If you’re a skin care devotee, by now you probably know that using a serum is imperative to your daily and nighttime skin care routine. But what you may not know is that you might be using the wrong serum for your exact skin type.

If you have normal skin type, you can pretty much use any kind of serum you’d like, but for many of us who have oily, combination, dry, or sensitive skin, we may feel like the formula we’re using isn’t doing much to help us out. Even worse, your serum could be making your skin conditions worse. We reached out to Joshua Zeichner, the director of clinical and cosmetic dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, and asked him to break down serums by skin types.

Oily Skin

“Look for serums that contain salicylic acid, which can help remove excess oil from the skin and minimize the appearance of pores,” says Zeichner.

Niacinamide is also a great ingredient for reducing the size of pores and controlling excess oil production. We love the Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, it reduces excess sebum while also tackling uneven skin tone. 

Dry Skin

“If you have dry skin, look for a serum with natural oils that directly moisturize and can repair a damaged skin barrier to help the skin maintain its own hydration,” says Zeichner.

One of my favorite natural Korean serums is the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, which contains herbal extracts, like dwarf lilyturf and licorice to amplify your skin’s synergy.

Combination Skin

“Look for a serum with hyaluronic acid, which is like a sponge that pulls in hydration into the skin,” says Zeichner. “You want it to be light enough for oily areas, but powerful enough for drier spots.” He recommends the Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Serum.

We also like green tea for combination skin! It’s a great antioxidant that also helps with acne! To tap into those benefits, we use Instree’s Green Tea Fresh Serum, infused with 77% Jeju-sourced green tea extract.

Sensitive Skin

“Look for calming serums that contain ingredients like vitamin B5, which can soothe the skin and promote healthy barrier function,” says Zeichner. Skinceutical’s Hydrating B5 Gel is a good call! 

Fermented ingredients and probiotics are also superstars when it comes to calming and nourishing the barrier. That’s why we also love Manyo Factory’s Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule. This hydrating formula replenishes and balances with a patented Bifida Biome complex and 5 types of probiotics.

+What’s your favorite serum right now? Let us know below!

The post Skin Care FAQ: The Best Serum For Your Skin Type appeared first on The Klog.

Acids are amazing ingredients that you give your skin both immediate and long-term results. From anti-aging serums to extra hydrating moisturizers, there’s an acid out there for pretty much every skin type and concern.

What makes skin concerns different from skin types is that concerns can be experienced in combination with many different skin types, so keep this in mind when selecting products to ensure that they meet all of your skin’s needs. Here at The Klog we broke it down into the top concerns our readers face and some of the best acids for those concerns!

ACNE

From hormonal acne to persistent breakouts, acne is a big skin concern that almost everyone of every skin type faces at one point or another. Here are the acids that will help target your breakouts and prevent further inflammation.

Salicylic Acid

This is probably the most well known of the acids best suited for acne. This acid, derived from willow bark, breaks down oily sebum in the pores to keep them clear and breakout free. The deep clean this acid provides also helps to promote cell turnover which repairs an acne caused damage to the skin.

For a great acne fighting salicylic acid cleanser use Inward Agas ACue Cleansing Foam. This cleanser is gentle on irritated skin and really gets to root of your breakouts.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a go-to when trying to soothe inflamed or irritated skin. This acid, which is naturally produced by yeast on healthy skin, is especially great when trying to tackle a breakout large or small. It’s also great for smoothing skin texture to repair the effects of a break out and calm it down fast. What makes it so powerful is that it inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, making it a preventative skin care move. That means it not only soothes but prevents future breakouts!

Although this acid can be one of the harder ones to find, it’s totally worth hunting down. Try out The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for an intense boost of azelaic acid in your daily routine.

BHAs

Beta Hydroxy Acids, or BHAs, are a group of acids that are truly a lifesaver for managing acne. This group includes benzoic acid and salicylic acid, making it a great collection of acids for oily skin and breakouts.  

Try the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner. It packs a punch without breaking the bank! It’s also formulated with aloe which helps to smooth and soothe your irritated skin. Not to mention, using an acid toner helps to gently exfoliate any dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin can cause itchy, flaky  patches and uneven texture on anyone’s skin, especially during the winter months. These acids are great for target dry patches and giving your skin more even, overall hydration.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a one of the best acids for helping improve patchy, dry skin. It repairs damage and leaves your skin brighter and more even. It’s also a great option if your dry skin needs repair due to environmental skin stressor, such as cold or pollution.

The Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum contains 70% green tangerine extract which is full of vitamin C, making it a powerful serum. It also has niacinamide and cica to keep your skin smooth and hydrated without irritation.

