoliators aren’t always the best approach if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
The ingredients in a lot of these physical scrubs — even the good and natural ones — were actually way too abrasive on my skin, which is also acne-prone. Of course, there are exceptions. I personally love Tatcha’s Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder ($65) because it turns into a paste once mixed with water. Nyakio’s Chinese Rice Exfoliating Cleansing Powder is also one of the gentlest physical exfoliators I’ve tried. But once I tried a chemical exfoliant with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), I never looked back. 
Sure, the term “acids” can sound scary and even ambiguous if you aren’t familiar with them or their benefits. But trust me when I say, that even in a world where “chemicals” are sometimes perceived as evil things you don’t want anywhere near your skin, hair, or food, alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids are something you’re going to want to give a try.
RELATED: The Questions About Exfoliating We Get Asked All the Time
Chemical exfoliators help break down dead skin cells and allow for improved skin cell turnover, which essentially leaves skin smooth, polished, and glossy like I like it, in a single swipe of a pad.  
Disclaimer: Of course, using too much of anything can cause adverse effects, so – and this is even more important if you have sensitive skin – it’s recommended to exfoliate just one to three times per week and to start with a low percentage of acid before diving into one that’s too strong. Learn more about easing into chemical exfoliants here.
Personally, I’m a major fan of the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon ($27).  The product is a textured exfoliating pad that’s saturated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, lemon, orange, and papaya extracts. I exfoliate with them 1-3 times a week depending on how sensitive my skin is that week, but even when I only use it once a week I notice a mega difference. The natural vitamin C (from citrus) in these pads works to brighten my complexion almost instantly. They’ve also helped me fade some pesky dark spots.
Another great, and even more sensitive skin-friendly option is the Neogen Dermaology Real Cica Pads ($20) which specifically works to remove dead skin cells (with PHAs, which are the most gentle form of chemical exfoliant) while also calming sensitive skin.
A product that’s kind of in between a physical and chemical exfoliator is the Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel ($28). It’s a gentle peel that removes dead skin cells using cellulose and natural enzymes like papaya and bromeliad (found in pineapples) to brighten and smooth skin. Rub a nickel-sized amount into the skin and watch as dead skin cells and excess sebum bunch up and are rinsed away for good. 
If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon yet, I’m telling you, chemical exfoliators are the skin care step you’re absolutely missing. One thing is for sure, I’m officially a convert! 

The post How Switching From a Physical Scrub to a Chemical Exfoliator Did Wonders For My Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Despina Daniilidis devotes her Instagram feed (you’ll find her @desseydoll) to her latest skin care revelations and you can trust her recommendations – she’s a licensed esthetician! Despite her expertise, she deals with skin highs and lows just like the rest of us. Here, she chronicles a recent skin snafu, plus all the products she’s currently putting on her face.
I’m not crying. It’s allergies. I don’t know why, but the pollen decided to come for my eyes this season. It’s not the worst, but it’s frustrating to deal with. With tearing comes eye swells and itches. For a fact, I know it’s not eye cream because I barely use eye creams.
So, instead of just using allergy medicine, I have to take a step further to treat my skin irritations, especially since the undereye area is so fragile. Using ice to soothe redness and depuff actually helped quite a bit, allowing for a cooling effect as my eyes felt like they were burning. Besides wearing sunglasses, I need a product that’ll be ideal for on the go that’s pretty much hands free (where I don’t need to put my hands on my face!). The Cosrx’s Lock The Moisture Stick is a convenient cooling stick to help keep the undereye area fresh and moisturized, or anywhere, for that matter. Putting it in the freezer helps, too! It’s fresh, cooling and instantly helps reduce the look of a tired eye. As much as my eyes are being affected, my skin is dehydrated too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Despina (@desseydoll) on May 14, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

Here’s a breakdown of my current morning and nighttime routines for hydrated and healthy skin.

