Don't Buy a Korean Beauty Device Without Listening to This
January 30, 2024
Don't Buy a Korean Beauty Device Without Listening to This
Thinking about pulling the trigger on an expensive new K-Beauty device? Tune into this episode first. We’re looking at the latest research, plus answering a listener’s question about why makeup in Korea is so much cheaper and higher quality than other popular options.
New Studies Reveal Whether Beauty Devices Really Work
Two studies were published in the "Journal of The Korean Society of Cosmetics" and "The Journal of the Korean Society of Aesthetics" by APR in relation to their Medicube "Booster Pro" devices. The two studies were carried out last year as follows:
"Skin improvement effect of high-frequency micro-poration (RM) and electroporation (EP) skin beauty devices combined with glutathione ampoules"; and
"The effect of home beauty devices equipped with microcurrent and medium-frequency functions on facial skin elasticity and lifting."
The first study was designed to verify the "synergistic effectiveness of the combination of cosmetics and beauty devices". In this experiment, 42 Korean women aged 20 to 60 used a Glutathione Ampoule and Medicube's Booster Pro's Microcurrent (MC) function (2 weeks) and Medium Frequency (EMS) function for about two weeks. After use, all participants showed "significant improvement indicators in wrinkles around the eyes and skin volume and dermal density".
The second study was designed to verify the effectiveness of Medicube's Microcurrent (MC) and Medium Frequency (EMS) functions in the Booster Pro. The experiment also involved 44 Korean women aged 20 to 60. It compared their skin before and after using the device. As a result, "significant changes were observed in terms of skin elasticity and lifting."
Obviously, the studies were quite limited in terms of the number of participants, their age ranges, gender and race, all being Korean women. It is also important to note that the study was commissioned by the owner of Medicube, who makes the devices used in the study. Ultimately, whether you think it's worth dropping several hundred dollars on an at-home device like this is up to you.
It's important to keep in mind that no at-home device is going to be as effective as an in-clinic treatment. Similarly, when it comes to the technologies used in the devices they tend to be updated very regularly so what is the "hottest device" one year will likely have been superseded by something new the next year.
"Can you explain why makeup is so much higher quality and cheaper in Korea? I'm in Perth and ITS JUST NOT THE SAME"
Put simply, Korea is a manufacturing hub and destination for makeup and cosmetics generally
That means there’s much more competition, a lot more skill in country when it comes to actually making makeup and there are a lot of options for companies to choose from when deciding who will make their products
I’ve worked with a lot of different Korean beauty manufacturers and many have their own speciality; colour cosmetics (색조화장품) is one of those specialities.
K-Beauty Product Testing Opportunities
Make sure you’re following Jelly Ko’s Instagram and TikTok if you’re keen to try out some new K-Beauty products this year.
This spray is the first I've ever purchased and I'll be back! I work in an office as a clinic nurse and I'll give a spray every 2-3hrs throughout the day. It helps me feel refreshed and glowy! Definitely coming back for more!
I understand why this is a beloved product!! It makes me look dewy and fresh faced. The only reason I did not give 5 stars was the smell is a little.odd to me. But not enough to make me stop using it!
Recommendation of the Week - Singles Inferno 3
Singles Inferno is now out on Netflix - it's worth a watch even if you've seen the previous seasons because they've shaken up the format this season very effectively
There was one contestant in particular who was very controversial - if you've seen the show you'll know exactly who I'm talking about.
"When it comes to the technologies used in the devices they tend to be updated very regularly so what is the "hottest device" one year will likely have been superseded by something new the next year. "
- Lauren Lee, Host of the Korean Beauty Show podcast