I distinctly remember when I first got introduced to Korean cosmetics. I was on a Korean Air flight en route to the Philippines when I first became amazed at the glowing skin of the Korean Air flight attendants. This was before BB creams were a staple in the United States. Without hesitation, I asked my flight attendant about her skin care and before you know it, I was in the beauty section of the Duty Free Shops in Incheon International Airport with BB creams and sheet masks in tow.
As someone who has suffered from acne through my mid twenties and after a successful course of isotretinoin (usually known as Accutane), taking care of my skin has easily become a passion. Trying out new products from different countries and researching remedies that withstood the test of time has been something that I enjoy.
Two Korean beauty products that have been consistently part of my regimen include the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence and Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Night Repair Ampoule.
I had actually initially purchased the IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning Treatment from my local Amore Pacific store. While I have never used SK-II (due to its price point), the IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning Treatment definitely had a brightening effect on my skin. As I was doing my research on these yeast filtrate treatments/essences, I came across the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence as another potential dupe for the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence/IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning Treatment (thanks to skinandtonics) at an even more reasonable price point.
I am no stranger to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Brewer’s yeast), as this bacterial organism is an ideal model organism used in a lot of molecular biology experiments (I have a dual degree in Biochemistry and Biology). I however was not aware of the potential benefits yeast ferment extract can have on the skin. In addition, Niacinamide or (Vitamin B3) was an ingredient that my skin enjoyed for its anti-aging benefits. At that time, I was able to purchase a set that included the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule. These two in combination, definitely packs a punch.
After using up an entire bottle of both products, there was visible clarity and brightness to my skin, my post hyperpigmentation scars were a lot less prominent. My skin didn’t feel dehydrated. More importantly, when I stopped using the products (because I ran out), my skin lacked that brightness/radiance that these two products imparted. That was when I swore I would never be without these products. I now have at least one (usually two) bottles of each on hand as backup. I also enjoy the mist version of the Time Revolution First Treatment essence for its convenience.
— Sherrie Serrano
