8 East-to-West Beauty Trends To Watch Out For

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One of the exciting things about the beauty industry is that it constantly evolves as unusual ingredients, new products and fascinating techniques for rejuvenating the face are discovered and shared. The increasing popularity of trends from other countries has revolutionized what happens in our own spas and salons. What makes the beauty industry even more wonderful is the “surprise factor” of many of these trends. Here are some of the most striking and attention-grabbing techniques, products and ingredients that originated in the East and are infiltrating spas in the West.

"These unusual and often surprising techniques, products and ingredients are inspiring professionals to offer more creative and exciting spa menus."

1. Double Cleansing

The magic words for the latest trends in Korean beauty are “chok chok,” translated as “glowing, moist, flawless.” In K-Beauty, ideal skin has a glass-like quality, described as “mul-kwang-pi-bu,” or “watery glow,” which refers to a plumped, luminous, dewy glow. What’s the first step in achieving it? It is double cleansing, with a surprising new twist.

The problem starts with the fact that there are over 19.5 million skin cells per square inch of skin, resembling tiny marshmallows squished together. In the crevices between them, remnants of heavy foundation, BB, CC and DD creams cannot be completely removed by gentle cleansers. The result is the potential to develop milia or tiny white bumps under the skin that may never go away.

K-Beauty starts the beauty regimen with double cleansing. First, an oil-based or micellar water-based cleanser is used for dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin to lift off dirt and makeup. A cream-based cleanser can be used for oily or sensitive skin. Second, a gel-based cleanser leaves skin clear and hydrated, without stripping away natural oils essential to maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

A jellyfishKombucha is a fermented ingredient trending in anti-aging skin care.

But wait, there’s more. Take double cleansing to the next level with the latest trend. Before they even touch the face, Korean beauty technicians start the process at the arms, then down to the hands to cleanse daily grime and bacteria that have accumulated during the day. Who would have thought cleansing the face starts at the elbows?

2. Biofermented Skin Care

Fermentation is usually thought of in connection to medicinal herbs, food and gut health, such as converting tea to kombucha, milk to kefir or cabbage to kimchi. Fermentation occurs due to the chemical reaction of specific enzymes that break down complex compounds into simpler particles, so they become more compatible with skin and are absorbed more easily. The bacteria present in fermented products feed on sugar and starch to produce lactic acid, vitamins, omega fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants—all superfoods for healthy skin.

Fermented ingredients are trending in anti-aging skin care because they increase the potency of vitamins, antioxidants, peptides and proteins, all working in tandem to help skin regenerate itself. Plus, fermented products have been reported to help reduce skin sensitivity, redness and acne breakouts. Studies have shown that fermented red ginseng has a greater concentration of antioxidants and is highly effective for brightening, improving circulation, reducing toxins and even decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Saccharomyces copper ferment, zinc ferment, and manganese ferment allow skin-loving minerals to promote collagen synthesis, enhance tissue repair and reduce signs of environmental damage, such as wrinkles, sagging and hyperpigmentation.

3. Paint-on Masks

The darling of selfies, paint-on masks are a DIY dream come true. Usually found in treatment rooms, charcoal masks and clay masks are ideal for unclogging and tightening pores, exfoliating and clarifying acne-prone skin, and soothing irritated, inflamed skin. Still, a quick online search turns up multitudes of images and videos of DIY paint-on masks, showing the obsession with masks dotted with the contents of de-gunked pores, as well as the morbid fascination with stubborn masks requiring painful removal. With trending paint-on masks, beauty and entertainment finally meet.

4. Korean Face-lifting

In Korea, a “v-line” face with a defined jawline and chin is considered ideal, so massage techniques focus on facial resculpting as an alternative to cosmetic surgery. Skin is stimulated along acupuncture pressure points. Firm pressure is used to massage under cheekbones, toward temples, down facial contours, along the bridge of the nose to the forehead and down the sides of the face and neck. Care should be taken to avoid vigorous, tugging pressure, which might cause sagging.

