One size doesn't fit all

By Kwon Ji-youn, Park Jin-hai, and Yoon Sung-won

Korean farmers have often said that a mother will send her daughter to work under a fall sun, and her daughter-in-law, under a spring sun. Not surprising, considering the dangers of the spring sunlight to your skin.

Women and men alike have always feared the spring sun, for its ultraviolet rays are known to damage skin cells that have hibernated for the winter and thus are more vulnerable.

People are now rushing to prepare for the spring, lathering on sun-block, whitening essence and moisturizer. But for those who have yet to stock up, here's a must-read.

What people do

Common opinion calls for the need to revitalize your skin after the "melancholy" of winter. Winter whisks away all moisture, creating layers of dead skin cells and giving your skin a chapped and dry look. For this reason, many who are keen on caring for their skin concentrate heavily on moisturizing.

"I just focus on moisturizing my skin, using lotion, essence and lots of moisturizer," said Jang Seo-woo, a college student at Ewha Womans University, in an interview with The Korea Times.

"Other than that, I don't do anything special to my skin." Jang specified that she has a routine she follows each morning and night to maintain moist skin. "I apply toner first, then essence and lotion."

Some voiced concern over the looming threat of "yellow dust" that sweeps the Korean Peninsula in the spring.

"During the winter, I used to slather my skin with moisturizer," said Le Ha-young, 22. "But when spring approaches, my skin dries up again and the dust worsens my already-troubled skin."

"Yellow dust" refers to dust storms that blow from the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts of China. It contains pollutants that waft from the industrial areas of China.

"I moisten by spraying mist directly onto my skin," Lee said. "Some say spraying mist products dry up their skin, but I think it's okay."

Jun Eun-hae, 24, said her skincare secret in the spring is to avoid wearing heavy makeup. "When my skin is dry, makeup doesn't hold well and my skin retains very little oil," the 24-year-old college student said. "When I feel really dry, I mix a little facial oil with my moisturizer."

Removing makeup properly is as important as wearing it, according to Kim Hyun-soo, a 37-year-old patent lawyer. "I believe that cleansing and scrubbing are keys to good skin. I prefer to use scrubbing agents that do not contain kernels because they fit me better."

What cosmetic companies say

Leading Korean cosmetics firms AmorePacific and LG Care agree that spring is the season of pollen and dust, elements that can cause troubled and irritated skin.

In a telephone interview with The Korea Times, both company representatives emphasized the importance of cleansing, and advised customers to deep-cleanse their skin after outings, emptying out pores and ridding skin of external factors that may enter the pores and trigger zits and blemishes.

The LG rep. also advised not to expect dramatic effects from trouble-care products right away. "Essences are not medication," it said. "I would also recommend customers to use both facial oil and mist to keep their skin moist."

Rather, she suggested some do-it-at-home procedures, including face-masks and ample skincare that will help revitalize your skin this season.

The two also agree on the importance of sun-care and moisturizing. They mentioned that the most common skincare methods during spring include blocking ultraviolet rays by staying out of the spring sun and wearing sun-block.

"To maximize the effect, reapply sun-block every three or four hours," the LG rep. said. "It is better to tap sun-block onto your skin rather than to rub it. You should apply sun-block 30 minutes before leaving home."

"Be sure to choose products above SPF30, and to choose products of at least PA++. On sunny days, you should apply sun-block of PA+++."

SPF refers to the sun protection factor and the number signifies the degree of sun-block function. A product's UV ray protection is stronger if the number is higher.

Likewise, PA marks the protection grade against UV rays and the number of pluses indicates the effectiveness of a sun-block product.

The AmorePacific representative advised to watch what you eat. "To lighten up their skin, customers may want to use whitening essences on top of keeping up a fruit-full and healthy diet," she recommended. "That will even out their skin tone."

She also offered tips about how to choose and use cosmetics products. "One thing customers should remember is the importance of the oil-and-moisture balance."

"Mixing facial oil into moisturizer is a good way to maintain a healthy look," the AmorePacific rep. said.

The cosmetics company recommended that you use vitamin ample before applying lotion or moisturizer. "The order differs for each cosmetic brand, but usually you apply the most diluted first, and work your way up to the thick, concentrated creams."

What experts advise

Dr. Lee Yoo-deuk of Lee Ji Ham Dermatology Clinic warned readers about possible skin ailments that could accompany spring. Contact dermatitis, brought about by allergic reactions, could present itself. Dermatitis is usually caused by pollen and yellow dust which reach peak during spring.

In order to avoid dermatitis of any kind, Lee warned of three major factors. To begin with, the doctor emphasized that men should take as much care of their skin as women. "When shaving, skin cells, along with hair, are often hacked off, leaving tiny scars" Lee said. "To avoid this, men must remember to wash their faces with warm water before shaving and to apply aftershave toner and lotion to soothe irritated skin."

Secondly, people should refrain from smoking, as it dries up moisture in skin cell layers. As a result, skin will be left dry and rough, and tone will darken significantly. Second-hand smoke can also cause similar symptoms.

Lee advised to "use a humidifier to avoid second-hand smoke and to moisten your skin."

Thirdly, Lee spoke of the effects stress has on your skin.

"Night-duty or heavy work-load stresses you out, straining facial muscles and blood vessels," said the doctor.

"Coupled with hormonal imbalances, they make your skin extra dry and over-sensitive."

He recommends keeping your skin clean when you work overnight and to finger-massage your face to relax your tensed facial muscles.

Lee also recommends that you drink enough water to retain moisture not only in your skin, but also in your body.

"Readers should avoid spicy or salty food, and focus on consuming food that contains a lot of water, like fruit," he said. Fruits are known to be good for your body, and as a result, are great for your skin. Fruit contain vitamins that your body needs for cell regeneration and are also high in minerals. Citrus contains high levels of vitamin-C and berries are full of collagen-forming vitamins.

What should we do?

Yes, there are methods to improve your skin. But first, you need to "ask" your skin what it wants. You may need to experiment to find the method that works best. The first step to good skin is acknowledging your skin's needs, and searching for ways to overcome shortcomings. After all, one size doesn't fit all.