Glycolic Acid

This fruit-based acid is great for dry skin since it encourages elastin and collagen production, making your face look and feel more plump over time. Dry skin can also lead to early aging so products with glycolic acid are a great preventative measure as well.

One of our favorite glycolic acid serums is the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. It’s packed with a variety of different acids to provide effective chemical exfoliation. Also, if you have dry skin and suffer from breakouts, Klog writer Ben has found success with the A’Pieu Glycolic Acid Cream to tame his pimples. 

Hyaluronic Acid

This acid, also known as HA, actually occurs naturally in the body. When applied through skin care it serves as a powerful humectant, trapping in and sealing moisture. It’s the perfect acid for dry skin since it helps keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and gives it an immediately visible boost for a healthy complexion.

If you want to maximize the HA in your routine try the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus. This innovative toner, formulated with 5 types of hyaluronic acid, gives your skin a well deserved hydrating treatment. 

Oleic Acid

The best part about oleic acid is that it acts as an intense moisturizer without the shiny residue. Dry skin doesn’t just mean flaky, itchy patches but also can be the cause of overly oily sections. These sections are trying to overcompensate for the dryness with excess oil production that can lead to problematic breakouts and blackheads.

The Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Divine Pearl Cleansing Oil contains safflower oil, which is a great source of oleic acid. This cleansing oil will help hydrate as it cleanses and keep your skin from feeling tight and flaky. It will also help keep your pores feeling protected—no need to go into overdrive!

Tartaric Acid

Tartaric acid is a plant based ingredient that is the predominant acid found in wine. That means it’s jam packed with antioxidants and great for smoothing out flaky areas of dry skin. When combating dry skin, it’s important to exfoliate and even out skin texture.

Try using the Neogen Bio Peel Gauze Peeling Wine to even out those rough patches. These pads are perfect for smoothing since they contain a physical exfoliant on one side, a smoothing side on the other, and are seeped in a rich chemical exfoliant that is effective and fun to use.

ANTI-AGING

It’s never too early or late to start incorporating anti-aging products into your routine. Acids such as fatty acids and citric acid are top shelf wrinkle fighters that help you balance your skin and leave it plump and protected. Here’s why people of every skin type should be incorporating these acids into their routine:

Fatty Acids

For anti-aging, fatty acids such as omega 3 are power ingredients. They contain a bunch of amazing antioxidants that protect your skin. They also help to repair damaged tissue—like sun spots or scarring—giving your skin a more glowing, youthful, smoother appearance.

When it comes to incorporating fatty acids into your routine, the Hanskin Bio Origin 369 Oil is really unbeatable. This face oil has a blend of fermented omega oils 3, 6 and 9 which reduce inflammation and fine lines. Another reason why I personally love this product is because it’s super rich without feeling heavy on your skin. You can mix it in with your moisturizer or use it on it’s own.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is perfect for combatting signs aging, since this gentle acid is excellent at sloughing off dead skins and promoting new cell generation. This helps give you younger, more firm-looking skin.

If you want a cream that gives you soft, supple skin, try the Hanskin Bio Origin the Cream. This “holy grail” moisturizer is a favorite of pretty much the entire Klog team. The cream itself is rich but feels light on your skin, leaving you with a velvety smooth texture. The citric acid deposits plenty of antioxidants to protect and help fight even the deepest forehead wrinkles.

OIL CONTROL

Whether you have dry, acne prone, or combination skin, overactive pores can be a real headache. Acids can be a great way to help clear and calm those pores, keeping your face dewy and healthy. Check out which acids made the list!

Lactic Acid

A milk-derived ingredient, lactic acid is a gentle way to control your skin’s oil production. This acid sticks to just the skin’s surface, helping to repair acne scars and soften skin. It’s a great option for those with more sensitive skin who want to address the oily sections of their face.

Incorporating the Neogen Bio Peel Gauze Peelin Lemon as your exfoliator is a great way to brighten skin and get some lactic acid into your routine. It’s super important to exfoliate and clear pores to keep them from getting clogged or overactive.

Glycolic Acid

This acid is excellent for oil control because it exfoliates the surface of the skin. By clearing your pores it helps prevent further breakouts without drying out your skin. It also bolsters your moisture barrier which is great for those people battling dry skin induced oiliness.

The Saturday Skin Pore Clarifying Toner 10% Glycolic Acid gently removes sebum clumps to clear pores and regulate oil production. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid can be a lifesaver when you want moisture but don’t want to upset oil prone skin. The molecules are large, so they sit just on the surface and seal the top layer of your skin without blocking your pores.

