K-beauty vs. Pharmacy
I believe there are two fundamental reasons why this industry has boomed in Romania. Don’t worry, I’m not here to tear down the K-Beauty phenomenon; it has its merits and it helps us out under certain circumstances.
The First Reason
The first and most important reason why women have adopted it into their routines, from what I’ve observed, is that it comes as a “safe,” “clean” alternative to pharmacy products, while being more accessible than organic, sustainable, or ethical brands. It enters the scene with a heavy focus on the skin’s natural protective barrier, without being associated with the ingredients perceived as harsh in pharmacy products.
The Second Reason
The second reason is, without a doubt, the association with images of the glass-skin Korean complexion: perfect, flawless, poreless. A lot of emphasis—perhaps far too much—is placed on this obsession with small, perfect pores.
This is biologically impossible, because our body carries out essential functions through our pores, such as thermoregulation, natural emollience via the skin’s sebum, and sweating.
I am not demonizing the cult of K-Beauty, but it did come packed with a pressure for flawless skin that is heavy for women to carry on their shoulders.
How Do These Products Actually Help Us, Though?
I recommend them in situations where the skin is prone to redness and dryness. They are exceptional for hydration, great when it comes to SPFs, and wonderful for strengthening the skin’s natural protective barrier.
However, they are insufficient for addressing problematic skin, and they can even become dangerous when we look at various exfoliating pads, which are incredibly easy to overuse.
This is exactly where dermocosmetics and pharmacy products come into play—products that are so often demonized, yet remain essential for problematic skin.
I use products based on the specific situation at hand and combine them so that the skin gets the health it needs, leaving the women sitting in front of me happy with the results achieved.
The way I build these skincare routines is simple, ensuring that skin health doesn’t demand time that women just don’t have, which could otherwise cause them to give up on their routine entirely.
Recommendation
I’m leaving two of my favorite K-Beauty products below, both featuring a probiotic role for the skin to help it through these cold days. They can be used both morning and evening, right after washing your face.