Korean beauty or K-beauty, which emerged in the early 21st century, has become popular all around the world.
Thanks to its unique products, adorable packaging, and dedication to skincare, it has charmed beauty lovers all around the world.
Now, this trend has arrived in Nigeria where women with dark complexions are embracing K-beauty products.
There is a notion that may come to your mind that Korean skincare products cannot be used by black skin. After all, Korean people have light skin.
There are, however, many Nigerians, especially women, who say that K-beauty products are just as effective on their skin.
It will be necessary to find out why Korean beauty products are now considered by dark-skinned Nigerians and which ones are best to try.
Why Korean Beauty?
Some of you might be asking the question, “Why do I need to even bother with trying out K-beauty?” To answer your question, K-beauty is popular for a lot of reasons, namely the use of new ingredients and skin-friendly products.
A lot of Nigerian women are fascinated by the Korean Product which guarantees them healthy glowing skin.
The concept of K-beauty is different from the Western beauty regime as it does not conceal problems with lifeless facial masks, but takes care of skin.
The application of this regime can be of most help to the black skin type as this kind of skin requires more attention and care to avoid dryness and the formation of patches.
The Best K-Beauty Products for Dark Skin in Nigeria
Now, let’s consider some of those Korean beauty products that have captured the hearts of Nigerian women with darker skin tones.
Cleansers
The Korean method of double cleansing is well known around the globe and for a reason.
The oil base is a perfect solution when it comes to the removal of makeup and sunscreen without harming the skin.
Then it is followed by a gentle foam cleanser to remove the last traces of impurities.
If you have dark skin, choose cleansers containing bleaching agents such as vitamin C or licorice root extract.
These can assist in shedding that troublesome layer that can make our skin tone look uneven, thus giving that ‘glow’ everyone is after.
Toners and Essences
If you’re a dark person, it is very important to moisturize your skin, because it becomes dry and ashy.
The Korean toners and essences contain some of the powerful moisturizers – hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They initially prepare your skin to effectively receive other products on your face or body.
In the selection of a toner or an essence, it is good to avoid those that have highly proportional ethanol since they can cause the skin to become dry.
For that reason, avoid street products with some elements such as alcohol and rather go for products with friendly ingredients such as aloe vera or Centella Asiatica.
Serums and Ampoules
This is where the whole concept of K-beauty excels. Serums and ampoules are focused formulas and have a higher concentration of active ingredients compared with classical care products. For dark skin types, consider creams that meet the following qualities:
- Skin lightening (vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin)
- Hydration (hyaluronic acid, ceramides)
- Skin barrier support (panthenol, madecassoside)
All these ingredients can go a long way in making your skin tone appear more even and your complexion glowing with health.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing is an important step in skincare for dark skin and getting the right moisturizing cream as recommended for the skin is all important.
Most of the Korean moisturizers that I know are Light, yet they offer intense hydration which is suitable for Nigeria’s humid conditions. Look for ingredients like Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Squalane.
These natural oils are similar to sebum and do not leave your skin feeling oily or greasy but help moisturize it.
Sunscreen
Well, let me just say this: Yes, dark-skinned people need sunscreen too! That is where many K-beauty brands struggle when it comes to darker skin complexions.
One common issue many Korean sunscreens have is that they tend to leave an ashy or white residue, which is a nightmare for those of us with darker skin tones.
However, some brands are now developing and launching sunscreens that are tinted or have sheer formulas that can barely be discerned on black skin.
Make sure that the sunscreen you are using is a chemical-based one and not a physical one as they may give you the white cast look.
Current Prices of Korean Beauty Products for Dark Skin in Nigeria
The prices of Korean beauty products in Nigeria may be high or low depending on factors such as brand popularity, the type of the products, and the ease of accessing them. On average, K-beauty products are seen as mid to high-end products in Nigeria.
The cleansers and toners still in the basic range can be as expensive as ₦3,000 to ₦7,000 whereas the essences or serum products may cost from ₦8,000 to around ₦20,000.
Luxury products from the K-beauty range can easily go for as high as ₦50,000 depending on the brand.
These prices include the cost of importing the skin care products and the estimates that people have towards Korean skin care products.
However, it is important to note that consumers in Nigeria can justify the high prices because of the quality that is offered.
Where to Shop For K-Beauty Products in Nigeria
Well, now that you have developed an interest in using Korean beauty products, where can you get them in Nigeria? Here are some of them:
- Online marketplaces: Jumia and Konga are some of the online stores that may offer similar product prices but then remember shipping fees.
- Instagram shops: A good number of small business people import K-beauty products. They can cost more, but then again you are likely to be offered better services.
- Physical stores: Well, if you are in Lagos or Abuja, it’s possible to find K-beauty sections in some of the beauty stores. Prices are generally a little higher, but they allow you to try out the products before making a purchase.
- Direct shipping: A few courageous people order directly from Korean sites. This can be cheaper but comes with risks (customs fees, long shipping times).
In all cases, make sure to read the labels, especially the ingredients and, when possible, see what other skin people review about the product.
Remember patch testing is your best buddy! It is advisable to rub the product on your jaw or neck before applying it to your face.
The Bottom Line
Indeed, Korean beauty products can work for dark-skinned ladies in Nigeria, but it all depends on what products suit your skin.
That being said, it is advisable to experiment with blending K-beauty with other local or international products; there is no harm in doing that.
Note: Skin whitening is not the main aim here; the aim is radiant and healthy skin without any compromise on complexion.
Learn to accept the dark skin color God has blessed you with and apply the K-beauty standards to make it glow.
So go ahead and try some Korean beauty products. It could be the product that changes everything for your skin.