Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bithy75]

Just wondering...has anyone here had skin problems since coming to Korea? Back home (USA), I had the occasional blemish, but nothing serious. Now, my skin is a mess! Is it too much spicy/salty food? I really like Korean food and I eat lots of spicy stuff. Air pollution? Bad water? I don't drink the tap water, but I wonder if they use tap water for soups and stuff in restaurants. I just don't know what to do about it!!

[Corporal]

I don't know what to tell you because actually I've experienced the opposite. The air and water can't be good, but my skin is better here anyway. It's possible you're reacting to something you're eating, although I don't think there's any reason that just spicy food in general is bad for the skin.

[seoulmon]

[kangnamdragon]

From my understanding, the Korean food is very good for your skin, especially kimchi (no sarcasm here). However, the pollution is not good. Use a moisturizer on your face. Also, going to the sauna will help.

[seoulmon]

[wylde]

[Paji eh Wong]

I get em from stress. Culture shock and reverse culture shock really does it to me. Have you ever lived overseas before?

[wylde]

i mean on koreans

[Bubbliee]

The pollution really does a number on your skin, it's brutal. it's really worth it to invest in some good skin care products. Biotherm is pretty good and not too pricey.

[buddy bradley]

It's not the pollution - stop exaggerating. Stress is the most likely cause and yes, my skin is perfect, if only as a reflection of myself.

[Bubbliee]

Of course stress can make your skin freak out, but polution is also really bad for your skin. In fact pollution or "really dirty air" is pretty much hard on everything. Stress does cause breakouts, but those breakouts are usually quite different from the ones that are caused by pollution; different areas on the face, different sized pimples, ect

[Homer]

Four words for ya: go to the sauna.

[OiGirl]

Are you certain it's acne? I have had fungal heat rash, contact dermatitis (which never did clear up until I got out of Korea!) and flea bites.

[bithy75]

Hello all,

Thanks for all your advice. One of you asked what kind of skin problem:acne. I guess it's probably a combination of things, including air pollution, stress, etc. It's not the first time I've lived overseas, but I've definitely been more stressed here than I was in my previous overseas experience. I've started going to the sauna more often. It doesn't seem to be helping that much though.

[lawyertood]

Perhaps you should check with a dermatologist. I mean relying on advice related to skin problems on this board is like hiring someone without a degree in TESOL, English or Education to teach English.......Oh, we're in Korea.....never mind.