7 Korean Skincare Routine That Actually Work
It’s no longer news that Korean skincare aka K-beauty is now prominent in the beauty world with millions of women in the United States, Canada, and the UK trying it out to make their skin look healthy and glow.
For me, this isn’t about following trends in the beauty industry, but a committed effort to take care of the skin to prevent damage that can be expensive. Korean skincare is designed to prioritize skin hydration and encourage long-term skin health.
As simple as this routine is, many women are confused about it and don’t know where to start to make their skin look healthier and glow like Korean women.
But no worries, I got you covered in this guide where I showed you 7 Korean skincare routines that actually work and which you can practice daily and see results fast.
1. Double Cleansing (Water-Based Cleanser + Oil)
Double cleansing is necessary for every effective Korean skincare routine because it ensures your skin is cleaned properly without stripping away its natural moisture.
Our skin accumulates makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, pollutants, and dirt daily, many of which are oil-based and can’t be removed with water or regular cleanser.
With double cleansing, you deeply cleanse your skin while retaining its natural balance, preventing breakouts, and dullness.
How to start double cleansing
Begin with an oil-based cleanser: Get a lightweight oil cleanser and massage it over your dry skin for about 60 seconds. This breaks down makeup and sebum.
Get warm water and gently emulsify to turn the oil into a milky texture before rinsing off. This will dissolve stubborn SPF without hard scrubbing.
Follow with a water-based cleanser: Apply a gel cleanser to remove sweat and dirt.
Massage the damp skin for 30 seconds and rinse with warm water.
If you want to make your own cleanser, the following materials are effective:
Green tea – Has an antioxidant property that calms redness
Rice Water – Provides hydration while cleansing
Centella Asiatica: Supports skin healing and reduces irritation
2. Exfoliation (3 Times A Week)
This process helps remove dead skin cells, which can build up and lead to clogged pores, and breakouts.
By exfoliating frequently, you encourage cell turnover, revealing brighter, smoother skin and allowing skincare products like moisturizers to penetrate deeper into the skin and work effectively.
How to exfoliate:
Instead of using harsh physical scrubs that are harmful to the skin, use gentle chemical exfoliant
Apply it to clean skin after deep cleansing and before applying any skin toner
Allow it to absorb for 60 seconds
Repeat this process 3 times a week
3. Toner For Hydration and Balance
This is crucial in Korean skincare routine as it hydrates the skin and helps maintain its natural pH value after cleansing. Instead of using traditional toners that contain alcohol, you can use K-beauty toners that moisturize the skin and make it more receptive to treatment, which makes it healthier and plumper.
How to go about it:
Immediately after cleansing the skin, apply hydrating toner to damp the skin.
Use your hands to pat to ensure fast absorption
For very dry skin, apply multiple thin layers for deeper hydration.
4. Use Essence
Essence is an important step in the Korean skincare routine you can’t overlook. Unlike the toners, it has a hydration booster while delivering essential nutrients the skin needs to have a good texture and natural glow.
How to use it:
After toners, apply a small amount of Essence on your palms
Press and pat it gently on your face until it is fully absorbed
Pay attention to areas that need more hydration or uneven texture.
5. Introduce Serums and Targeted Care
Serums are the heartbeat of your Korean skincare routine. They contain high concentrations of active ingredients meant to target specific skin concerns such as acne, aging dark spots, or dryness.
Unlike essences and toners, which focus on hydration and prepping the skin, serums work at a deeper level to repair, brighten, and rejuvenate your skin.
Here is how to use serums:
After applying Essence on your skin, take a few drops of a suitable serum and pat it on your skin for better absorption.
Focus on areas with uneven color, dark spots, and fine lines
Allow it for 60 seconds to absorb properly
6. Apply Moisturizer To Lock In Hydration
Applying a Moisturizer is the second to last step in the Korean skincare routine. It locks in all the hydration and active ingredients you’ve applied earlier, ensuring your skin remains moisturized and protected throughout the day or night.
Without a reliable moisturizer, your skin can lose the benefits of the previous products you have applied, leading to dryness, irritation, or even breakouts.
I personally love it because it helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevents moisture loss, leaving your skin feeling balanced, soft, and smooth.
How it works
Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin. For oily skin, gel-based moisturizer is suitable. For dry skin, cream-based moisturizer is good and for a combination of dry and oily skin, lightweight lotion is ideal.
After serums, apply a reasonable amount of moisturizer to your face and neck. Gently massage it using upward motions to ensure proper absorption.
7. Use Sunscreen
This is the most essential step in your morning skincare routine towards achieving a Korean woman’s skin.
It provides protection against harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and sunburn.
Use of sunscreen consistently is key in preventing skin damage that can lead to wrinkles, and dark spots that make you look old.
From my experience, wearing sunscreen every day is the perfect way to protect your skin from the scorching sun while maintaining youthful, and healthy skin for a long period of time.
When choosing a sunscreen, go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays.
Be sure it has PA+++ for additional protection against UVA rays, which contribute to pigmentation.
How to apply Sunscreen
Apply a small amount to your face and neck
Cover all exposed areas including your ears, nose, and back of your neck.
Reapply every 3 hours if you’re outdoors, and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
In conclusion, getting your skin to look healthier and glow like that of Korean women is simple and can be achieved in a few months.
I have shared with you a simple Korean skincare routine that actually works.
From double cleansing, and exfoliation to using sunscreen, you now have all the tips you need to make your skin look healthier, younger, more attractive, and always glow.
