If you set yourself a 45-day task, what would you hope to achieve? Killer abs? A new website? A business model? My most recent six-week goal was the road to better skin, something I’ve struggled with my entire life.
I’ve found it difficult over my near-30 years to stick to a skincare routine because of habitual and pretty devastating breakouts. I’ve suffered scars, endured overly-oily periods and dealt with extremely dry patches, resulting in a lot of time spent vacillating between tons of different cleansers and moisturizer combinations that simply never worked.
After being introduced to Saranghae a few months ago, and speaking with one of their in-house consultants, I thought I’d dedicate myself to creating a routine, and building a relationship between my skin and the products. If, in 45 days my entire business can go from brains to production to profitability, my skin should be able to transform itself with the aid of a few key ingredients and expert formulas, right?
One of the most rewarding things about using the same skincare over a considerable amount of time is you become more knowledgeable of the makeup and formulas behind the product. As a former scientist, this especially fascinates me as I’ve consistently strayed from product lines that either: A. aren’t upfront about what ingredients they’re putting in the bottle or B. put so many chemicals inside that I’m terrified to try it. Hence, when I discovered Saranghae and their natural 5-step skincare routine, I knew this could be a game changer. Korean beauty is booming in the US and very scientifically driven, so I was naturally intrigued, especially given the brand is both vegan and cruelty free. When I say nothing has ever worked for me, I mean nothing, and now that I am under more stress building and growing a startup, my skin had gotten worse. Below, I chat about the transformation my skin has undergone over the 45 days, and how sticking to a strict skincare regimen even helped me organize other areas of my life.
The Routine
The 5-step routine behind Saranghae’s genius is anti-aging first and foremost, but for me, it was more about cleansing and achieving healthier skin (buying anti-aging formulas in your twenties acts as preventative skincare, so the younger you
begin using them, the better you’ll look when you’re older). I began with using just the eye cream and the oil + foam cleanser for a week, to allow my skin a period of adjustment from the products I was last using. After the first week, I added the essence + serum into my nightly routine. This product for me was the hero. In traditional Korean beauty, this is broken down into two separate formulas that primarily aim to stop inflammation and breakouts. Saranghae managed to meld them into one bottle, and after only a few weeks I was noticing a major reduction in breakouts around my problem areas (notably my chin and my t-zone). In my second week, I also used the elemental mask for the first time, accompanied by Netflix and a salt bath after a long day (this moment was truly the highlight of my week). Aside from the soothing properties of the entire evening, my skin was instantly brighter and I decided to wear no makeup the next day, which is extremely rare for me. And finally, I began applying the regeneration cream at the beginning of the third week, which helps repair damage skin cells. This was the most luxurious of the products for me and something I’ve become obsessed with applying right before bed. Each step in the routine has been thoughtfully formulated and works harmoniously together.
The Reaction
Something that’s extremely important to remember when starting a new skincare routine, is that you’re likely going to have breakouts. As your skin becomes accustomed to new products and new vitamins, acids and minerals, it will react and this is only natural. Sure, you might be the exception, but know that if you do suffer a breakout, it’s only because it’s your skin's way of repairing. Look at your new routine as you would a new boyfriend: things are going to be a little rickety in the beginning, but you’ll get into a good routine and work out the kinks. For
me, the first few weeks saw my skin go through periodic breakouts, while simultaneously reducing the appearance of old acne scarring on my face. This has been a source of real contention over the years and something I’m quite insecure about, so when I saw the scars beginning to even out, I really began believing in the formulas and routine.
The Outcome
No skincare routine is going to change your appearance in a week, but a good skincare routine will change your skin in 30-45 days (if you truly make a commitment and stay consistent). Sticking with this 5-step routine has drastically changed my complexion. Aside from reducing scarring on both my cheeks and jawline (something I had been considering laser therapy for, not anymore), it has reduced my breakouts to only once every couple of weeks. Before, I would habitually suffer breakouts two to three times a week, so this has been such a reward. I’m much more confident wearing less makeup (especially in this summer heat wave), and have taken to giving my skin two days a week to breathe without any foundation or concealer (my email-heavy days, we all have them ladies).
What I’ve learned is, with my skin (and everything in life), all good things come with time and perseverance. The longest I’ve stayed with a skincare routine before was the guts of two weeks. Taking this 45-day challenge made me really focus on my problem areas; what was working and what wasn’t.
My top tips:If experiencing an oily t-zone, use the essence serum once a day onlyWhen applying any of the products, work through with the tips of two fingers rather than a whole hand, this makes sure your face absorbs all the product rather than the palm of your handCombine your sheet mask evening with a salt bath and some scented candles, and ditch the cell phone. You’ll thank yourself later
Think you might be ready for a 45-day skincare challenge? Perfect timing. Saranghae is challenging you to use the Complete 5 Step Routine for 45 Days and to share your own Love Story for a chance to be rewarded with more than just great skin. Read more about the Challenge here. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
WRITTEN BY
Iman Oubou