We Tried Korean Skin Detox and Reviewed It for You with All the Gems We Discovered

The Skin Detox Procedure

Many experts shake their heads disapprovingly at the term “detox”, because the human body can handle many things on its own, naturally. But the name of the procedure is not what matters, it’s what it’s for that’s important: to deep-clean dull, tired skin after the winter without damaging the protective barrier, to replenish hydration and to deliver a little extra. What does that all mean?

1. Double cleansing: First, cleanse the skin with an oil-based product, then cleanse it again with a gel or foam cleanser.
2. Exfoliation: Gently is the most important thing here, such as with an enzyme scrub.
3. Toner: An underrated yet important step that balances pH and soothes the skin.
4. Hydration: Don’t be afraid to layer up Korean-style and include (in this order) essence, serum and moisturiser.
5. Extra step: Pamper your skin once or twice a week with a face mask. The application method varies according to whether you use a regular mask or a sheet mask.

What Korean skincare products can I not imagine my skin detox without?

celimax Derma Nature Jojoba

What I liked the most: We sat down with the celimax Derma Nature Jojoba cleansing oil. For me, it was just the right level of oily (though for my husband, with really oily skin, it was a bit too much) and after washing, your skin feels beautifully soft and fresh. After a couple of weeks using it, the blackheads on my nose have gone, but since I also use other weapons to fight them, I probably can’t give this oil all the credit.

Advantages: I need my cleanser to not dry out my skin, and with this, with the blend of bergamot, sunflower, almond and other oils, it really doesn’t.

Disadvantages: The first time the contents came flying out of the pump onto my bathroom tiles, I thought it was just my overenthusiasm, but since it’s happened repeatedly, the fault probably lies elsewhere.

Frudia My Orchard Mango

What I liked the most: You know how cleansing foams are effective yet really tighten the skin as soon as you wash them off? Not this time! The Frudia My Orchard Mango deep-cleansing foam promises to hydrate and nourish the skin as well as removing sebum, and that’s exactly what I think it does, to a T.

Advantages: You only need a little foam and a massage with it is really pleasant. I’m not going to lie, the scent of mangoes is a big reason for this; it’s really authentic. And for this price? It's a doozy!

Disadvantages: Absolutely none whatsoever.

ma:nyo Galactomy Clearskin

What I liked the most: Let me tell you something: my husband is even more rigid about skincare products than I am. So if the exfoliating ma:nyo Galactomy Clearskin toner worked for him, that’s a real sign. And I’m in total agreement. It smooths my skin beautifully and I haven’t had any (!) major breakouts for a couple of weeks, which is not exactly normal. I have a feeling it’s not a coincidence.

Advantages: If, like me, you instinctively fear tingling or itching after your experience with other exfoliating toners, then rest easy. This toner is pleasant and gentle, yet it works.

Disadvantages: This toner may be aimed at all skin types, but if, like me, your skin is a bit dry, expect a little tautness. Using it once a day is just right for me.

KORIKA SuperFruits Acai Berry – Anti-pollution Sheet Mask

What I liked the most: The KORIKA SuperFruits Acai Berry – Anti-pollution Sheet Mask is packed full of antioxidants, which protect against pollution and other adverse factors. This is an effect that is quite difficult to judge, but in other respects I can confirm it works. I put it on in the evening and took it off after one episode of Friends, and my skin was still glowing and refreshed the following morning.

Advantages: It doesn’t often happen with cloth masks, but this one fitted my face perfectly. After a while, I couldn’t even tell I was wearing it. And I loved the texture, nothing overly sticky, but instead a nice, light cocktail.

Disadvantages: It’s a high price for a single-use product.

It’s Skin The Fresh Mask Blueberry

What I liked the most: That fragrance! Like sitting in a blueberry patch. And I loved it for the entire 20 minutes I was wearing the It’s Skin The Fresh Mask Blueberry on my face. Blueberries also have a protective role here and the mask provides your skin with a good dose of hydration.

Advantages: This mask was also nicely saturated, and there was enough for my whole neck and décolletage. And I was grateful for that, because I haven’t had skin this soft in a long time.

Disadvantages: The mask was a little big for my face, but nothing too dramatic and I coped just fine.

Frudia My Orchard Raspberry

What I liked the most: I could easily call the Frudia My Orchard Raspberry mask a moisturising superhero. My skin looks and feels juicy, refreshed and supple after using it and I want it to look this way forever! So I’m ordering more.

Advantages: If your skin needs a boost while you wait, get it right inside this cute pink packaging. The mask contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the skin and also makes it glow, and honey and raspberry extract, which, alongside the great effects we’ve already mentioned, also means an incredible fragrance.

Disadvantages: There’s nothing to fault here.

Are you going to get the clearest skin ever as well? I can only recommend it; the extra few minutes in the bathroom are well worth it!