K-beauty vs. biochemistry: 5 signs your skincare could be fighting signals from your body

Snail mucus, donkey milk, bee venom... if this doesn't sound like a wizard's shopping list to you, then you're probably already familiar with Korean skincare (aka K-beauty).

K-beauty is more than just a routine, it's a lifestyle built on gentle, consistent care.

But what if your K-beauty glow is hiding a warning? Could your skincare routine be covering up something deeper (like a nutrient deficiency or hormonal imbalance) rather than solving a problem?

Step into a world where skincare meets phlebotomy and find out how your inner health could affect your skin health.

We explore:

• What is K-beauty?
• Could a blood test boost your skincare routine?
• 5 skin concerns that could be signs of something more
• 1. Acne and breakouts
• 2. Dull, sallow skin
• 3. Dry or dehydrated skin
• 4. Pigmentation
• 5. Sensitive, slow-healing skin
• Extra tips for your healthiest skin yet
   

So, what is K-beauty?
 

With roots as far back as 57 BC, Korean skincare follows a carefully designed, multi-step regime. It focuses on clean, natural ingredients (hence the snail slime), aiming to treat, hydrate, and brighten skin.

A typical routine has around ten different steps and can take up to 40 minutes. The goal is to forgo heavy make-up, achieving the clear, poreless look with bare skin. But achieving “glass skin” might not be so simple.

And that's because while Korean skincare is only skin deep, you can go deeper.

Could a blood test boost your skincare routine?
 

In reality, no matter how carefully you follow your routine, splash out on the perfect essence, or apply your SPF, if your body isn't at its best on the inside, it's going to show on the outside.

You could be wasting valuable time and money fighting against signals from your body.

That's where blood testing comes in.

5 skin concerns that could be signs of something more
 

Each of these common skin concerns may have an underlying internal cause, and blood testing could help uncover what's really going on beneath the surface.

1. Acne and breakouts

The first steps in every K-beauty routine are cleanse and then cleanse again. By following your oil cleanser with a water-based cleanser, the goal is to remove all make-up and impurities, unclog pores, and prevent spots.

So why are you still getting these bothersome breakouts?

Adult acne can be caused by:

High cortisol

This one's a biggie. In times of stress, high cortisol levels can increase the production of sebum (skin oil). The oil can build up faster than you can cleanse it away, causing blocked pores and breakouts. And it can become a vicious cycle, as acne causes you to feel more stressed, which in turn can make it more severe [1].

High testosterone

Conditions such as PCOS, and treatments such as gender-affirming testosterone therapy, can both cause your testosterone levels to raise higher than your body is used to. This can lead to increased sebum production, resulting in acne [2,3].   

Omega-3 imbalance

The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids can affect your skin. Acne flare-ups may be more frequent or severe if you have an imbalance of the essential fatty acids [4].

2. Dull, sallow skin

Lacking that healthy glow despite exfoliating and toning?

Tired, sallow skin can be due to:

Liver and kidney function

Double cleansing may remove pollutants from the surface of your skin, but your liver and kidneys work overtime removing toxins from your body. If they aren't functioning properly it can show up in your skin. Skin that looks sallow, slightly yellow or brownish, are a sign that things aren't quite right.

Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency

If your levels of these important nutrients are low, it can reduce the flow of oxygen to your skin. Oxygenated blood is what gives our skin a fresh-faced glow.

If your skin is melanin-rich, you might find ashy or grey tones around the eyes or mouth. Those with paler skin may find it looks dull or uneven. For more information on how your iron levels can affect your skin, check out our blog.

3. Dry or dehydrated skin

Struggling with dry or dehydrated skin? Masks and essences form a major part of the Korean skincare routine. But if you find your skin is still thirsty for more, the problem could be your thyroid or an omega imbalance.

If you have dry skin, you could check for:                    

Thyroid condition

One in twenty people in the UK have a thyroid condition, and dry skin could be a clue. Hypothyroidism (where your thyroid is underactive) can cause dry skin. Depending on your skin tone, this can look red and flaky or ashy and chalky – but both point to a weakened skin barrier.

Omega-3 imbalance

An imbalance in omega-3 appears again and again – it really is one to watch when it comes to your skin. As well as potentially contributing to flare-ups, an imbalance of omegas can weaken the skin barrier, causing dehydration and irritation.

Kidney function

Kidneys are in charge of your body’s fluid balance. When they’re under strain, this can lead to fluid retention. If your eyes are puffy no matter what eye cream you use, it might be worth checking your kidney function, especially if you have other symptoms relating to the kidney.

4. Pigmentation

Korean serums and moisturisers are designed to even skin tone and fade dark spots. But if your skin has undergone inflammation or trauma – from acne, eczema, or harsh skin treatments – you may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Hormonal imbalances

Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can influence melanin production. If they’re out of balance it can lead to melasma, a type of pigmentation that’s notoriously hard to treat with skincare alone. This is particularly common during pregnancy, menopause, or with conditions like PCOS.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you might notice pigmentation changes, particularly on your legs [5]. Checking your HbA1c levels could tell you how your blood sugar levels are.

5. Sensitive, slow-healing skin

If your skin sensitive or slow to heal, there might be an underlying condition needing attention.

Diabetes

Raised HbA1c levels, such as those experienced with diabetes, are associated with slow wound healing [6]. As diabetes can also cause nerve damage, particularly in feet, taking care of your skin is extremely important.

Cortisol

Another biomarker that can slow the healing process is cortisol. If you are under high levels of stress, not only may you notice breakouts, but also the wounds caused by the breakouts might take longer to heal.

Anything from exam stress to physical pain could affect the healing process [7]

Nutrient deficiencies

Nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 are essential for skin repair. Deficiencies or imbalances can cause skin irritation.

Thyroid condition

Hypothyroidism can slow down healing and lead to chronically reactive skin. If you find your skin never fully recovers between flare-ups, blood tests could reveal an underlying imbalance.

Ready to elevate your skin health? Our Skin IQ Blood Test can provide you with the knowledge to get your healthiest skin yet.

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