SENSITIVE

As a person with sensitive skin, I know just how difficult it can be to find products that are effective yet non-irritating. These three power ingredients pack a big bunch without bothering super fussy, sensitive skin.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid, which also comes in the form of vitamin C, is not always the first acid you think of when you think sensitive skin. However there are so many versions of vitamin C out there nowadays that you can definitely find some sensitive skin-friendly ones.

I like to dilute one to two drops of the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum with my nighttime essence. This is a personal favorite hack of mine for sensitive skin. If used correctly, ascorbic acid can be great for brightening your complexion and evening your skin tone.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a must-have skin care ingredient. It produces almost immediate results and is a real superstar when it comes to locking in and sealing moisture. What I love about using this acid for sensitive skin is that it’s effective but super gentle. Whether you want moisture, a little plumping, or just want to get that dewy, healthy shine it’s a go-to with pretty much immediate results.

For a gentle yet effective dose of moisture I love using the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence. This Best of K-beauty Award-winning essence has HA formulated with smaller molecules so that they sink in even deeper and faster than your average HA product.

PHAs

PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) are seriously amazing for all types of sensitive skin. PHA molecules are much larger and therefore stick to the surface of your skin, making them more gentle than your average acid. They help to lightly exfoliate the skin’s surface and prevent further breakouts.

The Hanskin Cleansing Oil & Blackhead PHA is a super gentle oil cleanser designed for sensitive skin struggling with blackheads and rough skin texture.

+ What are your biggest skin concerns? Which acids to you use to address them? Share with us below!

The post The Best Acid to Use for Your Skin Concern appeared first on The Klog.

Struggling to flesh out your wish list or find the perfect product to gift to a loved one this holiday season? We can help with that. 

The serum, one of our favorite skin care products, is extremely versatile, packed with impactful active ingredients, and can be layered- meaning you can use more than one in your routine. All of this good stuff makes it a pretty ideal stocking stuffer or present! We mean, who wouldn’t be happy to receive (or ask for) a new addition to their routine that’s tailored to their skin concerns? 

In order to make the holidays a bit easier, we’re outlining our favorite serums to gift, by skin concern, so you can polish off that list and wrap up your buying early! 

For Hyperpigmentation or Skin Discoloration:

For all of the skin-lovers looking for a way to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or combat the aftermath of a breakout, a vitamin C serum might be skin changing.

Not only is vitamin C our favorite option to tackle an uneven tone, but it’s also a powerful antioxidant that protects our skin from external aggressors. In addition, vitamin C enhances the benefits of your sunscreens to prevent future sun damages from cancer-causing UV rays.

That’s why we recommend gifting, or asking for, the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum, which is currently a trending K-Beauty holy grail! This serum contains 70% green tangerine extract, which is 10x more potent than its mature counterpart, to deliver fast and long-term results for clear, bright, youthful-looking skin. And unlike other vitamin C serum’s that can either pill or leave a sticky film on the skin, the Green Tangerine Vita C Serum has a nice smooth gel texture that sinks right into the skin. 

And if you or your giftee have sensitive skin, we have ta gentle skin-brightening alternative. Meet the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum, our favorite vitamin C alternative, which also earned its place as a Soko Glam’s Best of K-Beauty Winner in 2021. The Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum uses a cocktail of antioxidants including licorice water, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to help effectively fade skin discoloration while calming the skin from future inflammations. 

But we are not done just yet! Because there’s one other great ingredient in treating hyperpigmentation. Say hello to Vitamin B3, aka niacinamide. This superpower antioxidant, which has quickly become one of our holy grail ingredients, helps treat skin inflammation, prevent breakouts while brightening the skin. That is why we recommend the newly dropped Manyo Factory Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence, which contains 93.69% galactomyces and niacinamide to gently exfoliate the skin while preventing future skin discoloration. 

For Inflammation and Breakouts:

If you or your gift recipient has acne-prone skin, we have a great pick!

The Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum is a multi-purpose serum (which can also be used on the body for breakouts) that uses the regenerative properties of snail mucin to repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier, fade acne scars, and treat hyperpigmentation, all the while moisturizing the skin. In addition, the serum also uses tea tree oil to target acne causing bacteria on the skin as well as to calm red, inflamed zits.

For Moisture and Hydration: 

Looking for a serum that will keep your skin moisturized and hydrated throughout the holidays and into the new year? Sioris is here to grace you with their Bring the Light Serum. This skin-saving serum contains three types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate deep into the epidermis layer of the skin, delivering a boost of hydration while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier. It also contains 49.4% organic green tea water to help soothe sensitive skin and prevent future skin damage. And the best part, all skin types can benefit from the versatility of this serum!

+What serum best fits your skin concerns? Drop your favorite below!

