Hellooooo January. It’s that time of year again when we all make and break habits over bubbling champagne and a resolute attitude. Resolutions are made, with the promise of a healthier, happier 2024. Here at Ohlolly, we believe skin care is a wonderful, yet oft overlooked, gateway to a healthier lifestyle. Sure, skin care is a great way to look lovely, but beyond that, it’s also a vital part of your body’s health. So how do we implement, or improve, skin care as a healthy habit?
First, understanding the WHY
Why is skin care important? The skin is the largest organ of the body. It braces the elements to protect us from debris, bacteria, sun damage, and more. So why does it feel so indulgent to care for it properly? Skin care is part of the body’s overall health – and healthy skin can be an indication of a holistically healthy body. Looking radiant is just an added bonus (yes, we’re called Ohlolly Beauty – because beauty comes FROM healthy, happy skin!).
Now, the WHAT
Once you realize the importance of a good skincare routine, it’s time to look through what might be missing in yours.
Cleansers
From dirt & debris to SPF to makeup, the skin needs a proper cleanse at the end of each day. Is your cleanser cutting it? It’s important to use gentle cleansers that clear away without stripping the skin’s barrier. And of course, double cleansing is the way to go. Here are a few combos per your skin type:
For dry skin: Heimish All Clean Balm & Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser (ultra dry skin) or Heimish All Clean Green Foam (normal to dry skin)
For oily skin: BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil & Ma:nyo Our Vegan Heartleaf Cica Cleansing Foam
For combo skin: Heimish All Clean Balm Mandarin & Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Toners
Does your skin feel dry or imbalanced, but no amount of oils or moisturizer seem to do the trick? You may need to change (or add) toner. Toners hydrate the skin’s barrier and help your skin absorb other products more effectively. Here are our favorites:
For hydration: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus
For exfoliation: Cosrx One Step Original Clear Pad
For anti-aging: Mediheal Collagen Toner Pad
Treatment
This is a particularly choose-your-own-adventure part of the routine. The right treatment product for you depends on what your skin’s problem areas are. Here are our recommendations:
For acne: iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum
For hyperpigmentation: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum Set
For dryness/flakiness: Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum
For dull skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule
For versatility: Toun28 Propolis + Vitamin C, B3, B5, B6 Serum
Moisturizers
The holy grail of skin care, the moisturizer, is key to sealing in your products and keeping your skin hydrated overnight and throughout the day. Here’s what we suggest:
For dry skin: Wylys Nightinol Cream
For oily skin: Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream
For dehydrated skin: Our Vegan Heartleaf Cica Cream
For acne-prone skin: Heimish Matcha Biome Oil-Free Calming Gel Moisturizer
SPF
No (morning) routine is complete without the protection SPF provides. No matter the season, SPF is a vital step in keeping your skin healthy. If there’s one New Year’s Resolution we all should be making, it’s to wear SPF everyday. Here are some you’re sure to love:
For a matte finish: Heimish All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk
For a little extra glow: Heimish Artless Glow Base
For extra hydration: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum or Missha Essence Sun Milk EX
For a velvet finish: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
OR if you’re a deep-end diver, you may want to jump right in with a full routine swap. Here are our suggestions, per skin type:
Korean Skincare Kit for Combination Skin
Korean Skincare Kit for Dry Skin
Korean Skincare Kit for Oily Skin
Korean Skincare Kit for Normal Skin
Finally, the HOW
Start Small
This was a long list of suggestions. If it feels overwhelming, start by picking just one product to reboot your skincare goals!
Pairing
Associating your new skincare habits with a pre-existing ritual makes the habit much more likely to stick. Try doing your skin care while your coffee is brewing, or immediately following your teeth brushing, or as soon as you get out of the shower. Habit pairing is an easy way to remember you’ve started a new habit!
Accountability
Tell a friend your new skincare goals! Have them join you for a little extra self-care fun. Plus, we even have a community partner program, so you and your friends can shop with other skincare lovers at discounted prices and get rewards back.
Rewards
Speaking of rewards, when implementing a new habit, it can be a motivating reminder to give yourself a little something for being consistent with your goals. Maybe it’s a lux new serum or a simple mist. Habits can be hard to implement, so make it fun and enjoyable for yourself!
Skin care is not just an indulgent hobby, and it certainly isn’t just a New Year’s Resolution. This year, reboot your skin care regime, so that no matter your age, skin concerns, or previous habits, this year can be your healthiest, glowiest skin yet. And remember, skin care is meant to be tailored for YOU. Even small healthy habits can hugely impact your skin.
And of course, we’re always here if you have any questions. Email them to hello@ohlolly.com. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Written by Anna @ Ohlolly