Morning:
1. Optional cleanse: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
I only morning cleanse if I’m wearing heavy spot treatments the night before or if I need a reset with my allergies.
2. Toner: Neogen Real Flower Rose Cleansing Water
3. Exfoliator: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads or Krave Beauty Kale-lalu-yAHA
I do this 2-3 times a week in the morning.
4. Essence: Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner
5. Eye + lip cream: Glossier Bubblewrap
6. Moisturizer: Sephora Collection Instant Moisture + Cream
7. SPF: Krave Beauty The Beet Shield 
Another product I love to use anywhere in my routine is Youth To The People’s Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist. I love how fine this mist is, packed with such soothing ingredients and adaptogens to help soothe redness, calm stressed skin and bring back moisture to the skin barrier. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Despina (@desseydoll) on Apr 7, 2019 at 8:43am PDT

Night:
1. Double cleanse: Then I Met You Cleansing Duo
I recently wrote an in-depth blog post routine here reviewing the cleansing duo and why it’s so important to double cleanse.
2. Toner/essence: Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner
I enjoy using this as a toner or as an essence because of its milky consistency. It really helps rebalance my skin and allows the following steps to absorb properly.
3. Exfoliator: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid
I do this 2-3 times a week in the evening and dabble between this and Krave’s toner I mentioned in my morning routine. Both are very similar in terms of efficacy, but I feel like Paula’s works great in the evening and my skin looks so glowy in the morning. 
4. Mask: Summer Fridays Overtime Mask or First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask
I’ll switch between these lately and try to mask two times a week. If I’m not exfoliating one evening, I’ll use Overtime since it’s an exfoliant with pumpkin enzymes. My skin loves enzymes in skincare because they’ve shown to be the most effective for my skin type which is normal to dry.
5. Serum: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil
6. Eye + lip cream: Glossier Bubblewrap

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Despina (@desseydoll) on May 10, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT

7. Sleeping mask/moisturizer: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask or Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer
I love using a sleeping mask when my skin needs extra hydration and moisture. The Dream Mask is great for that. It’s lightweight enough to not feel heavy before bed, but is buttery and thick enough to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. 

The post Step by Step: A Licensed Esthetician and Beauty Influencer Shares Her Current Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

Fair warning: I still haven’t found that miracle product that completely erases redness, so the quest remains ongoing. However, I do get excited to try any product that promises to calm my skin even somewhat after I have a flare-up. I also get sad when there’s an entire category of products my sensitive skin prevents me from using. Clay masks are great for drawing impurities out of your skin, but they’re also an entire product category I avoid because they’re too irritating and drying. If only calming clay masks were a thing, right? Well, good thing there’s  RE:P Bio Fresh Mask With Real Calming Herb, a mask made with natural ingredients that claims to both detox and soothe skin.

I’m new to RE:P (pronounced “ree-pee,” it stands for “Real Elemental Practice”) but after using this mask I’m already a fan of the brand. All the ingredient lists on their products are impressively packed with high quality and natural ingredients, plus I appreciate the fact that they’re cruelty-free and eco-conscious when it comes to their packaging. You can read more about the brand here, but now let’s talk about my experience with their Bio Fresh Mask.

First of all, you get a generous amount of product for the price. I don’t find it necessary to use this mask more than once a week at most, so I can see the contents of the 4.5 oz jar lasting for several months. It has a very thick consistency thanks to the kaolin clay, so you don’t need to use a lot to get a good layer over your entire face.

As per the instructions, I applied the mask to my freshly-cleansed face and let it sit for about five to ten minutes. I did notice a scent, but it was subtle and natural—not overwhelming in any way.

The other thing that I noticed are the little bits of herbs peppering the mask. These seem to add a bit of texture to the mask, so if you find yourself in need of some exfoliating you can easily rub the mask over your T-zone and get some gentle exfoliating action while you’re washing the mask off.

Normally I avoid any form of physical exfoliation for fear of pissing off my sensitive skin, but this was gentle enough to avoid irritation while still making my skin feel extremely cleansed. That also might be thanks to the kaolin clay, which helps to draw dirt and dead skin cells out of your skin—but thankfully, not in the extreme aggressive way that I’ve experienced with other clay masks. Kaolin clay is by far the most hydrating and gentlest of all clays, making it perfect for my dry and sensitive skin.