The post Love Serums? We Have The Best Ones to Add to Your Holiday Wish List, By Skin Concern appeared first on The Klog.

We here at The Klog are always looking for products that promote exfoliation, without causing irritation. The formulation of the Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask by Then I Met You, successfully addresses both of these skin concerns with a gentle, resurfacing formula tough enough to remove dead skin cells, without causing irritation to the skin. 

Here, we dive deep into the benefits of the trio of AHA-BHA acids, antioxidant-rich resveratrol, and damask rose petals, which are the hero ingredients found inside this transformative sparkling facial.

PS: Did you know that rose petals and resveratrol (which is found in wine btw!) not only help your skin achieve a rosy glow, but also provide hydration and antioxidant protection? Find out more about how this ingredient duo only amplifies the benefits of this sparkling resurfacing facial below.

What Are AHA and BHA Acids and How do They Work?

The Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask utilizes a trio of acids in it’s signature 6% AHA | 0.5% BHA Rose Complex. These expert exfoliators include glycolic and lactic acids which are commonly known alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is also incorporated into the mask to round out the effective trio.

Like other acids (tartaric, malic, etc.) found in the AHA family, glycolic and lactic acids are incorporated into cosmetic products to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and unblock and cleanse the pores, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. They’re multi-purpose ingredients that shoulder quite a bit of work! 

AHA-containing products work by promoting exfoliation, which causes dead skin cells to shed from the surface layer of the skin. Once the surface layer is removed from the skin, smooth and softer skin is usually the result, says the FDA. We all love a glowing, soft complexion.

While AHAs are effective, they can cause some irritation for those who have sensitive skin types. This is why the at-home sparkling facial incorporates beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) in its acid blend.

This BHA is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture without causing irritation to the skin, according to the FDA. Seeing as its chances of irritation are lower, it makes complete sense that this acid was included in the Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask’s formulation.

There’s a lot of confusion about using AHAs and BHAs together. Let us clear this up for you! AHA and BHA skin care acids can be used together, says Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. This combination of acids only helps to improve upon any skin needs and concerns, she explains. 

“Combining AHA and BHA together is a good combination – of course the formulation has to be well balanced,”  Dr. Graff tells The Klog. “AHAs are water soluble, which are outer skin exfoliants that can remove excess dead surface cells. BHAs are also exfoliants. However, they are oil-soluble which makes them ideal for clogged oily pores and acne prone skin.” 

They seem like the perfect acid skin care match.

What is Resveratrol and How Does It Work? 

In addition to AHA and BHA acids, the Then I Met You at-home wash-off facial also incorporates resveratrol into its formula. 

This ingredient may bring thoughts of your favorite after-dinner beverage to mind. In fact, it’s present in your favorite bottles of red and rosé wine! This is because this powerful antioxidant is found in the skin of red grapes.

Beyond wine, resveratrol has been used in cosmetics and dermatology for years, according to a 2019 study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 

As an antioxidant, resveratrol works to protect skin cells against oxidative damage caused by UV radiation, and the slow down of the photoaging process of the skin. 

Resveratrol’s benefits don’t stop there! They also include the stimulation of collagen levels, penetration of the skin barrier, anti-aging activity, as well as anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

What is Damask Rose and What Can It Do For Your Skin? 

Damask rose is the final ingredient incorporated into the resurfacing mask formula. This ingredient is sourced from the extract of damask rose petals, a plant within the rose family. 

“Damask rose (Rosa Damascena) has been known to have numerous health benefits for years,” Dr. Graf says. “It is one of the most widely used sources of rose oil that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Damask rose can also help hydrate dry skin, clear acne, provide anti-aging effects, minimize textured skin, improve pigmentation, and help people who suffer from eczema and rosacea.” 

In the Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask, luxurious Damask rose petals are used to hydrate and strike balance within the AHA-BHA Rose Complex. While the acids exfoliate, the petals hydrate and nourish the skin barrier!

The post Glow Deeper™ Series: Here’s How AHAs and BHAs Work Together to Transform Dull Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Charlotte Cho developed her premium skin care line Then I Met You with the Korean concept of jeong in mind. Now, more than ever, jeong is a way to connect with your loved ones and reminisce on cherished moments. With this in mind, Charlotte discusses the newest product that joins the collection: the nourishing, ultra-hydrating Honey Dew Lip Mask.

One of my fondest memories growing up was when my grandmother would prepare fruit for me after dinner. It was a calming ritual, seeing her work the paring knife with expertise and ease, as she sliced and diced apples and oranges into bite sized pieces for me and my siblings to enjoy. 

