Korean Skin Care Routine For Morning & Night – A Complete Guide

Korean skin care routine is what most of us are obsessed with now. K-beauty care tips claim to provide perfect skin with a flawless and porcelain look. And it is true! Their 10-step skin care routine is an effective solution to achieve radiant and flawless skin.

Though the 10 elaborate steps can be time-consuming and achieving this Korean beauty may not sound practical, you will know how good they are once you start, maybe that is the reason why Korean skincare is taking over the global beauty market. Following these steps will be worth it in the end, and you will not regret spending your time doing this. Interested to know the steps? This article discusses the complete 10-step Korean beauty secrets you can follow day and night to achieve that perfect look. Keep reading!

Before that, let us discuss how it helps your skin. The Korean skincare routine is all about improving your skin health by moisturizing, keeping it hydrated, and offering the essential ingredients the right way (1). You can flaunt your natural, clear, and, glowing skin without putting on any makeup.

Andreau Moudy, a certified fashion marketer and blogger, shared her experience of following the 10-step Korean skincare routine. She said “After 4 months of using this beauty routine, my skin changes from Dry to Normal. I have less blackheads, whiteheads, and my skin looks really glowing even without makeup (i).”

Laura Geigaite, an esthetic practitioner, says, “The Korean beauty regime involves using various hydrating products that assist in skin repair. This skin treatment prevents water loss and the entry of foreign substances through the skin. Furthermore, the processes help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs associated with aging.”

Do you have to follow all the steps every day? No, it is not compulsory to follow all the 10 steps every day. You can skip some steps but ensure your skin receives all the necessary ingredients. Let us discuss the routine now! Scroll down!

Korean Skincare Philosophy

The key objectives of the Korean skincare philosophy are to achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin by using gentle, but potent, skin-friendly ingredients. It emphasizes hydration to ensure skin remains balanced and well-moisturized. To keep the skin healthy, strong, and resilient, different products like toners, essences, and serums are used in Korean skincare regimes.

Using skincare products that protect the skin from external factors is also a non-negotiable part of this skincare philosophy. It helps prevent premature aging and keeps the skin looking firm and supple.

Preventive care is fundamental in this type of skincare. It emphasizes the significance of managing skin disorders before their symptoms show up. In addition, the Korean approach takes a holistic approach to skin health, taking into account lifestyle aspects like stress management, proper sleep, and diet.

Understanding the fundamentals of Korean skincare is essential to justify the 8-step Korean morning care routine effectively. This routine integrates these principles to give you the best possible skin health and radiance. Scroll down to know more in detail.

The 8-Step Korean Morning Care Routine

• Step 1: Wash Your Face With Water
• Step 2: Toner
• Step 3: Essence
• Step 4: Ampoule
• Step 5: Serum
• Step 6: Eye Cream
• Step 7: Moisturizer
• Step 8: Sunscreen

Note: The morning skin care ritual has 8 steps (without double cleansing steps). However, if you want, you can always use a mild cleanser to clean your face.

Step 1: Wash Your Face With Water

Use water to wash your face after you wake up. Do not use any cleanser. Water not only makes your skin feel refreshed, but it also removes impurities from your face that may have settled down on the skin during the night. It also keeps your skin hydrated.

Step 2: Apply Toner

After washing your face with water, apply toner. You may dab the toner on a cotton swab and apply it in a sweeping motion or pour the toner in your palms and pat it lightly all over your face. A toner helps to balance the pH level of your skin and ensures proper absorption of the next skin care products.

Andreau Moudy further added, “ I don’t really understand why this step is necessary. However, after months of using it I noticed a big difference as some of the makeup residue still sticks to your face even after double cleansing.”

Step 3: Apply Essence

An essence is a blend of serum, toner, and moisturizer and is a crucial part of the 10-step Korean skin care regimen. It hydrates and primes your skin and nourishes the skin cells. It also prepares your skin for the next steps. Pour a bit of it on your palm and gently press it all over your face. Do not sweep your fingers.

Step 4: Apply Ampoule

These are similar to essences and serums. However, compared to both products, ampoules contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. Ampoules usually come in a glass bottle with droppers. Use the dropper to apply a few drops on your face. Use your fingers to tap and press it all over your face gently.

Quick Tip

It is recommended to apply and massage Korean ampoules on your face only once or twice a week as they are highly concentrated and active.

Step 5: Apply Serum

If you have aging or dull skin, there is a simple way to make your skin glow. You need to use a serum that addresses your dull skin issues. Serums are best for anti-aging benefits and can reduce skin issues, such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles (2). Take a pea-sized amount of serum (or two pumps) and press it gently all over your face with your fingertips.

