Skin care is so important. It can keep your skin vibrant, fresh, and looking young for many years to come! South Korea is world renowned for its skin care products. Korean skin care products are as well known as Kpop is around the world. They are bought and used by people everywhere.
But what exactly is the Korean skin care routine, and why has it become such a global sensation? At its core, the Korean facial skin care regimen is all about achieving “glass skin”—that flawless, porcelain-like glow that looks almost ethereal. While you might have heard of the famous 10-step routine that many Koreans swear by, don’t worry if that sounds overwhelming! The philosophy behind it is simple: taking care of your skin is the foundation of beauty.
Of course, not everyone has the time (or patience) to follow an elaborate routine every single day. The good news is that you can still see great results by adopting a simplified version—think of it as the CliffsNotes for radiant skin. Whether you’re starting with two steps or going all in with ten, the most important thing is being consistent and choosing products that work for you.
So, if you’re curious about what makes Korean skin care so effective—and why people from Seoul to San Francisco can’t stop talking about it—read on!
If you are new to this whole skincare routine, you might have not known that. You probably have even more questions about skin care in general. One very common question that tends to pop up is if it is too late for me to start a skin care routine?
What Makes Korean Facial Skin Care So Popular?
So, what is this legendary Korean facial skin care routine—and why is everyone raving about it? In a nutshell: it’s a multi-step process designed to nurture your skin and bring out its healthiest, glowiest self (that coveted “glass skin” look dominating Instagram feeds). Instead of focusing only on quick fixes, the Korean approach is about prevention, hydration, and layering—gently coaxing your skin into looking and feeling its best through daily care.
What sets it apart? Korean skin care routines often involve 7 to 10 steps, including cleansing, exfoliating, toning, treatment serums, essences, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Don’t worry—this isn’t as overwhelming or time-consuming as it sounds! Each step has a specific purpose, from clearing out impurities to boosting hydration and targeting concerns like fine lines or dullness.
But perhaps the biggest draw is the philosophy behind it: skincare is viewed not as a chore, but as a self-care ritual. The popularity also comes down to the effectiveness of the products (hello, sheet masks, gentle cleansers, and snail cream), innovative ingredients (think green tea, ginseng, and hyaluronic acid), and a dedication to maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion—no matter your age or skin type.
Curious if it’s too late to get in on the action? Good news: there’s no age limit.
Is It Ever Too Late to Start a Skin Care Routine?
It’s easy to feel like you may have missed the boat if you still haven’t developed a skin care routine, but the truth is that it’s never too late to start a regimen. By starting a routine now—even if your skin is starting to show signs of aging—you can absolutely target specific issues and turn things around.
Today we’re focusing on issues such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, chronic dry skin, and drooping or sagging. We’ll explain why these things happen, what ingredients to look for to combat each issue, and provide product recommendations to help. You’ve got this!
Hyperpigmentation and sun spots
If you’ve looked in the mirror and wondered why your skin texture and color looked a little uneven, the answer is two-fold: The Clock and Mr. Sunshine. Sun spots (also called age spots) can be especially surprising to see on your own face, and may make you feel like you’re doomed. Dermatologists are still trying to figure out exactly why they appear, but we know it’s caused by increased melanin and that there’s a correlation between time and extended, unprotected exposure to the sun.
Fortunately, it’s possible to lighten hyperpigmentation and age spots. Ingredients that target these issues include alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA, BHA), retinol, vitamin C, vitamin A (tretinoin), and hydroquinone. We recommend the Skinfood Yuja Water C Whitening Ampouleand the Kocostar Lemon Sliced Mask(which lets you place a patch over the offending areas). And remember: always wear sunscreen! Our favorite is the Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen.
If that article was a little overwhelming and you still don’t know where to start, don’t worry! There are many starter kits out there now that can help you step by step.
The Korean Skin Care Product Guide for Newbies
The 5-Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Beginners
If you’re feeling a bit lost in a sea of serums, masks, and mystery bottles (we’ve all been there!), let’s bring it back to basics. Here’s a crash course in the core five steps of a Korean skin care routine that even the busiest or most bewildered beginner can follow.
Step 1: Double Cleansing
The heart of K-beauty routines, double cleansing means using two cleansers—one oil-based, one water-based. Start with the oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to sweep away sweat and any leftover impurities. The result? Fresh, clean skin that’s ready to drink in all the goodness that follows.
Step 2: Toner
Toners are not the harsh astringents you may remember from your teenage years. Today’s toners are lightweight liquids that restore your skin’s pH and prep it so your next steps are even more effective. Look for formulas that hydrate or offer gentle exfoliation, depending on your skin’s needs.
Step 3: Treatments (Serums or Ampoules)
This is your opportunity to tackle specific concerns—think dark spots, dullness, or dehydration. Serums and ampoules are packed with active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. Layer on what your skin needs the most, and don’t be afraid to mix and match (as long as your skin is happy!).
Step 4: Moisturizer
Moisturizing is crucial no matter your skin type. Gel-based moisturizers are best for oily or combination skin, while creams provide comforting hydration for those with dry or mature skin. This step seals in moisture, keeping your skin soft and resilient.