My favorite time of year was honeydew season. Whenever the weather got warmer, she would slice open a honeydew, and despite the smooth, white exterior of the fruit, it was always a surprise to see the bright green peeking inside. If we were lucky, it was perfectly ripe, and dripping with juice… it would always make my mouth water even before it hit my lips. 

It’s this bit of nostalgia that calms me, especially now, during these turbulent, anxious times we’re all facing. As an adult left with only memories of my grandma, I realize that there was a far deeper meaning behind this gesture of preparing sliced honeydew for me. It was her nightly act of jeong. A gesture – that didn’t require any words at all – of love and care for my well-being.

In the spirit of my grandmother’s act of jeong, I was inspired to add my juicy, honeydew memories into the next creation from Then I Met You, the Honey Dew Lip Mask. I’m excited to dive deep into why you’ll soon be reaching for the Honey Dew Lip Mask as part of your daily routine.

Why Then I Met You Created A Lip Mask As Their Next Act

After building out a core skin care routine featuring 5 steps (double cleanse, toner, essence and moisturizer), it might be a surprise to some that creating a lip mask was at the top of the list for me. You know by now that at Then I Met You we thoughtfully create each product with intention and effectiveness in mind, so I want to share with you why having the lip mask as our next step makes so much sense.

RELATED: Glow Deeper Series: Charlotte Cho Makes Waves With New Light-As-Air Skin Care Innovation

For one, lips are the thinnest, most delicate skin on your entire body. It’s often overlooked, yet it’s the most susceptible to cuts, irritation and flaking. Even compared to the skin under your eyes, the skin on your lips is more fragile because the lips don’t produce natural oils to coat and protect the skin. There are so many men and women who struggle with this year-round, but not many products offer transformative solutions – just temporary fixes.

What many people may not know about me is I used to have a terrible lip-picking problem. I had a habit of picking at the skin on my lips (until it bled at times!), and then the cycle would resume week over week. Lip scrubs made of sugar and other physical exfoliants never worked for me, as they were too sensitizing for my already fragile lips.

For the reasons above, I was determined to create a lip mask that could be used morning and night, so that we ALL could kiss those flakes goodbye — for good!

The Formulation

When you swipe the Honey Dew Lip Mask on your lips, you’ll notice a light, yet nourishing coat of juicy, antioxidant-rich honeydew that hugs your lips. The sweet, subtle aroma that the lip mask has is a delightful treat for the senses.

Our Honey Dew Lip Mask is designed to naturally moisturize with natural humectants such as honey (which means this product is not vegan, unlike our other products!), and other powerhouse hydrators such as squalane and avocado oil. These are natural emollients that aid in coating and protecting the skin, and they replenish the skin on the lips with essential fatty acids. 

The twist to this lip mask that sets it apart from many of the other lip masks out there is the optimal integration of lactic acid. It is intentionally a part of this formula because it is the most hydrating chemical exfoliant out there! It can safely and gradually melt away flakes and dead skin cells in order to unveil smooth and polished lips. As I mentioned before, my lips were often an unsightly, flaky mess, and this product has given them a new life!

The Packaging

If you couldn’t tell already, my preference is to create skin care products that don’t get contaminated easily. That’s why I searched far and wide for a lip mask design that would look chic and slender in your bag, or in the pocket of your robe (our daily uniform these days), and that makes it easy to apply without having to dip your fingers into the formula. 

For the Honey Dew Lip Mask, you can rest assured that the soft silicone tip creates a smooth, contactless application experience. And this couldn’t have come at a better time, as we all are looking for easier ways to avoid touching our faces, and keep viruses, bacteria and germs far away from our faces.

When & How To Use It

Dry, flaky lips are often exasperated from harsh weather conditions (such as cold or windy weather), excessive licking of the lips, and even heavy breathing. When you’re sick or have allergies, you often have no choice but to breathe out of your mouth, so it’s likely that you might notice more chapped lips than normal. And if you’re finding yourself wearing face masks more and more, even breathing heavily on your lips (such as during exercise) can lead to flaky, unsightly lips.

You can use it during the day as a glossy balm, and add a thicker coat in the evening as an overnight treatment for the smoothest of lips when you wake up in the morning.

Our Act of Jeong

The most exciting part of what I wanted to share is how we plan to give back to our community through our launch.

The Then I Met You team wants to live up to our ethos of giving without expecting anything in return. We are passionate about helping underserved communities that are amongst those hit hardest by COVID-19. 

As we grapple with one of the hardest challenges of our lifetime, there are so many groups to whom we feel so indebted. For this initiative, we wanted to purposefully direct our focus to grocery workers. We’ve read in the news about grocery workers serving an essential role in allowing supermarkets and grocers to remain open for families to purchase food and other nourishing essentials. Yet they are often underpaid, lack basic benefits, and if they were to fall sick, they have no safety net. 