I noticed my skin was slightly more pink after rinsing the mask off, but that’s what happens any time I wash my face (which makes me think I need to try a sheet mask next). I wouldn’t use this mask on days when my skin is already misbehaving; rather, it’s something I can rely on to soothe a flare-up the night before a special event. It helps even more if I follow the mask with a serum (I like the RE:P Nutrinature Moist Gel Oil) and then a thick sleeping mask like the RE:P All Night Moisture & Relief Mask.

Then voila, the day after using this mask my skin is fresh and clean without feeling dried-out—and yes, noticeably calmer.

I’m pretty excited to have finally found a clay mask that’s not only effective at removing impurities from my skin, but soothing and hydrating to boot. Up until now I didn’t even think that was possible. If you have red or sensitive skin and you’re dying to try a clay mask, I can’t think of a better option than this one.

—Kelly

Kelly is a beauty and style freelance writer (which means she works from home, barefaced and in pajamas). You might see her writing on Bustle, xoVain, and Fashion Magazine, among other places.

The post The K-Beauty Product That Calmed My Rosacea Down appeared first on The Klog.

There’s been a lot of talk of the Pixi Glow Tonic on The Klog recently, or at least ever since I spilled the tea on how using it caused me the worst breakouts of my life.
Now, as I revealed in the piece, it’s important to note that the product itself wasn’t fully to blame for my skin issues. The formula has a cult following for a reason – just as its name suggests, it can give the skin a major glow if used correctly! The breakouts I experienced were caused by over-exfoliating my acne-prone skin with it. 
The reason the Pixi Glow Tonic can deliver such impressive results comes down to the high percentage of the active ingredient glycolic acid that’s found in the formula. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecules of any type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), meaning it is able to most easily penetrate the top layer of skin to slough off dead skin cells, which when leftover can cause a dull appearance to the skin.
Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, however, can struggle with using such high percentages of chemically exfoliating ingredients. I was not surprised that since discussing my experience in the aforementioned article, many members of our community have shared similar stories about the Pixi Glow Tonic. 
If you’re interested in trying an exfoliating toner like the Pixi Glow Tonic, but irritation and breakouts are concerns, a gentle K-beauty alternative is the Troiareuke Acsen TOC Toner.
RELATED: How to Incorporate an Acid Toner Into Your Routine
Troiareuke is a brand that many K-beauty bloggers rave about and its Acsen line (a combination of the first few letters of the words acne and sensitive), is especially popular. It can be tricky to find products that are effective at targeting and preventing acne while still gentle enough for sensitive skin types to use, so this is what the Ascen line seeks to provide.
In addition to glycolic acid, the Acsen TOC Toner (“TOC” stands for turn over cycle) formula contains sulfur to keep breakouts at bay and centella asiatica to soothe and to strengthen the skin barrier.
The brand doesn’t list the percentage of acid on the label or their website (this is true for many exfoliating products on the market including another cult favorite exfoliating toner, the Glossier Solution). What we do know, however, is that the TOC toner was created with acne-prone and sensitive skin in mind so the brand used just enough active ingredients to be effective without irritating or drying out the skin.
I have personally used the TOC toner for four months now and can attest that it provides a visible glow! Of course with its high percentage of glycolic acid, the Pixi Glow Tonic offers more of an immediate effect, not to mention it costs a very reasonable $15, but as we discussed earlier, the glow it provides is not without potential risks.
To get the best results from the TOC Toner, you’ll want to use it one to three times a week, though I’ve found I can use it daily without irritation (check out this article to learn how to determine the best exfoliating schedule for YOUR skin).

+Have you had success with using exfoliating toners? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

The post If Exfoliating Toners like the Pixi Glow Tonic Are Too Harsh For You, Try This Gentle K-Beauty Formula Instead appeared first on The Klog.

As a Soko Glam Skin Expert, one of the things I hear from customers quite often is “but I have sensitive skin.” However, many people misdiagnose themselves. You might not be able to tolerate certain products or ingredients, or your skin may feel uncomfortable and itchy at times, but that doesn’t mean your skin type is “sensitive”. 

