What is Cream Skin? The New Korean Beauty Trend of 2024
Cream skin has been called the biggest skincare trend of 2024. Supposedly, beauty prognosticators have their sights set on this look, and it’s moving full speed ahead. But what is cream skin? Is it right for you and your skin? How do you achieve this look? Well, don’t worry, I’m here to clear it all up and help you try out the latest beauty trend for yourself.
What is cream skin?
You’re probably familiar with the skin trend of 2023, glass skin, the ultimate glowing skin. This look comes straight from Korean skincare, a routine we’re all obsessed with that requires all kinds of layered lotions, serums, essences, toners, moisturizers, masks, the list is endless. The result? A face that glows with a healthy glow, like you just stepped out of the spa. It’s been seen countless times on fashion shows and editorial shoots over the past year. The look has become so popular that it’s made its way into our daily lives that we’ve all tried it at least once. And while we may look like we’re having a water fight…
Cream skin is a modern trick, and it’s proving to be a much easier look to achieve. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not a thick layer of products, quite the opposite as the number of products used to create the look is much less than a glass skin routine.
Aside from Cream Skin, there is a trend towards a reduction in our skincare routines. For a long time now, the amount of time, effort and products used in our regimes has slowly become more complicated and even a bit all-consuming. Well, I don’t know about you, but such a tedious routine, especially after a long day, completely loses the fun. Cream Skin Crazed has found the perfect time for us to put an end to this overdone 10-step routine (and maybe more)!
How to get cream skin?
Compared to the previous 10 products, Cream Skin reduces all cleansing tasks to no more than 3 if you want to make it your basic, simplest daily regimen.
Start with a thorough cleansing of the face. Remove all traces of makeup and dirt using a milky non-foaming cleanser and a warm washcloth to wipe away the residue. This will leave the skin soft and the pores unclogged, ready for the next step.
Next, pour an exfoliating lotion onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over your face, avoiding the eye area. Let the toner do the work for you, so don’t worry about wiping it off.
The next step is completely up to you, but you’ll notice your skin becomes hydrated again when you apply a serum, especially if it contains hyaluronic acid.
The final step is to use a light lotion or moisturizer to hydrate the skin and give it a dewy look, but not the megawatt glow of a glass skin look. Skin Defense Balm is great for nourishing the skin without clogging it up by applying too much product on it.
If you feel it’s necessary, then other steps like eye cream, lip balm, and a mask would be a great addition to your routine, but not essential.
The steps you take after that are also up to you: enjoy the healthy glow of your new “creamy skin” or go for makeup. However, if you decide to use makeup, keep the product even and smooth. From CC cream to cream blush and highlighter. Try not to undo all the hard work you put into getting smooth skin by giving it a matte effect with full-coverage makeup.
How will my skin change if I use a cream skincare routine?
If you’re used to a skincare routine that requires multiple steps, you might be a little hesitant about the simple, streamlined idea of cream skin. However, you’ll be surprised to find that your skin doesn’t look and feel any worse. It’ll love you for the truth: when you master a simple routine with the right products and ingredients, your face will look and feel flawless! As the saying goes, “less is more,” and keeping it simple is the answer to any skin issues you may have.
Will cream skin last?
With beauty forecasters noting a trend toward increasingly streamlined beauty routines, it’ll be interesting to see how the way we shop for skincare changes. Take a “less is more” approach and look for products that will give you the effects described on the fancy packaging. Whether you prefer more natural plant extracts and more botanical products, or you go for the science and opt for those amazingly clever acids and ingredients.
Whatever it is, you’ll be surprised at how your skin will look when you spend more time finding products that work for you and your skin, and less time using them. That leaves you with more free time to do more important things, like actually enjoying your morning coffee!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