And on a personal level, not only is my dad (at age 69) an essential worker, working every day at his small market in Whittier, California – but Guad, our marketing manager, also has a parent who works in the grocery industry here in NYC.

We realize and understand their challenges, and want to support in a big way! That’s why Then I Met You will be dedicating 100% of proceeds of the Honey Dew Lip Mask launch on 5/1 to the Amalgamated Foundation’s Families and Workers Funds. We’ve partnered with them because of their commitment to provide relief to low income workers and their families that are on the frontlines. Learn more about our initiative on www.thenimetyou.com/pages/donation-jeong.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to give back, while celebrating our latest addition to the Then I Met You line. Thank you so much for your continued support, and I look forward to reading all the reviews, comments and feedback!

Until next time, stay safe and be well!

With jeong,

Charlotte

The post Glow Deeper™ Series: How This Innovative Honey Dew Lip Mask Saved My Chapped, Flaky Lips appeared first on The Klog.

As someone who has dry, sensitive skin and doesn’t get in her eight daily glasses of water, my skin is frequently deprived of hydration – especially during the winter months. Throughout this winter, I’ve tried several lip masks, balms, and ampoules to give my lips the hydration that it needs. Most importantly, I’ve been on the lookout for the balm or mask that both hydrates AND clears away the dead, flaky skin cells.

Unpa’s Bubble Lip Scrub luckily accomplishes both of these tasks. This pink-colored and innovative scrub, curated by Soko Glam, visibly bubbles on the lips as it works its magic to gently exfoliate and reveal soft, plump lips. Packed with natural derivatives such as witch hazel, papaya, peach, and grapefruit extracts, these ingredients work together to naturally and gently cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the lips.

Rest assured, the bubbles that form on your lips should not cause any irritation or tears to the skin. Because the formulation is so fruit-focused, it uses natural AHA’s to exfoliate, making it suitable and safe for all skin types. (Of course, if you’re not sure how your skin will react, always patch test first!)

RELATED: Do You REALLY Need a Mask For Your Lips? This Sleeping Pack Will Convince You

In fact, the lip scrub’s packaging is equipped with a pump, allowing you to easily control the amount of product and ultimately the amount of exfoliation you want for your lips. Apply the desired amount onto your lips (I did two pumps), spread gently, and within 3 to 5 minutes, bubbles should start to appear!

Once the bubbling subsides, use a damp cloth to wipe the product off. Your lips should feel immediately smoother, and any pesky flakes or roughness should be noticeably gone.

The scrub has a soft, lightweight texture that instantly “fizzes” and bubbles once it meets your lips. This fizz never seemed to be neither too abrasive nor too rough on my lips but instead made them feel smooth and soft after the fizzing was over.

Although this scrub works hard to rid your lips of dry, dead skin cells, it also doubles as a sweet, relaxing treat when you have a little extra time to spend on your routine. It has an aroma similar to the popular confectionary that bubbles: bubble gum!

As for the price, it costs $14 for the Unpa Bubble Lip Scrub. Lip masks and exfoliators sold by other well-known brands tend to cost twice as much, so this is a great deal.

After a week of trying this scrub as a part of my nightly routine, my lips felt moist, plump, and soft once I washed all the bubbles away. The white flakes of dead skin that once resided on the edges of my lips suddenly disappeared, which has been a constant struggle to keep at bay.

If I wanted an extra boost of hydration, some nights I would follow up with the Unpa Bubi Bubi Lip Ampoule. This ampoule is formulated with jojoba oil and argan oil, along with hydrating powerhouses hyaluronic acid and ceramide. My lips usually still felt hydrated and refreshed the following morning, but the hydration had to be replenished by applying the lip ampoule. Overall, this innovative, bubble-fizzing lip mask is a keeper. It makes kissing chapped lips goodbye a fun and exciting experience.

The post The K-Beauty Lip Mask That Naturally Exfoliates and Hydrates with Bubbles appeared first on The Klog.

It’s the middle of winter so chapped lips may seem inescapable. Thankfully our colleague Abby, a Soko Glam customer experience associate, has let us in on a hack that she used to get her lips to stop begging for moisture for good.

Back in October, Abby was searching for a solution for chapped lips and decided to try a little experiment: She began applying hyaluronic acid serum directly on her lips under an occlusive lip balm.  

If you’re not familiar with hyaluronic acid, it’s a humectant, meaning it replenishes moisture by pulling it from the deeper layers of skin and/or the environment. It also helps skin retain moisture, and provides a plumping effect.

