American Skincare vs Asian Skincare: Exploring Two Vastly Different Approaches To Skincare

In the past decade, but especially the past few years, Asian skincare has become much more popular in the West. Many people swear by Asian skincare products as they claim to deliver results, but are they really that much better than American skincare? What exactly is American skincare, and what is Asian skincare? In this article, we’ll discuss the differences of Asian and American skincare by looking closely at each kind of routine and their focuses. By the end of the article, we hope that you’ll be able to confidently decide which routine is better for you. 

Note(s): 

• When we use American Skincare, we are talking about American and Western skincare. We will use both terms, sometimes interchangeably throughout the article. 
• When we use Asian Skincare, we are talking specifically about Japanese and Korean skincare. 

What’s The Difference Between Asian And Western Skincare?

The main difference between Asian and Western skincare routines is that Asian skincare tends to focus on prevention while Western skincare targets existing problems with the skin. 

Asian skincare focuses on prevention and maintaining healthy skin. It emphasizes hydration, nourishment, and gentle, consistent care to achieve a natural, glowing complexion. The routine often includes multiple steps, layering various products to address different skin needs. On the other hand, Western skincare often targets specific skin issues, such as acne or signs of aging, with a more treatment-based approach. Products tend to be stronger and may include more active ingredients designed to deliver quick results. Since Western skincare products tend to contain more active ingredients, they may be too harsh for some, especially those with sensitive skin. 

What Is An American Skincare Routine?

The American skincare routine tends to be on the shorter side compared with Asian skincare. In the past, simply cleansing the face, applying moisturizer, and then applying SPF was sufficient for many people, but due to the rise of Asian Beauty, many Americans and other Western people have added a few more steps to their routines. A typical routine looks something like this: 

• Cleanser: this is the first step in the routine, but many Americans tend to opt for cleansing only once. 
• Toner: Western toners tend to be more focused on removing excess makeup from the skin and thoroughly cleansing it. They tend to be stronger than Asian toners and not as moisturizing. 
• Serum: these usually contain active ingredients that target concerns like wrinkles/anti-aging and dark spots.
• Moisturizer: this is used to lock everything in. Western moisturizers tend to be a bit thicker than Asian emulsions (milky lotions), but lighter than creams.
• Sunscreen: sadly, this is an optional step for many, as there are still many American/Western people who do not wear SPF on a daily basis. This may be due to the inelegant formulation and strong odor that many non-Asian sunscreens have, but that’s a topic for another day. 

What Is The Japanese Skincare Routine?

On the other hand, when we think about “Asian skincare” Japanese skincare and Korean skincare most likely come to mind. In this section, let’s look specifically at the Japanese skincare routine. The Japanese skincare routine usually consists of four (or five) simple steps. They are as follows: 

• Double Cleanse: Use a cleansing oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a foaming cleanser to clean leftover residues.
• Lotion (Toner): Apply lotion to add moisture and help the skin absorb subsequent products.
• Sheet Masks, Essence, or Serum: After lotion, sheet masks are used daily but some people opt for essences or serums for quicker absorption.
• Emulsion and/or Cream: Add another moisture layer in the form of emulsion or cream to seal in products and repair the skin’s protective barrier.
• Sunscreen (AM only): Apply sunscreen at the end of the routine to protect the skin from UV rays and prevent tanning.

The Goal Of J-Beauty

Japanese skincare aims for "mochi-hada" or "mochi skin," which is soft, clear, and plump like a baby's. Historically, Japanese beauty practices also emphasized pale, white skin, using white powder and lead oxide. Modern Japanese skincare products often include terms like “whitening” which actually means “brightening,” as they aim to fade dark spots and enhance the skin's overall complexion. The core of J-Beauty is to nourish the skin with gentle, nutritious products to achieve this mochi-like softness and hydration. If you want to learn more about Japanese skincare, definitely check out this article. 

What Is The Korean Skincare Routine?

The Korean skincare routine is probably more well known than the Japanese routine, especially for its thoroughness. If you weren’t already aware, many people equate Korean skincare with the 10-step skincare routine. The standard routine looks something like this: 

• Oil Cleanser: Removes makeup and sunscreen, maintaining skin balance.
• Water-Based Cleanser: Eliminates residual impurities.
• Exfoliator: Cleanses pores and removes dead skin cells, used 2-3 times a week.
• Toner: Adds hydration and prepares skin for next steps.
• Essence: A unique step for added moisture and targeting concerns like anti-aging.
• Serum: Potent treatments for specific skin issues like acne and hyperpigmentation.
• Face Mask: Used in the form of sheet mask or wash off mask a couple times per week. Provides nourishment and relaxation, used a few times a week.
• Eye Cream: Addresses the delicate eye area, targeting wrinkles and dark circles.
• Moisturizer: Seals in all previous steps, with variations for morning and night use.
• Sunscreen (AM only): Crucial for protecting the skin from UV rays.

The Goal Of K-Beauty

K-beauty focuses on achieving "glass skin," which is smooth, clear, and luminous with a dewy, translucent quality. Hydration is key, with products designed to keep skin plump and youthful. Known for rapid innovation, K-beauty constantly introduces new ingredients and formulations to meet consumer trends.

Differences Between J-Beauty & K-Beauty

J-Beauty and K-Beauty differ in their skincare goals and approaches. J-Beauty aims for "mochi-hada," or soft, clear, and plump skin, using gentle, nutrient-rich products to achieve a hydrated appearance. Historically focused on pale skin, modern J-Beauty emphasizes brightening. K-Beauty, on the other hand, seeks "glass skin," characterized by smooth, clear, and luminous skin with a dewy look. It prioritizes intense hydration to keep the skin plump and youthful. K-beauty is also known for rapid innovation, frequently introducing new ingredients and products to meet consumer trends.

Which Skincare Routine Is More Affordable?

The affordability of Asian skincare vs American skincare is going to depend on what products and brands you are looking for. However, Asian skincare products at the drug store level, tend to be cheaper than mid-to-high-end American skincare products, if purchasing from overseas. These days, there are tons of places online where you can buy Asian skincare (including Japanese Taste!) at affordable prices too. 

Another great point about Asian skincare is that they tend to deliver results and use good ingredients even with lower price points. At this point, you may be thinking that switching to Asian skincare is a no brainer!

Which Skincare Routine Should I Follow?

Some people may benefit from using only Asian skincare products in their routine while others may prefer to use a mix of both Asian and American (western) skincare products. This is really going to depend on your skin type and which skincare issues you are looking to address. However, if you prefer products that are gentler on the skin and focus more on hydration, Asian skincare might be for you. 

Want to find authentic Japanese skincare products at the best prices on the market? Be sure to check out our skincare collection. 

Do you prefer Asian skincare products or American ones? Let us know in the comments.