Best moisturising SPFs for hydrated and protected skin
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Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I tried one of Korea's most in-demand beauty treatments in the world. Here's what I discovered after four days
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more They say beauty is pain - but a little-known Korean skincare treatment proves otherwise. Enter spicules: the tiny but mighty K-beauty secret behind that flawlessly glowing, glass-like complexion. The latest buzz in skincare isn't an injectable per se... it's a million microscopic, needle-like structures designed to refresh your complexion with a treatment that works beneath the surface for a visibly smoother finish. Sourced from hydrolysed European freshwater sponges, each spicule is packed with skin-loving proteins, minerals, and silica that naturally stimulate skin regeneration. These tiny powerhouses work on the skin's surface to smooth texture, even out tone, refine pores and boost radiance - while delivering active ingredients like peptides and niacinamide for helping skin appear more radiant and refined over time. With no fancy gadgets - just minimal downtime and real results - the spicule treatment, delivered through a rich cream using a precise dot-application method, has been making waves around the world as the next big thing in skincare. For those looking to tap into K-beauty treatments, you're in luck - INSKIN COSMEDICS has brought the latest skincare obsession to Australia as the exclusive distributor of one of the leading cosmeceutical brands, developed by 100 Korean dermatologists. Elise Wilson, Daily Mail's senior lifestyle reporter and beauty expert, was invited to trial the DR SPI-CURE at the INSKIN COSMEDICS HQ in Sydney's Olympic Park to see if it lived up to expectations. 'If you've ever wondered what it feels like to have a million microscopic needles worked into your face… let me tell you - it's prickly, but it's absolutely worth it,' Elise says. So how does DR SPI-CURE work? It's a professional in-clinic treatment for $250 lasting 40 minutes - perfect if you want a facial between work hours, are prepping your skin for a major life event or simply need some TLC for your complexion. The treatment begins with a deep double cleanse using 's milk and gel cleansers, packed with skin-loving botanicals, probiotics, ceramides and minerals to purify and prep the skin. 'After a deep cleanse and thorough skin consultation with the therapist, I shared that my main concerns were fine lines and a stubborn patch of congestion around my nose,' Elise explains. 'So we decided this targeted spicule facial (DR SPI-CURE) would be my best bet.' The microscopic European freshwater spicules are then massaged and pressed into the skin. This step smooths rough texture, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, decongests pores and kickstarts rejuvenation from within. 'Think of it as a controlled micro-exfoliation, but without the harshness,' Elise says. 'The treatment itself lasted around 40 minutes, with the spicules massaged into my skin for about five minutes in slow, circular motions. The sensation was definitely prickly - like very fine sandpaper - but not painful.' To calm and restore, a cooling pearl sheet mask infused with mineral-rich glacial water, hydrating proteins, and soothing botanicals is then applied, instantly reducing redness and deeply hydrating What are spicules and why Spicules are microscopic, needle-like structures derived from hydrolysed freshwater sponges. Each spicule is packed with skin-loving proteins, minerals, and silica that naturally stimulate skin regeneration to improve texture, tone and overall skin health. 's spicules are meticulously purified through a multi-stage process to ensure exceptional quality, safety and consistent performance. Supported by a world-renowned pharmacist and created in collaboration with a team of 100 dermatologists, the Korean brand expertly combines natural ingredients with active ingredients to deliver cutting-edge professional skincare treatments. To calm and restore, a cooling pearl sheet mask infused with mineral-rich glacial water, hydrating proteins, and soothing botanicals is then applied, instantly reducing redness and deeply hydrating. The treatment is then completed with a customised layering of targeted serums and creams designed to enhance skin health and lock in the glow. 'My therapist applied a rich moisturiser to lock everything in,' Elise explains. 'When I looked in the mirror, my skin was slightly flushed, almost as if I'd just finished a workout.' Leaving the clinic was only the beginning of Elise's post-treatment journey. The spicules are expected to stay in the skin for up to 48 hours. 'The aftercare was strict: I wasn't allowed to wash my face until the next morning, and even then, I had to pat it dry after the shower and gently press on my skincare products so I wouldn't disturb the spicules still working away in my skin,' she says. While the DR SPI-CURE treatment wasn't painful, Elise says she could feel the tingle on her face over the next couple of days. On her first night, she slept on her back - something she recommends to anyone getting the DR SPI-CURE treatment - as she found the spicules made her skin a 'little sensitive against the pillow'. She decided to skip makeup entirely the following morning as she could still feel the 'prickly' sensation on her face. 'By night two, the feeling had faded significantly and I could wear makeup again,' Elise says. 