RELATED: How to Find a Lip Balm That Works

“If I was applying my balm at home, I would use The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100 because it’s 100% hyaluronic acid and I felt it was a good option to test if this would work for me. Once I saw that it was working, any time I wanted to apply a lip balm at work, I would use the COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule,” she told us.

While humectants help increase skin hydration, to keep skin moisturized, you need to seal it all in with an occlusive formula. 

RELATED: Holy Grail Products That Never Leave Soko Glam Staffers’ Skin Care Routines

Abby has a number of favorites in her rotation, ranging from drugstore classics to K-beauty innovations including Aquaphor Lip Repair, Mamonde Lip Sleeping Mask, Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack, and Smile Direct Club Lip Balm.

In addition to retaining moisture, these products serve as a barrier, protecting lips from the cold weather elements.

This easy hack is ideal for anyone like Abby who struggles with chapped lips and has yet to find that perfect lip balm. And the best part is if you already use a hyaluronic acid serum on your face, you don’t even need to buy a new product. 

The post Kiss Chapped Lips Goodbye With This Simple Hack appeared first on The Klog.

Essences are lightweight, hydrating concentrates that enhance your complexion. They fall after toning but before moisturizing in your skin care routine, helping you to better absorb treatments, serums, and moisturizers applied afterward.

RELATED: Do You Really Need… an Essence?

While their primary function is to nourish skin, they can have secondary benefits such as fighting breakouts, boosting cell turnover, and soothing skin sensitivities. Read on to discover the essence that can best benefit your skin type.

Combination: Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Essence Water

Combination skin types need an essence that will gently hydrate dry areas of their skin while simultaneously balancing their oils. This lightweight yet effective essence hydrates, softens, and plumps combination skin, while tackling concerns like redness and acne with ingredients like snail secretion filtrate, adenosine, and aloe leaf extract. And with a mild 6.5 pH and no potential irritants, it’s gentle enough for sensitive and damaged combination skin, too.

Oily: Sioris My First Essener

This essence uses ingredients like green tea and mugwort to effectively hydrate, prevent breakouts, control sebum levels, and create a smooth, flawless canvas for your moisturizer and makeup. Moreover, it serves as a 2-in-1 essence AND toner! 

Sensitive: Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion

Rovectin is a K-beauty brand that was originally created for cancer patients, so all of its products are clean and safe for sensitive skin types. This essence reinforces the natural skin barrier with a barrier repair complex, gently exfoliates with natural enzymes, and plumps and hydrates with seven types of hyaluronic acid.

Normal skin: Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom

Going into the colder seasons of the year, normal skin types will want to ensure that they are as glowy and bright as ever, and that they’re cleansing their skin deeply enough to get rid of the oil, sweat, and grime brought on by the heat. The Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom Elixir contains 100%  tremella mushroom extract to plump and hydrate skin. 

Dry: Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence

The Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence uniquely combines glycolic acid and lactic acid to brighten your complexion by clearing dead skin cells and gently exfoliating your skin.

Glycolic acid is a powerful AHA which targets cells efficiently and thoroughly, while lactic acid is gentle and works to improve your skin’s natural moisture levels, leaving your dry skin feeling and looking refreshed and bright. This essence also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin look more supple and smooth, and reduces wrinkles and redness.

The post The Best Essence For Your Skin Type appeared first on The Klog.

One of the first skin care steps that stood out to me when I was initially introduced to Korean beauty was essence. This K-beauty staple that goes on right after your toner but one step before applying serum, doesn’t just do hydrating and brightening wonders to the skin, but it also speaks to the self-care that goes into having a Korean beauty routine. 
The gentle process of applying essence by gently patting it into my skin in repeated motions is what really made me start to appreciate not just this particular step in the routine, but K-beauty overall. 
RELATED: Do You Really Need…an Essence?
Taking the time to nourish my skin and gently treat it at a slow and calm pace has become almost therapeutic for me. It gives me an opportunity to admire and appreciate my skin, while being grateful for every inch of my body. Because I normally apply essence at night — when I make the time for it because…a girl can get lazy right before bed! — I use it as part of my meditation time. While I apply essence I thank the universe for my health, for my body, and for all my blessings. It has started to become such a good practice in both self-care and self-love.
K-beauty is beyond just vanity if you really think about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, of course, but I see it as an act of radical feminist self-care, which is what’s made me appreciate K-beauty even more. As a Latina woman, I grew up seeing the women in my family put others — family and men especially — before themselves. As I got older I realized how toxic that messaging is and learned to understand the importance of boundaries and carving out time for self-care, even if it’s as simple as doing a few steps for my skin in the morning and in the evening because sometimes that’s really all the time I have. 
RELATED: Three Ways to Practice Self-Care Like a Korean
These days I’m really appreciating the Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Essence Water. It contains snail secretion filtrate which might freak you out at first, but trust me when I say it does amazing things for your skin, including intensely hydrating and repairing.
If you haven’t jumped on the essence bandwagon yet, I highly recommend you do. If not for your skin — in the name of self-care!

