Using Korean Skin Whitening Products to Lighten Hyperpigmentation

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While some cultures favor golden-brown tans, others hold a pale and fair complexion in high regard. Many Asian countries, in particular, are known for associating light skin with beauty, which is why they’ve been creating skin-lightening formulas for centuries.

One such country is Korea. Chances are that you’ve seen plenty of hype about K-beauty products, and whitening formulas tend to be among the most revered.

However, with many being unfamiliar with Korean beauty brands, along with the ingredients used in Korean whitening products, knowing what to buy can seem a little tricky.

So, if you’re thinking of adding some K-beauty skin-lightening magic to your daily routine, this guide will help you to figure out exactly what you need.

What’s So Special About Skin Care Products From Korea That Target Pigmentation?

Korean skincare products are known for being extremely innovative. In fact, South Korea is responsible for creating many of the cosmetic products that we know and love today, from BB creams to sheet masks to pimple patches.

Innovation is rife in Korea. Not only do K-beauty companies frequently come up with some amazing ideas, but they also make use of cutting-edge ingredients that deliver incredible results.

This applies even more so to their skin-lightening products. Light skin has always been considered a symbol of wealth and status in Korea, so companies have put their all into developing formulas that are able to give people just that.

A Review of the Best Treatment Types for Dark Spots, Acne Scars, and Melasma

Korean collagen eye patches

Want to try turning to Korean skin care products to treat hyperpigmentation?

There are a few product types in particular that are especially effective:

A Hyperpigmentation Toner

A toner is usually the first product that you apply to your skin after cleansing.[1]

This means that the ingredients in a toner have direct contact with your skin cells, unlike the products that you apply at the end of your skincare routine.

Because of this, picking a quality Korean hyperpigmentation toner to use after your cleanser would be a wise choice.

A Brightening Serum

There’s definitely no shortage of serums when it comes to Korean skin care, which should make it pretty easy for you to find a brightening formula that you love.

Your K-beauty serum should be applied after your toner. Since serums are lightweight in consistency, they penetrate into the skin with ease, allowing their brightening ingredients to really take effect.

A Lightening Lotion or Cream

While serums treat the deeper layers of your skin, creams and lotions are fantastic for targeting pigmentation issues on the surface. 

Not sure whether to go with a lightening lotion or a lightening cream? Choose this based on your skin type. If you have combination or oily skin, a lighter lotion is all you need. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, go with a richer and thicker lightening cream.

RELATED: Best Skin Whitening Body Lotion

A Color Corrector

Lightening hyperpigmentation can take a while, so there’s nothing quite like a quick fix for when you need your skin to look even and balanced for a special occasion.

This is what color correctors are designed to do. Although technically more of a makeup product, rather than a skincare product, color correctors will mask discoloration on your skin.

Skin Whitening Supplements & Pills

Koreans take quite a holistic approach to skincare.[2] While they do love cosmetic products, they also understand that the skin needs to be nourished from within in order for deeper changes to take place.

This is where skin lightening supplements and pills come in. Look for one containing glutathione, an effective whitening ingredient loved by K-beauty fans.

Korean skincare

Ingredients to Look For in Korean Skincare Bleaching Products For Face & For Body

As mentioned, Korean skincare is all about making the most of advanced ingredients. Because of this, many products may feature compounds that you’re not familiar with.

To make life a little easier the next time you’re shopping for whitening products, here are some popular K-beauty skin lightening ingredients to keep an eye out for:

  • Niacinamide
  • Pearl extract
  • Kojic acid
  • Licorice root extract
  • Milk proteins
  • Vitamin C
  • Snail mucin extract
  • Fruit extracts
  • Bamboo shoot extract
  • Rice extract

FAQ:

Group of women for skincare products

Q: Which Korean product is best for whitening skin?

The best Korean products for whitening skin will be ones that contain multiple lightening compounds, such as those that we’ve listed above.

Q: Does Korean skin care have whitening?

Since fair skin is highly revered in Korea, many Korean skin care products will contain whitening ingredients.

Q: How can I get Korean white skin naturally?

Make the most of DIY remedies featuring popular K-beauty whitening ingredients, such as green tea, rice flower, and bamboo extract.

Q: What is the most effective skin whitening product?

This will depend on your skin type. However, the most effective skin whitening products will contain a variety of science-backed lightening ingredients.

Q: What do Korean use to whiten their skin?

Many Koreans follow a 10-15 step skincare routine, with whitening ingredients incorporated throughout, to keep their skin looking light and radiant.

Q: How do Japanese whiten their skin?

People in Japan tend to make use of locally-available natural ingredients to whiten their skin. These include sake, rice bran, green tea, and Azuki beans.

Q: Does the Philippines have a history of creating good skincare products?

The skincare market in the Philippines is thriving, and there are now many reputable brands in the country producing some fantastic skincare products.

Q: What is the best Korean whitening cream for Asians?

The Snow White Cream is a popular Korean whitening cream for both Asians and everyone else.

Conclusion: Is it Worth Investing in Korean Skin Whitening Products?

If you’re trying to lighten hyperpigmentation, then investing in Korean skin whitening products is a great idea. These formulas will contain ingredients and techniques that brands from other countries don’t use, meaning that you’ll be able to target your dark spots from a completely new angle.

ALSO READ: Does Sunscreen Make Your Skin Lighter

References

[1] – https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care
[2] https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/beauty-trends/a42942/korean-skincare-routine-explained/

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.