By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
Korea Culture Center in Nigeria (KCCN) at the weekend held a workshop programme designed to engage Nigerians, especially young ladies, on the various methods and products the Koreans use to protect their skin from infection and ultraviolet radiation.
The workshop is aimed at highlighting the importance of a healthy skincare routine, as well as promotes the use of Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) products in Nigeria.
Some of the Korean Beauty brands and products which were introduced to the participants were: Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask, Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash, Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm to Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum.
Speaking on which product is ideal for which skin, the Manager, Korean Skincare Products, Hauwa Abdulrahman, said “The products are made for every skin type – the oily skin, the dry skin is not for Korean people. You use what works for you. I use every product I demonstrated onstage, same as my darker complexioned sister.
“I am not fairer than I use to be, rather they make one’s natural skin colour to glow. They are neither bleaching cream or wonder-working products. They simply moisturize, nourishes one’s skin and makes one look younger,” Abdulrahman said.
In addition to educating participants on the proper use of Korean cleansers, scrubs, face creams and masks, as well as some daily routine for healthy skin, she demonstrated how the young ladies and Nigerians generally can practice the application of the moisturizers.
Although K-beauty brands (FURAHA) are yet to hit the shelves in Nigeria, Abdulrahaman said there are a number of websites and YouTube vloggers that offer online sales of the products where people can place orders to get supply at a discount rate.
She also said interested participants can opt to become sales representatives of the K-Beauty brands in the future, whilst the brand (FURAHA) will conduct market research on current K-Brands in the market to determine appropriate pricing.
Responding to questions on their experiences after the practical session, some of the participants confirmed the Korean Beauty brands, products and style as friends of the skin, describing them as not only sweat proof but durable.
The participants also asked that the products be made available in Nigeria at an affordable rate, such that Nigerians can buy them, given the economic situation in the country.
A participant, Theophilus Omidigi, who commended KCCN for the opportunity and exposure, said he will use the knowledge to beautify himself, noting that the workshop is fully engaging.
According to him, “I didn’t know about most of the products with the exception of a few like the face mask, which I have used before. I wanted to learn more on how to take better care of my skin.”
“My guys do have that viewpoint that it is for ladies, but I do not see it that way. I have often wondered how those male models glow like they do, but I figured it is as a result of body washing used by most celebrities across the world, and of course, beauty products.”
A middle aged woman, Mrs. Tochi Adigwe, who enjoined mothers to also take care of their skin, said it is not only the business of young ladies and guys to look good and have healthy skin.
“Sometimes, we mothers and the older female tend to forget that we need to look beautiful as mothers. I think every mum should endeavour to take time out to learn more. At the end of the day, we all want to look beautiful. Beauty is not just meant for the younger ones. We should also glow as well. The class was engaging and informative. I learnt a lot about taking care of my skin.”
Meanwhile, the Koreans are reputed to have great interest in healthy skincare methodology, hence K-Beauty products and style have become a global affair, and Nigerians are not left behind.