Step 5: Sunscreen
If you only remember one thing, make it this: sunscreen is non-negotiable—every single morning, rain or shine. Shielding your skin from UV damage not only helps prevent sun spots and wrinkles, but takes care of your future self too.
Now that you’ve got the foundations down, let’s take a look at a classic K-beauty cleanser to kick off your routine:
Step 1 with an Oil-based Cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Classic
In Korean skincare, cleansing is just as important as moisturizing, if not more. The first product you need for double cleansing is an oil-based cleanser, either an oil or a balm. Both types work the same way. They draw out all the oil-based impurities, such as sebum, makeup, SPF, and pollutants that’s been collecting on your skin throughout the day. Even if your skin usually feels oily, an oil-based cleanser is a must.
At this point, Banila Co Clean It Zero Classic is a living legend. It’s the perfect introductory product for double-cleansing—a concept that can seem a bit strange if you’re new to Korean skincare. This cleansing balm has a light, sherbert-like texture, and it’s great to use in the morning and night. Plus, it’s affordable.
Why Double Cleansing Matters
If you’ve ever wondered why one cleanse isn’t enough, here’s the scoop: double cleansing uses two different types of cleansers—first oil-based, then water-based—to thoroughly remove all traces of grime. Oil-based cleansers are uniquely effective at breaking down stubborn makeup and sunscreen, as well as excess sebum. They’re surprisingly gentle and won’t strip your skin, making them suitable for everyone, from the oily-faced to those on the drier side.
Don’t worry about the word “oil”—most formulas are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. In fact, those with dry skin will appreciate how oil cleansers melt away impurities without leaving skin parched.
Some great oil cleansers to try include the iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil and The Face Shop Rice Brightening Cleansing Oil, both favorites among skincare enthusiasts.
The Second Step: Water-Based Cleanser
After the oil-based cleanser has done the heavy lifting, it’s time for a water-based cleanser. These come in a variety of textures—foams, gels, creams—and are designed to wash away water-based impurities, like sweat or leftover debris. The combination of oil and water cleansers ensures your skin is truly clean and ready to absorb the next steps in your routine.
While it may sound like double the work, this two-step method leaves your skin feeling fresh, balanced, and ready for the rest of your routine. Many K-beauty fans swear by it—and once you try it, you might too.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adding another step, remember: even a basic double cleanse can transform your skin’s clarity and texture. And if you’re ever in a rush, there are multi-tasking cleansers out there, but nothing beats the classic two-step process to lay the perfect foundation.
Read the rest of the steps here…
When you are just starting to develop your routine, all these steps you now have to do might seem tedious. You will start to question what each product does and if you really need it in your life. However, there are a few products that is essential for taking care of your skin that you should not skip.
The 4 Steps of the Korean Skin Care Routine You Should Never Skip
Laying the foundation:
First things first, you need to determine what skin type you have. The four types are: dry, oily, combination, and normal. After establishing your type, you can get even more specific. For example, if you have fine lines and dry skin, you will benefit from anti-aging products that plump and moisturize. If your skin is reactive and oily, you should seek acne and oil-zapping products for sensitive skin.
This is the foundation for all skincare, so once you understand this, you can begin researching specific ingredients. For example, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are ideal for anti-aging since they plump the skin, and clay masks are great for oily skin since they suck up excess oil from your pores.
The 4 most important steps of the Korean routine:
Now that you know what kinds of products to look for that’ll cater to your skin type, it’s time to build your arsenal. In our opinion, the four products everyone should own and use are a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Cleansers come in all shapes, sizes and forms. There are foaming cleansers, oil cleansers, water cleansers, gel cleansers, stick cleansers, cream cleansers, and beyond. Some people even combine two or three cleansers in one routine, but we recommend starting with one and building from there.
Extra steps to elevate your routine:
So, you’ve got your skincare foundation in place, and you’re starting to settle into your new routine. But if you’re feeling curious (or just want to treat yourself), there are a couple of extra steps you can sprinkle in throughout the week for an added boost.
Sheet Masks:
If you’re already head over heels for Korean skincare, you’ve probably seen those sheet masks cropping up everywhere—and for good reason! These ultra-thin, serum-soaked masks are designed to give your skin a serious dose of hydration, glow, or calming ingredients (think green tea, ginseng, centella asiatica, or niacinamide). Just press one onto your face, unwind for 15–20 minutes, and let your skin soak in the good stuff. No matter your skin type (dry, oily, or somewhere in between), there’s a sheet mask out there to suit your needs, and most people like to use them a couple times a week.
Exfoliation:
Don’t overlook the power of a good exfoliator. Removing dead skin cells helps keep your complexion bright and smooth, and it can even help you avoid clogged pores and breakouts. There are two main types:
- Physical exfoliants (like gentle scrubs)
- Chemical exfoliants (containing AHA or BHA acids)
The key here is moderation. For most, 1–3 times per week is plenty. If your skin is on the sensitive side, start slow—once a week is just fine.
Adding these bonus steps into your routine isn’t essential every single day, but when used thoughtfully, they can help maximize the results you’re looking for. Plus, they’re a great excuse to press pause and give yourself a little extra care.
As you can see, it takes time to develop your skin care routine. Everyone’s skin is different, it takes a while to test and see which brands work best for you. On the bright side, however, you will have glowing skin for decades when you finally hit that magical formula!
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