Bonus Step: Apply Emulsion

An emulsion is a lightweight, hydrating product that seals in moisture and creates a protective barrier for your skin. It is particularly beneficial for those with combination or oily skin as it provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. Dispense a small amount of emulsion onto your fingertips and gently pat it onto your face. The emulsion locks in all the previous layers of skin care products, ensuring that your skin remains supple and well-hydrated throughout the day.

Incorporating this additional step can be especially helpful in maintaining skin moisture in various weather conditions. It is an essential component in the Korean skin care regimen for providing an extra layer of hydration and protection.

Step 6: Use An Eye Cream

The area around your eyes is super delicate, and your regular face cream and serums are not going to work. You need an eye cream to keep the area hydrated and protected throughout the day (3). Take a little amount of eye cream on your fingertips and apply it from the inner corner of your eyes to the outer corners.

Step 7: Apply Moisturizer

After you have applied eye cream, apply a layer of moisturizer on your face. A moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated, nourished, and radiant all day long (4). If you have oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer, and if you have dry skin, use a cream-based moisturizer. Massage the moisturizer gently all over your face and neck.

Step 8: Apply Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen should be an indispensable part of your daily skin care routine. Protecting your skin from UV rays is an absolute must. Once you have completed all these steps, apply sunscreen. This prevents dark spots, tanning, sunburn, fine lines, and wrinkles (5).

According to a 2020 survey conducted on the US population, women were more likely to always wear sunscreen than well. Based on the response to the survey, 29.0% of women aged 18 or older always used sunscreen while stepping outside on a sunny day for more than an hour. This percentage was 25.7% in women aged 18–29, 30.0% in women aged 30–44, 30.9% in women aged 45–64, and 27.7% in women aged 65 or older.

Use a product with at least SPF 30.

This was the elaborate 8-step Korean morning skin care routine for dewy skin. These products keep your skin hydrated and healthy throughout the day.

Once you are back home, it is time to let your skin breathe and prepare it for its night-time restoration process. A proper skin care routine makes sure that the skin heals and repairs itself properly. 

The 10-Step Korean Night-time Routine

• Step 1: Cleansing Oil
• Step 2: Foam Cleanser
• Step 3: Exfoliate
• Step 4: Toner
• Step 5: Essence
• Step 6: Ampoule
• Step 7: Serum
• Step 8: Sheet Mask
• Step 9: Eye Cream
• Step 10: Moisturizer

Step 1: Clean Your Face With A Cleansing Oil

You have to take off the dirt, sebum, and impurities accumulated on your face. Using a cleansing oil binds the dirt with the oil and makes it easier for you to clean your skin thoroughly (6). Massage the oil thoroughly all over your face and neck. Wipe your face with a wet cotton wipe. You can see your makeup and dirt coming off your skin.

Step 2: Double Cleanse With A Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Once you have oil-cleansed your face and removed all makeup and dirt, use a gentle foaming cleanser to clean your face. Pour some cleanser on your palm, add water, and rub your palms together to generate lather or foam. Apply it on your face and wash off.

Step 3: Exfoliate Your Skin

This step should not be repeated more than two times a week. Exfoliation helps in scraping the dead skin cells and impurities from your face. This evens out your skin tone and promotes cell regeneration (7). You may use a chemical or enzyme-based exfoliant or a physical exfoliator (scrub) on your skin.

Step 4: Apply Toner

This step is similar to the step mentioned in the morning skincare routine. Even at night, you will need a toner to maintain the pH levels of your facial skin.

Step 5: Apply Essence

The essence always follows the toner. Never miss this step as the essence is needed to keep your skin hydrated for the entire night.

Step 6: Apply Ampoule

Right after hydrating your face with the essence, apply an ampoule. The super ingredients and active agents in the product will help your skin regenerate and recharge itself throughout the night (8).

Step 7: Apply Serum

After you have applied the ampoule, apply serum on the specific areas of concern. For instance, if it is an anti-acne serum, apply it on the affected areas. However, you can apply the serum all over your face and neck. This depends on whether you are using a serum for specific skincare issues or overall nourishment.

Step 8: Apply Sheet Mask

This is an absolute favorite of K-beauty followers. The sheet masks are saturated with serum that contains essential active agents. These are suitable for all skin types. They provide deep hydration to your skin and also offer specific benefits, such as anti-aging, anti-acne, hydration, collagen-boosting effects, depending on your skin requirements.

Step 9: Use An Eye Cream

Once your skin has absorbed all the goodness of the sheet mask, it is time to take care of your eye area. Apply an eye cream to keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and nourished.