The post Using an Essence Every Night Has Done So Much More Than Improve My Skin appeared first on The Klog.

If you have skin concerns you want to tackle – and who doesn’t? – serums are a must-have step in your daily routine. Serums don’t contain emulsifiers or emollients, instead they are concentrated with active ingredients that get to work on making your skin goals a reality.
RELATED: The Questions About Exfoliating We Get Asked All the Time
Whether you want to get rid of dark spots, smooth out some lines, brighten dull skin, or repair your skin barrier, serums are standing by.
Have questions? We got answers. Read on to learn the what, how, when, and why of serums.

When should you apply serum?

When applying your skin care regimen, we generally recommend following the thinnest to thickest rule. This places your serum after more watery products like toner and essence, but before heavier products like moisturizer and sunscreen. For a full cheat sheet on when to apply every product in your routine, click here.

What’s the difference between a serum and an ampoule?

Technically, ampoules are even more concentrated then a serum and are meant to give your skin a supercharged boost when you’re in need of a fix and not necessarily meant to be used every day. If you want to use both an ampoule and a serum, you can use the former first or in place of the latter. However, often the terms “serum” and “ampoule” are used interchangeably, so don’t stress about this one too much.

What’s the difference between a serum and an essence?

The most noticeable difference is texture. Essences are lightweight and watery, while serums are more viscous. Also setting the two apart: The primary goals of an essence are to provide an extra layer of hydration and to the prep the skin to soak up more treatment-focused products like a serum.

What’s the difference between a serum and a face oil?

The two may look similar in the bottle, but these are in fact two different steps in your routine. As we mentioned earlier, serums don’t contain emollients. Face oils, on the other hand, are often made up of mostly emollient ingredients. Plus, because oil molecules are large, face oils can’t penetrate as deeply as serums. This is why face oils are great for sealing in the goodness of serums.
We like to apply face oils in place of moisturizer (post-serum), or by mixing it in with our moisturizer for a more intensive treatment.

How do you layer serums like vitamin C?

You might be wondering, “But what if I have more than one skin concern that I want to target with different serums?”. Well, most serums can be layered and cocktailed together, but there are a few important exceptions.
Strong ingredients that can be harsh on skin, including vitamin C, retinol, and chemical exfoliants (think AHAs and BHAs) should not be mixed or layered with each other. Instead, we recommend alternating use. For example, you can use a vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, or a vitamin C on Monday and an AHA on Tuesday. These ingredients do play well with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, vitamin E, and centella asiatica, however.
For some of our favorite serum cocktails, click here.

How long does it take to see results from a serum?

A great serum can make your skin feel more hydrated and smoother, and look brighter overnight, but treating concerns like hyperpigmentation and signs of aging require a little more patience. For example, it may take up to two months to see best results from a vitamin C serum, or up to six months to see wrinkles diminish from an anti-aging serum. Don’t forget, skin care is a journey! For more insights from a dermatologist, check out this guide on how long different types of treatment products will take to produce results.

Are serums really worth splurging on?

Serums can be more expensive than cleansers, toners, and essences, but again, that’s because the formulas are so concentrated with active ingredients. This can drive the price of a product up, but it also increases results. To get the most bang for your buck, consider your top skin concern(s) and the best ingredients to address it in order to find the best formula for you.

What are the best serums for anti-aging?

Serums can be a total game-changer if you’re looking to prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients that are rich in antioxidants (like vitamin C) and/or that help firm and plump up skin.
Two of the most popular K-beauty options are The Plant Base Time Stop Collagen Ampoule, which contains mushroom extract to stimulate collagen production, and the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum, a powerful yet gentle formula that’s got licorice root and antioxidants to draw in hydration and minimize fine lines.

What are the best serums for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, a thick, sticky serum may not sound like something you want to apply on your skin. Instead, look for a light formula that contains ingredients that refine pores, treat acne scars (if that’s a concern for you), and curb oil production.
We recommend the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum, which is fast-absorbing and contains lemongrass, lime peel, and applemint to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Products with snail mucin, such as the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum, can also be beneficial for those with oily skin. Snail mucin is a light humectant that’s great for erasing acne scars. The Benton serum also contains bee venom that calms inflamed breakouts.
+Do you have any further questions about serums? Drop them below!

The post We Get These Questions About Serums ALL the Time appeared first on The Klog.