Korean Beginner Skincare Routine for All Skin Types

Ok, so you’ve made the decision to start really diving into the Korean skincare game. That’s awesome! But where do you start? It can be a little overwhelming with all of the different steps and products that you hear about, so take a look through this article as we give you a perfect beginner routine (and some great Korean face products) to try and get that perfect glass skin effect. Ready? Let’s go!

The Double Cleanse

This is a key part of the K-beauty routine. Clean your face first with a cleanser that’ll break down all of the gunk on/in your skin while still providing moisture. Using an oil-based cleanser is great for this and the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is an all-star first cleanser that will effectively pull out all pore clogging impurities.

 Next, you want to follow it up with a water-based cleanser to help clear off everything else. A great product for this is the CosRx Good Morning Low-pH Cleanser which is a gel formula that’s gentle but effective and provides pore minimizing benefits!

Tone It Up

Toner is important for refreshing your skin and balancing its pH. K-beauty skincare is all about making sure your skin is staying healthy and hydrated, and toners are a big part of that. Try out the Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner from Haruharu Wonder if you're looking for a gentle, deeply hydrating toner. This toner promotes anti-aging, deep hydration, and cellular turnover to keep your complexion fresh.

If you want to take your skincare routine to the next level, toner pads are a must-have! Made with soft cotton pads soaked in essence, these toner pads can be used as intensive treatment sheet masks as well as a gentle exfoliating treatment. These DIVE-IN Toner Pads by Torriden do just that, and leave skin with a dewy glow!

Add a Treatment

This is a crucial step that you can’t skip out on: adding treatments. That Korean glass skin wouldn’t be possible without the use of things like essences and serums, which add a deep level of nourishment and can be used to retarget specific skin concerns.

You can use one or a few, just make sure you’re picking ones that target your needs. Start off with a lightweight essence like this viral Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Essence by CosRx.

Follow this with a serum that is best suited for your specific skin type and concerns.  A great example is the Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide from Beauty of Joseon, which targets dry skin and acne as well as has a gentle exfoliant for better penetration of your other products.

Keep It Moisturized

In case you haven’t realized yet, Korean beauty products are all about moisture, so of course you need to have a high-quality moisturizer in your routine. If you're looking for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, then check out this Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream from Dr. Ceuracle, if you’re looking for a good Korean moisturizer. Its water-based formula sinks in easily, and it’s made with kombucha extract to give your skin extra probiotics and vitamin B, which helps detoxify and nourish your face.

Protect Your Skin

Lastly, you want to incorporate a great SPF into your daily routine. Protecting your skin from harsh UV rays is the best way to keep your face smooth and supple. If its one thing Korean skincare is known for, its their lightweight, non-sticky sun protection that leaves no residue or white cast. 

Try the uber popular Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen by Beauty of Joseon for a sunscreen that provides SPF50+ broad spectrum UV protection. With no white cast and an added boost from the Niacinamides, this sunscreen is a big favorite.

Korean face products and their processes are all about keeping you fresh and natural, while still getting the job done. Check out the latest in K-Beauty products to take your skincare routine to the next level!