'And by day three, I noticed light shedding around my chin and nose. The prickly feeling was gone entirely by then though.' She began to see noticeable results within four days. 'It was day four that sold me - my skin was glassy,' she explains. 'Dewy, plump, and smooth, my makeup went on like a dream. I stuck to very gentle skincare for the full five days post-treatment, patting everything on carefully to make sure I got the maximum benefit.' Elise was invited to trial the DR SPI-CURE at INSKIN COSMEDICS HQ in Sydney's Olympic Park Elise says the best results develop gradually over the next few days, as she noticed her skin looking more radiant with time. 'This is one of those facials that keeps on giving - you actually see more results in the days following than immediately after,' she says. For anyone curious to try DR SPI-CURE, Elise says: 'If you can handle a bit of prickliness and some downtime from your usual skincare routine, it's a glow-up well worth the wait.' Michelle Sciara, the national education manager of INSKIN COSMEDICS, says DR SPI-CURE is a great alternative to skin needling, also known as microneedling, a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. 'Spicules penetrate the skin in a similar way to needles, but where it's different to needles is that it creates a sort of mass activation,' Michelle tells Daily Mail. 'It's like a wakeup call for your cells, that's what we call it. Needles are much larger, they create very specific trauma channels that target different layers of the skin. 'Whereas because we're using millions, and depending on the treatment that we choose, it's either one million or five million spicules.' Michelle says the DR SPI-CURE treatment supports the skin's renewal process for a fresher, more refined appearance. While the DR SPI-CURE treatment wasn't painful, Elise says she could feel the tingle on her face over the next couple of days In an exclusive partnership with INSKIN COSMEDICS offers two signature spicule treatments for Australian clinics - DR SPI-CURE and PEEL-N-GLOW. Delivered in a 40-minute session, PEEL-N-GLOW contains five million ultra-fine spicules and offers two treatment options: one designed to brighten and visibly even skin tone, the other to help clarify the appearance of congested skin. Both treatments are infused with pearl powder, pearl extract, volcanic ash and clinically active ingredients to gently exfoliate, and enhance overall skin texture and radiance. 'What excites me most about 's spicule treatments is how they perfectly combine scientific innovation with practicality,' Maria Enna-Cocciolone, founder and CEO of INSKIN COSMEDICS, says. 'They're advanced, results-driven, affordable and incredibly easy to integrate into the clinic. With no devices and minimal downtime required, these protocols deliver impressive resurfacing and rejuvenation outcomes. 'We're proud to offer these treatments alongside face-to-face training and certification to ensure clinics feel confident in their delivery and most importantly, see real results in their clients' skin.' Elise Wilson's review on DR SPI-CURE treatment I tried a Korean spicule facial that leaves your skin prickly for days – here's exactly what happened… If you've ever wondered what it feels like to have a million microscopic needles worked into your face… let me tell you - it's prickly, but it's absolutely worth it. I recently booked in for the INSKIN COSMEDICS DR SPI-CURE treatment. After a deep cleanse and thorough skin consultation with the therapist, I shared that my main concerns were fine lines and a stubborn patch of congestion around my nose. So we decided this targeted spicule facial (there's a choice of two versions) would be my best bet. If you're not familiar with spicules, they're microscopic, needle-like structures sourced from hydrolysed European freshwater sponges. They work by gently penetrating the skin's surface delivering active ingredients like peptides and niacinamide deep into the skin. Think of it as a controlled micro-exfoliation, but without the harshness. The treatment itself lasted around 40 minutes, with the spicules massaged into my skin for about five minutes in slow, circular motions. The sensations was definitely prickly - like very fine sandpaper - but not painful. After that, my therapist applied a rich moisturiser to lock everything in. When I looked in the mirror, my skin was slightly flushed, almost as if I'd just finished a workout, and that 'heated' sensation stayed in the skin for the first night. The aftercare was strict: I wasn't allowed to wash my face until the next morning, and even then, I had to pat it dry after the shower and gently press on my skincare products so I wouldn't disturb the spicules still working away in my skin. I could still feel the prickly sensation all of the next day, so I skipped makeup entirely. On the first night, I'd recommend sleeping on your back as the spicules are a little sensitive against the pillow. By night two, the feeling had faded significantly and I could wear makeup again. And by day three I noticed light shedding around my chin and nose. The prickly feeling was gone entirely by then though. But it was day four that sold me - my skin was glassy. Dewy, plump, and smooth, my makeup went on like a dream. I stuck to very gentle skincare for the full five days post-treatment, patting everything on carefully to make sure I got the maximum benefit. This is one of those facials that keeps on giving, and you see more results in the days following than immediately after.