Here, I’m breaking down the meaning of sensitive skin, how to tell if you have it, and some excellent ways to treat it.

There is a difference between sensitive skin and sensitized skin. Since this can get confusing pretty quickly, it’s easier to think of sensitive skin as reactive skin, and sensitized skin as a transient skin condition.

People with a reactive skin type tend to react to skin care, changes in weather, sleep changes, hormonal changes, artificial fragrance, and other harsh ingredients much more easily than others. If you have truly sensitive skin, you are generally hesitant to try tons of new, fancy skin care products for fear that they will lead to bumps, rashes, stinging, and burning.

This is in contrast to people with specific allergies. Let’s say, for example, that you consistently break out with products that include rose extract or salicylic acid, but your skin is otherwise fine with most products. This would indicate that you have a specific sensitivity to these ingredients, but it wouldn’t make your skin sensitive per se.

Another useful thing to consider when trying to determine if you have sensitive skin is your overall health. Most people with reactive skin types have some sort of atopy. If you have food allergies, seasonal allergies, asthma, or eczema, these conditions often coexist with sensitive skin (but not always!). It makes sense if you think about it a little more critically; the skin is meant to help regulate your temperature and provide a barrier between your body and the outside world. If your immune system is a little dodgy, as is the case with atopic people, that will affect your skin, which is a major component of the body’s protective systems.

Skin can also be in a sensitized state (or people with already sensitive skin can experience increased sensitivity) when it is dry, so hydration and barrier repair are two of the main strategies for dealing with fussy skin. If you’re having a sensitive skin flare-up, consider the following things: has the weather changed drastically? Did you start using a new detergent? Did your diet change significantly? Are you under a lot of stress? Is your period around the corner? All of these are reasons why sensitivity can spike, so learn to recognize which of these factors trigger your sensitivity. When you can easily identify and manage your triggers, dealing with sensitive skin can become a lot easier.

I like to keep a cheat sheet of hero ingredients to look for when my skin is in a state. A great ingredient for sensitive skin is centella asiatica because it is anti-inflammatory and stimulates wound healing. If you have a reactive skin type, you want to use mild products for your entire routine.

The entire Etude House SoonJung line is a good one for reactive skin types because it includes no artificial fragrance, among other common irritants. Whether your skin is sensitive or temporarily sensitized, you’ll end up treating it the same way, by using bland products with actives that primarily serve to calm and hydrate. The difference, however, is that for passing sensitivity, these suggestions are for the short term, whereas for reactive skin, your basic routine should consist of extremely mild products until you know what your skin can tolerate.

RELATED: Why Cica is Having a Major Moment in Skin Care Right Now

Another great ingredient for sensitive skin is green tea extract, which you can find in the Tony Moly Chok Chok line (try the Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream). Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, which is great for soothing stressed out skin, and it helps calm redness, too!

Ceramides are fantastic as well because they help repair the skin’s barrier so that the skin stays hydrated and is therefore in better shape to defend itself. Try the Sur.Medic+ Super Ceramide 100 Renewal Cream is ceramides sound right up your alley. Aloe, allantoin, cacao extracts, and bamboo extract are also great skin soothers that you should look for in products.

The basic rule is, if deviating from very bland products (I’m talking fragrance and denatured alcohol free, minimal ingredient list, no dyes, etc.), patch test, patch test, patch test! And only introduce one new product at a time until you know how your skin reacts. It’s always easier to scale back from one new product than it is to play the guessing game of “which product gave me this rash?”

Also, if you have super sensitive skin, invest in a good cica balm and/or barrier repair cream for when your skin just can’t. I swear by the Etude House SoonJung Cica Balm and Avene’s Cicalfate in the winter.

Bottom Line

I hope your skin feels a little calmer after reading this! If this seems like too much to remember, just think of your sensitive skin like a beloved cashmere sweater: don’t rub too hard if you want the surface to continue to look good, avoid hot water, and avoid harsh detergents. If you treat your skin right, it will love you right back.

The post How to Tell if You REALLY Have Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Klog.