Step 10: Apply Moisturizer

Finish off with a night moisturizer. Applying moisturizer at the end seals all the ingredients and helps your skin soak up everything throughout the night. You will wake up with soft, smooth, and supple skin.

The Korean skincare routine is all about nourishing the skin and providing it with the right ingredients, both externally and internally. Here are a few additional tips and tricks that you may follow to keep your skin as healthy as the Koreans.

Korean Skin Care Routine: Additional Tips

1. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body and skin hydrated is essential. Though topical ingredients will help your skin stay hydrated externally, you also need to provide internal hydration. Drink plenty of water in any form. You may drink flavored tea (mainly tisanes or herbal teas, minus the caffeine) or flavored water (naturally flavored with lime and cucumber slices).

2. Rest And Relax

Do not strain yourself. Give yourself a break and relax. When you are stressed, it reflects on your skin. The best way to relax is by sleeping. When you sleep, your body restores and repairs itself. This improves your overall health (both physical and mental) and also benefits your skin.

3. Eat Well

Consume a lot of fresh vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, and fish. Include fermented and pickled foods in your diet. Such foods contain essential vitamins and probiotics that are beneficial for both the skin and gut health. Fish and meat broth contain collagen, which keeps your skin youthful and healthy. If you love having a dessert after meals, pick any fruit instead of baked and sugary delights. Consider consulting with experts to make a proper diet chart suitable for your physiology.

Quick Tip

It is recommended to follow a Korean dietary plan including soybean paste or doenjang to improve blood pressure (which is believed to enhance skin texture) (9), (10).

4. Exfoliate Your Skin

This is applicable for not just your facial skin but your entire body. Try to rid your skin of dead skin cells by exfoliating it at least once or twice a week.

5. Never Forget Sun Protection

Never forget this even if it is cloudy and raining outside. UV rays can damage your skin and speed up the aging process. Hence, carry your sunscreen along.

6. Customize According To Your Skin Type

Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, adjust your skincare regimen to suit your needs for the best possible outcomes.

Infographic: Insider K-Beauty Tips

Korean skincare brands are making waves in the world of makeup, beauty, and cosmetics with its refreshing aesthetics and effective methods in the beauty industry. It sure looks like this trend is not dying down anytime soon. While you try out all kinds of beauty products from your nearest K-beauty outlet, why not check out a few tips and hacks recommended by the natives themselves?

Check out the infographic below for some lesser-known, insider Korean beauty tips.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Korean skin care routine work for oily and acne-prone skin?

Laura Geigaite says, “The Korean skin care routine works for oily and acne-prone skin if certain precautions are followed, such as using mineral sunscreens and lotion-based light moisturizers, exfoliating your skin regularly, using alcohol-free toners with hydroxy acids, rinsing off excess grime and dirt using gentle cleansers, and avoiding oil-based cleansers.”

How do you get Korean glass skin?

According to Geigaite, “You can achieve Korean glass skin through a process with the following steps: double cleansing, exfoliation, toning, adding an essence, treating with an ampoule or serum, moisturizing, applying eye creams, sealing with face oils during the day, using SPF only during the day, and using sheet masks.”

Is Korean skin genetic?

“Studies have established that two genes are thought to be related to skin pigmentation in Korean skin. The genes are linked to skin color, implying that Korean skin is largely genetic,” says Geigaite.

Is rose water a toner?

Yes, rose water is a natural toner. You can apply it to your face to tone and hydrate the skin.

Is Korean skin care better than Japanese skin care?

Both are good skin care practices. However, their effectiveness will also depend on your skin type, preferences, and lifestyle. If you want to follow a quicker routine, then the Japanese routine is for you. If you want to follow a more intensive routine, the Korean routine is the right choice.

Is Korean skin care safe?

Yes, the majority of the ingredients used in Korean skin care products are safe.

Is aloe vera gel a toner?

Yes, aloe vera gel is a natural toner that can soothe your skin with its cooling properties.

Can I sleep with rose water on my face?

Yes, rose water can help in skin rejuvenation and make your face look radiant the next day.

Illustration: Korean Skin Care Routine For Morning & Night: A Complete Guide

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.

Read full bio of Dr. Vindhya L Veerula

• 
  Laura GeigaiteMedical Aesthetician Laura Geigaite is a medical aesthetician with seven years of experience in laser aesthetics, injectables, neuromodulation, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, medical devices, skin conditions, and skin care. She is a clinical trainer for the Harley Academy and an expert advisor helping to formulate products for a beauty brand.
  
  Laura Geigaite is a medical aesthetician with seven years of experience in laser aesthetics, injectables, neuromodulation, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, medical devices, skin conditions, and skin care. She is a clinical trainer for the Harley Academy and an expert advisor helping to formulate products for a beauty brand.

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti