![[Han's Research Column] The First Step to a Clean Impression: The Importance of Exfoliation When Preparing for ID Photos and Interviews](https://storage.googleapis.com/monk-ai-images/blog/한연구원-칼럼-증명사진-면접헤어메이크업에-중요한-각질제거-청결-신뢰감의-시작/MONK_ARTIFACT_1773044803980_wm.png)
[Han's Research Column] Exfoliation = Cleanliness, the Beginning of Trustworthiness: Crucial for ID Photos and Interview Hair & Makeup!
[Exfoliation = Standard of Cleanliness | Must-Check Before ID Photos & Interviews!]
Hello, I'm Song-yi Han, a beauty & image researcher at MONKOS Studio.
Based on my 7 years of experience in hair and makeup and 10 years of experience running a photo studio, today I'm going to talk about exfoliation.
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**[Why is Exfoliation Important?]**
Exfoliation is an important factor that serves as a "standard of cleanliness" for both men and women.
For women — When dead skin cells accumulate, makeup can look cakey, and foundation won't adhere properly, resulting in an uneven skin texture. In particular, ID photos reveal the texture of the skin as is, so if you neglect exfoliation before shooting, 'clumping' or 'cracking' can stand out, no matter how good the product you use.
For men — If you don't exfoliate properly after shaving, blemishes may occur on the shaved area, or your skin may become dry, giving an unkempt impression. Because the razor blade damages the thin layer of dead skin cells and the protective barrier of the skin, neglecting care can lead to folliculitis or dermatitis.
In conclusion, exfoliation is an essential habit for maintaining the oil-moisture balance in daily life, not just for taking ID photos or attending interviews.
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**① Basic Cleansing Method — The Principle of Opening and Closing Pores**
Cleansing is the first and most important step in skincare.
Start with lukewarm water (approximately 34~36 degrees Celsius) — Wet your face thoroughly with lukewarm water for 30 seconds to 1 minute to open your pores.
Use a cleanser — After creating enough foam, gently cleanse in a circular motion, starting with the T-zone (forehead and nose) and then the cheeks and chin. At this time, use your fingertips to massage, and be careful not to rub or scrub your skin!
Finish with cold water — In the last step of cleansing, rinse with cold water to tighten the pores. This simple process alone can visibly improve skin texture.
✅ Point: The total cleansing time should be around 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. Cleansing for too long can damage the skin barrier.
② Cleansing After Sunscreen and Makeup — Choosing a Cleanser for Your Skin Type
On days when you use makeup or sunscreen, regular cleansing is not enough.
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**Double cleansing** is essential.
Choosing a First Cleanser by Skin Type:
Dry and Combination Skin → We recommend an oil cleanser. The oil gently dissolves makeup and unnecessary impurities while leaving the skin's necessary oils intact.
Oily Skin → We recommend a cleansing lotion or cleansing balm. It removes makeup without burdening the skin and without leaving excessive oiliness.
Hidden Benefits of Oil Cleansers: Oil-type cleansers are effective in melting and removing blackheads. In particular, the nose and its surrounding area have large pores and blackheads accumulate easily, so if you don't pay attention to cleansing on a regular basis, dead skin cells will accumulate quickly.
After removing makeup with a first cleanser → Use a foam cleanser or gel cleanser for the second cleanse → Finally, close your pores with cold water!
✅ Point: Men should also double cleanse on days when they wear sunscreen. Sunscreen residue can clog pores and cause skin problems.
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**③ Weekly Exfoliating Peel — Find a Method That Works for You**
There are stubborn dead skin cells that are difficult to remove with regular cleansing alone. In this case, performing a weekly exfoliating peel can improve skin tone and increase the absorption rate of skincare products.
Chemical Peels (AHA / BHA / PHA)
AHA (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid) — Gently removes unnecessary dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Suitable for dry and normal skin.
BHA (Salicylic Acid) — A fat-soluble ingredient that cleanses sebum from pores. Recommended for oily and acne-prone skin.
PHA (Gluconolactone) — Has a larger molecular size than AHA, so it is less irritating to the skin. Even sensitive skin can use it with confidence.
Natural Exfoliating Peels (Recent Trend!)
Mung Bean Peel — Mix mung bean powder with water and use it like a mask. In addition to its gentle exfoliating effect, it also has a skin-soothing effect.
Rice Bran Pack — The fine particles of rice bran gently remove dead skin cells while nourishing the skin.
Brown Sugar Pack — Mixing brown sugar and honey and massaging it into the skin provides both exfoliation and moisturizing effects.
Recently, these natural products that can solve exfoliation and nutrition at once are gaining popularity.
⚠️ Caution: As skin problems may occur, be sure to test on the back of your ear or inside your arm before using a new product!
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**[💡 Skincare Checklist Before Taking ID Photos]**
✅ Complete exfoliation 2-3 days before shooting (It is best to avoid it on the day of shooting as the skin may become sensitive.)
✅ Use a sheet mask the day before shooting to fully hydrate the skin
✅ On the day of shooting, use a light moisturizer followed by a primer for a matte skin finish
✅ For men: Skin-soothing care after shaving the day before shooting, and only light grooming on the day of shooting
✅ Don't forget to exfoliate your lips!
ID photos, job application photos, baby passport photo concerns → **Monkos.ai**
A photographer with 20 years of experience and a beauty researcher who is also a photographer provide columns based on their knowledge and experience related to employment.
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