This procedure doesn’t limit itself to face massage—working with the shoulder and neck areas is key to achieving a lifted look and luminous glow. After the massage, a sheet mask is applied, then skin is saturated with a serum containing vitamins, peptides, stem cells and growth factors.

5. Jellyfish

A jellyfishJellyfish collagen is used in skin care to aid in collagen synthesis.

Although usually avoided at all costs, jellyfish are receiving a closer look for their skin care benefits. Turritopsis nutricula has been dubbed “the immortal jellyfish,” since it goes through multiple life cycles, actually reversing the aging process. Can this secret to regeneration be extended to skin care products?

Scientists extract jellyfish collagen for use in skin care formulations to hydrate and activate collagen synthesis, helping skin cells act young again. However, as this ingredient trend spreads across the globe, there’s no need to worry about depleting the ocean’s supply of jellyfish. In fact, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has encouraged the beauty industry to include jellyfish extract in more formulations, since the ever-expanding jellyfish population feeds on fish larvae and young fish, which reduces the already shrinking fish stock.

6. Fascia-firming Meridian Massage

This version of facial resculpting focuses on superficial fascia, which is the connective tissue located right under the skin and is prominent at the temples, cheeks, chin, nose and infraorbital area (beneath eye sockets). Wrinkles and creases in fascia are smoothed out during this massage by using smooth strokes along meridian lines.

Techniques include rolling and pressing along the jawline and neck to lift and sculpt facial contours, firm sagging skin and improve circulation. Using the thumb and forefinger to perform slight pinching movements along eyebrows reduces the look of drooping eyelids and puffiness while brightening eye areas.

Fascia-firming meridian massage incorporates the best of Eastern traditional meridian theory as well as Western circulatory, muscular and lymphatic systems, which helps increase microcirculation, ease chronic inflammation and relieve muscle tension. As an added bonus, the experience of being touched releases oxytocin and endorphins to reduce stress and increase feelings of overall well-being. Like Korean face-lifting, fascia-firming meridian massage includes applying a sheet mask as well as layering multiple products containing vitamins, peptides, stem cells and growth factors. Jade tools can also be incorporated into the massage to smooth and sculpt fascia.

7. Tree Sap

Different varieties of tree sap are another natural ingredient staple in Asian skin care. This makes sense, since sap is the nutrient-rich lifeblood of a tree, constantly helping it produce new growth. Prized in skin care for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, tree sap consists of smaller molecules that are easily absorbed by skin, quickly delivering vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids to hydrate and renew skin cells. White birch sap’s high levels of vitamins B and C improve skin tone and help prevent hyperpigmentation. Bamboo sap is commonly used to help with cell proliferation to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Dragon’s blood sap is used to improve texture and firmness, and maple sap deeply hydrates and leaves a fresh, dewy glow, while protecting against UV damage.

8. Artichoke Extract

How did an ugly, spiny vegetable become a beauty trend? Artichoke extract is the darling of Korean essences, which may look like toners but provide skin with active ingredients normally found in serums. Artichoke extract contains an army of skin-loving minerals like copper and manganese as well as B vitamins. It is also packed with antioxidants including ferulic acid, zeaxanthin and the master antioxidant glutathione, which helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin cells from oxidative stress. This natural active ingredient is also known for improving cell density, which helps improve skin firmness, reduce enlarged pores and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Global Beauty, Unlimited

These unusual and often surprising techniques, products and ingredients are inspiring professionals to offer more creative and exciting spa menus, and are also delighting clients who seek not only youthful beauty, but fun and memorable experiences. Isn’t that what living life to the fullest is all about?

Si Author J Luu 300

Janel Luu is the founder and CEO of Le Mieux Cosmetics and PurErb Herbology-based Skincare & Aromatherapy. She has over 35 years experience in the beauty industry as an educator, researcher, and formulator.

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