Ever wondered why Koreans have such flawless skin?
Here’s how geography, genetics, culture, and lifestyle all come together to create good skin!
Quick Summary
- Korea has relatively low UV exposure but sunscreen is considered essential as part of skincare.
- Koreans tend to have thicker and more resilient skin.
- Korea has clean, soft water.
- Double cleansing is a must in Korea. We also use a peeling gel regularly.
- Korean women and men invest a lot of time and money into skincare.
If you’ve watched a K-drama or walked around Seoul, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How do Koreans all have such flawless skin?”
I wonder the same thing whenever I look at my friends’ skin!
The answer isn’t just about fancy products (though they help).
Here’s why Koreans have such good skin!
1. Korea Has Naturally Low UV Radiation Levels
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Korea is located in a region with relatively low ultraviolet (UV) exposure compared to countries near the equator.
It’s important because UV rays are a major cause of skin aging, dark spots, and overall damage.
Koreans also don’t leave it to chance.
Sunscreen is considered essential, not optional. We apply it even indoors and on rainy days!
You’ll often see ajummas wearing visors and long sleeve protectors on top of sunscreen when they go outside.
Korean kids have fewer outdoor activities at school, which means less childhood sun damage. It might mean a less “fun” childhood, but it gives us a big head start on preventing sun damage early on.
Most of my friends don’t even like hanging out at the beach. They’re shocked when I tell them I go sunbathing for hours!
You might also want to check out Why Koreans Want White Skin!
2. Koreans Have Thicker Skin
Koreans have Northeast Asian features. It means we have thicker skin!
This matters because thin skin is one of the biggest enemies of good skin.
It’s more sensitive, shows redness more easily, and ages faster.
Koreans, on average, tend to have thicker and more resilient skin that is less prone to irritation, slower to wrinkle, and a better barrier against environmental stress.
Another thing is that in Korea, it’s common advice that you should start using eye cream at age 20.
I remember hearing that as soon as I entered college.
Maybe that’s why we tend to age more slowly. It’s not just about thicker skin, but early, consistent care.
3. Korea Has Clean, Soft Water
Korea is a granite-based country, meaning the tap water is naturally soft and free from limestone or hard minerals like calcium carbonate.
Water is so important because hard water is terrible for your skin. It can strip natural oils, leave residue, and cause breakouts or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
You’ll also hear Koreans abroad say, “My skin broke out the moment I left Korea.”
True story! It happens to me all the time.
Some people even travel with their own handheld filtered showerheads to deal with hard water.
4. Koreans Are Obsessed with 2-Step Cleansing
Koreans believe that skincare starts from cleansing. So, double cleansing is a must.
First, you remove makeup and sunscreen with cleansing oil/balm or micellar water.
Then, you wash again with a gentle foam or gel cleanser, preferably with low pH.
This removes oil-based impurities like SPF and sebum, and water-based grime like sweat.
We also use a peeling gel regularly, like once a week to keep it clean.
Whenever I visit Seoul, one of my favorite routines is getting aqua peeling treatments at dermatology clinics. They’re amazing for clogged pores and gentle exfoliation!
5. Skincare Is a Lifestyle
This one may be the biggest reason.
Korean women and men invest a lot of time and money into skincare.
Even my brother (oppa) uses more premium skincare brands than I do.
We all have consistent routines with multiple steps, using toners, essences, serums, eye creams, and moisturizers.
Sheet masks are a regular thing for everyone. They’re affordable, super effective, and just part of the daily or weekly routine.
And again, we religiously apply sunscreen every single day.
In Korea, skincare is built into the lifestyle from a young age.
When I get a big pimple on my chin, I don’t hesitate to visit a dermatologist for an anti-inflammatory shot.
Access to affordable and quick skincare treatments is just another part of the culture.
As a Korean, I feel a bit pressured to maintain good skin when I’m abroad.
For some reason, I want to uphold the reputation that Koreans have great skin.
Whether you’re in Korea or not, the real takeaway is that skincare is self-care.
When you treat your skin with the same love and consistency, you’ll probably see results too.
