Welcome to Busan Essnce!

If you're here, you're probably curious about Korean Skincare. But let's be honest: it can feel overwhelming. With so many steps, ingredients, and "must-have" products, where do you even begin?

We're here to tell you the expert secret: you don't start with a 10-step routine.

You start with one simple, powerful thing: knowledge.

As your "expert guides" on this journey, our first goal is to help you understand your skin. Not just guess, but truly understand it.

 

The "Aha!" Moment: Your Biotype vs. Your Condition

This is the most important concept in all of skincare, and it's where most people get confused.

1. Your Skin Biotype (Your "Type") This is what you're born with. It's your skin's genetic default, determined by the amount of oil (sebum) your glands produce. Your biotype doesn't change from day to day. There are four main biotypes.

2. Your Skin Condition This is what's happening to your skin right now. It's a temporary or chronic state caused by your environment, lifestyle, hormones, or products. Conditions (like sensitivity or dehydration) can happen to any biotype.

You can be Oily + Dehydrated. You can be Dry + Sensitive.

Our goal isn't just to sell you a product; it's to help you identify both so you can build a ritual that works.

Part 1: How to Find Your Genetic Biotype

Let's use the simple "Bare-Faced Test" to find your baseline.

1. Wash: In the evening, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat it dry.

2. Wait: Don't apply anything else—no toners, no serums, no creams. Let your skin be "bare" for about 60 minutes.

3. Observe: Now, how does your skin look and feel?

The 4 Biotypes

• Eudermic Skin ("Normal")

• What you see: Your skin feels balanced, comfortable, and smooth. Pores are barely visible. You're not too oily and not too tight. This is the baseline your skin's "homeostasis" (happy state).

• Oily Skin ("Seborrhea")

• What you see: A noticeable shine or gloss, not just on your T-zone but on your cheeks as well. Your pores might look more visible or dilated.

• Dry Skin ("Alipidic")

• What you see: Your skin feels "tight," rough, or even flaky. Pores are very small or invisible. This means your skin produces less oil (sebum) than it needs.

• Combination Skin

• What you see: A little of both. You're likely shiny on your T-zone (forehead, nose) but feel normal or even dry on your cheeks.

Part 2: What is Your Skin's Condition Right Now?

Now that you know your base, let's look at what's happening on the surface. These are the "conditions" we can fix.

• Is Your Skin Dehydrated?

• This is the #1 condition we see. Dehydration is a lack of water, not oil. Even oily skin can be severely dehydrated.

• What you feel: Your skin feels tight, looks dull, or shows fine, papery lines. This is a sign your "skin barrier" is compromised and is letting water escape (a process called Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL).

• Is Your Skin Sensitive?

• This is a state of reactivity, not a biotype.

• What you feel: Your skin often feels itchy, red, or inflamed. It reacts easily to new products or environmental changes. This means your "Manto Hidrolipídico" (your skin's protective acidic shield) is likely out of balance.

Your Journey Begins Now: The "Busan Basic 3"

You've done it. You've completed the first, most important step of your skincare journey: Knowledge.

So, what's next?

You don't need to jump into a 10-step ritual tomorrow. At Busan Essnce, we want to grow with you. The best way to start is by mastering the "Core 3":

1. A Gentle Cleanser: One that respects your skin's pH and Manto Hidrolipídico.

2. A Barrier-Restoring Moisturizer: One that hydrates (adds water) and moisturizes (locks it in) to fight TEWL.

3. A Daily Sunscreen: The non-negotiable step to protect your skin from damage.

This is the foundation. From here, our community will help you learn when to add an "Essnce", a serum, or an exfoliator.

Welcome to the community. We're so happy you're here!