Daily Mirror
05-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Viral K-beauty brand lands at Boots with ‘lifesaving' £18 serum that has one weird ingredient
This K-Beauty brand that's been a viral sensation has just landed at Boots, and shoppers are rushing to grab the £18 serum that's been hailed 'a lifesaver' - once you get over its weird ingredient Within the world of cosmetic procedures, there's one skincare treatment that has rapidly gained popularity. Aiming to stimulate collagen and elastin creation, polynucleotide injections are a cutting-edge way of successfully diminishing fine lines, dark circles, and loose skin. Whilst the procedure has sparked some raised eyebrows, thanks to one of its shocking ingredients, its effectiveness in tackling visible ageing signs cannot be questioned. But if you don't fancy taking the leap into receiving injections, there is a needle-free option— Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule Serum. Designed to be added seamlessly into your skincare routine alongside your other go-to serums, this viral hit works to provide the same results as the polynucleotide injections by using the same weird ingredient. This £18 formula hails from the popular Korean skincare label Anua, which has become a cult favourite and viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok. The serum features PDRN (salmon DNA or 'salmon sperm'), alongside hyaluronic acid and collagen, to intensively moisturise and plump the complexion. This diminishes fine line visibility, unveiling the coveted "glass skin" that K-beauty has made famous. The serum's revolutionary capsule technology enables its active components to penetrate more deeply into the skin, addressing various epidermal levels to deliver fuller, more luminous skin almost instantly. The PDRN Capsule Serum features a featherlight and rapidly absorbing consistency, enabling you to apply it multiple times for an overnight treatment effect or mix it with your foundation for a glowing finish. This serum is ideal for everyday application, and the brilliant aspect is that there's no requirement for injections, needles, or bookings—simply add it to your usual skincare regimen. Dot a few drops onto your face and gently pat it in with your fingertips before slathering on your moisturisers or oils. And if you're using it during the day, don't forget to layer on SPF30 to protect your skin. Not only does it combat signs of ageing and quench your skin's thirst, but it also repairs and maintains your skin barrier, leaving you with a lasting, radiant glow. But the PDRN Capsule Serum isn't the only unique skincare serum from the Korean beauty world. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, now £24.99 (down from £27.99), is another darling among beauty aficionados. It boasts real snail secretions and promises to deliver ultra-intense hydration and repair dry, damaged skin. Rodial's bee venom-infused skincare range also features an unusual ingredient. Each product genuinely contains bee venom – or more precisely, melittin peptides ethically sourced from bee venom – and is said to give your skin a fuller, plumper look. This skincare sensation is up for grabs from Cult Beauty and Lookfantastic for £20, but those looking to save a couple of pounds can grab this Anua serum for £18 from Boots and Amazon. Not long after landing at Boots, this serum has already garnered a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Boots' website. One thrilled shopper says: "Glowing, glass skin. Sat really well under other serums." Another 5-star rater gushes: " PDRN serum has been a lifesaver for my skin —it works incredibly well, and I use it religiously every morning and night." And a third chimes in: "Boots are nailing it with the Korean beauty supplies recently! I have been using this serum for a good 2 weeks+ and my skin overall feels more hydrated/plump, and I have noticed my redness has also reduced. Safe to say I enjoy this serum and would recommend this!"
Metro
05-08-2025
- Metro
Ditch greasy SPF - this featherlight sunscreen feels like nothing on skin
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Cast your mind back to 2015 and you'll remember how greasy, sticky and pore-clogging the sunscreens were. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then and innovative UV filters and new formulas have meant a huge surge in fantastic SPFs that are actually a joy to wear. None more so than the sunscreens hailing from Korea. It's only been a couple of years since viral Korean formulas have graced UK shores and, to be frank, we've never looked back. As a beauty expert, I've tried my fair share of Korean sunscreens, but one product that has always stood head and shoulders above the rest is Thank You Farmer's Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++. Urgh, my love for this sunscreen knows no bounds. I'm not exaggerating, it's just incredible. With a silky, smooth and runny texture it feels almost (as its name suggests) like an essence. It blends effortlessly into the skin, with minimal rubbing, and quickly melts in without feeling a mask or leaving a white cast. Formulated with calming ingredients like aloe leaf extract and lotus water, Thank You Farmer's Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++, gives you a high level of sun protection without clogging your pores, leaving your skin feeling greasy or an annoying white cast. It's suitable for even the oiliest skin type and helps to soothe and restore a damaged skin barrier. BUY NOW FOR £20 Packed with soothing ingredients like lotus water, bamboo extract, and aloe leaf extract, this sunscreen helps calm inflammation, making it ideal for those with redness, rosacea or a compromised skin barrier. It goes on like a dream and has a light, fresh scent. However, because it does contain a small amount of fragrance, those with very sensitive or reactive skin might prefer Thank You Farmer's Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream, which is completely fragrance-free. Don't believe the hype I'm giving this SPF? Don't just take my word for it, buyers who've already snapped it up are leaving amazing reviews too. More Trending One review from hollie12 said: 'This is so lightweight it really is like an essence. No white case, a nice soft matte finish, and doesn't sting my eyes!' A review left by a user named Gwyneth said: 'A really good option which is nice to wear on the skin and works well with other products. It has a good lightweight texture and feels high quality.' And, a review from Jess reads: 'I have used the Thank You Farmer suncream for the last 3 years, all my family now do too. I bought this to use as a lighter option, and it sinks in really well and does not feel like you are wearing suncream at all. Make up also sits well on top. I've yet to test it in bright sunlight but I'm hopeful it will give good sun protection like the other options from this brand!' Sold. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: The best SPF for your undereyes, face, scalp, hands and body for full protection MORE: 'Merit's The Uniform Tinted SPF 50 is the everyday skin staple you didn't know you needed' MORE: This new Trinny London serum is a non-negotiable in my skincare routine Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
