Fash-On: Skin Care

 

Happy New Year! The Year of the Black Snake has kicked off. Contrary to popular belief, snakes in this year have nothing to do with danger but are associated with power, seduction, immortality, regeneration and increased expectation. Tradition also declares that snakes are a positive omen, bringing good fortune in the hope that we won’t starve or aren’t in want of anything.

This month we turn our attention to this ancient wisdom by focusing on our face and skin, which is prone to various states of depravity and starvation during the long and cold winter months. The most important factor to reduce lines and wrinkles and to combat aging is to keep the skin supple and moisturized. I seek the same results as the snake, which sheds its skin after winter hibernation, emerging youthful and fresh with a seemingly reinvigorated appearance.

“Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty!” is of my all-time favorite quotes, from the movie Zoolander. It’s both funny and totally true, as your face and skin are two of the most important elements of Fash-on. During the chilly months, your face and skin can really take a beating from the elements, causing them to become dry and flaky – far from appealing.

Since Korea experiences severe sub-zero temperatures, keeping the indoor air warm in homes and offices becomes a top priority. However, this is usually done with heaters, lamps and our underfloor heating, all of which suck vital moisture from the air. Coupled with the icy winds and freezing outside temperatures, it is easy to see why skin becomes blotchy, dry and even prone to breakouts.

Though it might seem daunting to combat all of these factors,there are some easy steps to getting perfectly plump winter skin. Good facial skin comes from disciplined daily cleansing and moisturizing, but it is not healthy to do these by using incorrect products. Many people randomly opt for generic soaps or cleansers that might strip your skin of oils and water, causing your skin to become even more fragile. I suggest instead investing in some reliable products that will help your skin retain moisture without leaving it dry and patchy, or conversely excessively oily.

But how can we get the correct balance? I have recently discovered the Kiehl’s product range, which has changed my entire facial cleansing routine. Created in 1851 by a pharmacist, this range of products provides you with all you need and more to stay moisturized and youthful.

To start off with, I use lukewarm water and the Ultra Facial Cleanser, which is rich and easy to apply. It’s no fuss to use; just lather and gently cleanse your skin. It is Ph-balanced and also contains essential oils.

Next, I move on to applying the landmark product of the group, the 24-hour UltraFacial Cream. This will fast become your one-stop shop for facial moisture. Usually you would have to purchase separate Day and Night creams, but this moisturizer does it all. It is light, non-greasy, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and supple without any worry of drying out. Before I started using this product I had an oily T-zone, which meant constant blotting, but since using the UltraFacial Cream about 2 months ago my skin has become perfectly matte and remains hydrated the entire day. It is fragrance-free and a little dab goes a long way to protect your skin all day long. Really, I think it’s a must for anyone, whether male or female.

(If you really want to treat your skin due to the harsh winds and temperature variances from indoors to outdoors, though, I would also suggest purchasing the UltraFacial Overnight Hydrating Masque, which leaves your skin feeling like butter. Apply at night and sleep with it on, then rinse it off in the morning. Your skin will love you forever.)

I won’t lie: these products are on the pricey side and usually cost around 30,000 – 100,000 won. But the price represents a true investment in your skin. If you are unsure of which product to purchase first, I suggest going with the Ultra Facial Cream, which is infused with glacial glycoproteins as well as desert plant extracts to create the perfect water retention balance. Here’s a fun fact about the UltraFacial Cream: it was the moisturiser used by the heroic team of the “Greenland First Ascent” expedition, six explorers who completed the first-ever ascent of Greenland’s ice-covered peaks in 2005.

Usually the store you purchase your Kiehl’s products from has an assistant who will help you in your selection if you are having difficulty, who will also provide you with some free samples of other products from the vast range available for male and female customers. Outlets are usually located in major department stores, in Gwangju and throughout Korea.

Keep warm and stay healthy for the New Year. Don’t forget to exercise, drink lots of fluids and take care of yourself, especially your skin.

 

Photo: To accompany our great, fresh moisturized skin, my look for this month is decidedly haphazard, putting together various prints and patterns in order to signal change. I pulled together a navy blue triangle-patterned knit and to that I’ve added a lamb fur-lined country plaid printed outer. I have added some extra color with bright orange socks worn over jeans, as well as a pair of lemon yellow fingerless gloves to create an added focal point. It’s easy to mix and match as you please to stay toasty.