K-Beauty Gave me Eczema :(

An unfortunate story of how viral K-Beauty wrecked my skin...

After trying all of the Korean Beauty products I could find #viral on the market, my skin started to get worse. I was using Beauty of Joseon when I began to notice eczema on my upper lip and neck.

It Started With Curiosity... And Ended in a Rash

Like many of us, I got pulled into the world of glass skin promises and 10-step routines. I was excited to try snail mucin, fermented essences, and hydrating toners that everyone on TikTok was raving about. My routine ballooned from a simple cleanser and moisturizer to an overflowing skincare shelf with actives I barely understood.

When the Glow Became a Rash

At first, everything felt luxurious and hydrating. But within weeks of using products like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Dynasty Cream, I noticed red patches creeping in. What started as a little dryness turned into flaky, itchy spots on my upper lip, chin, and eventually my neck.

I thought I was purging, or maybe just adjusting. Spoiler: I wasn’t.

The Real Culprit? Too Much of Everything

The problem wasn’t necessarily one product — it was everything. Too many layers. Too many fragrances. Too many actives. Korean Beauty is designed to be gentle and nourishing, but I was overloading my skin with ingredients it didn’t need.

Turns out, I had triggered a type of eczema called perioral dermatitis — often caused by overuse of skincare or irritating ingredients. My skin barrier was compromised, and no amount of snail mucin could fix that.

What I Did to Heal My Skin

I had to scale all the way back. I went on a "skincare fast," using nothing but:

• A gentle cleanser (no fragrance, no actives)
• A bland, ceramide-rich moisturizer
• Prescription cream from my dermatologist
• No sunscreen for a few days (doctor’s orders)
• I also cut out:
• Fragrance
• Essential oils
• Harsh exfoliants
• Even my beloved toners and essences
• And I started listening to my skin instead of TikTok trends.

What I Learned From This Skincare Crash

1. More is not better. Your skin doesn’t need 10 steps to thrive.
2. Fragrance-free means barrier-safe. Especially if you’re sensitive.
3. Trendy doesn’t mean safe for everyone. Even cult-favorites can irritate.
4. Healing takes time. Your skin is an organ — treat it gently.

Final Thoughts: I Still Love K-Beauty, But Smarter Now

I’m not anti-K-Beauty. In fact, I still use Korean products — just very selectively. Now I stick to one or two at a time and always patch test. I focus more on skin health than viral routines. Because the best skin trend? Happy, healthy skin that works for you.