How to Start a Korean Skincare Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Your Complete Guide to Glowing Skin with K-Beauty: How to Achieve Glass Skin

Hey besties! Have you ever seen that radiant, porcelain-like skin that Korean skincare is famous for and thought: How do I get that?! Don’t worry, we're here to walk you through the world of Korean skincare, step by step. It’s easier than you think, and honestly, super fun! With the right products and routine, you too can achieve that famous “glass skin” look. Let’s get started!

Why Korean Skincare is So Effective for Glowing Skin

K-beauty is all about self-care and prevention – instead of waiting for skin issues to appear, you keep your skin healthy from the start. Hydration and protection are the secrets to that famous "glass skin" look—a smooth, clear complexion that almost glows like glass. Korean skincare is all about nourishing and protecting the skin to prevent damage and signs of aging, rather than just treating them after they appear.

A major feature of Korean skincare products is that they often contain gentle, hydrating ingredients that are suitable for various skin types, even sensitive skin. Popular ingredients include hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and niacinamide, which all help soothe and hydrate the skin.

No need to jump into a full 10-step routine right away! The key is discovering what your skin needs and gradually adding products that work for you. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we’re here to help you every step of the way!

The Key Steps in a Korean Skincare Routine

Step 1: Double Cleansing (Oil + Water-Based Cleanser) – Only at Night!

The Korean skincare routine starts with double cleansing, but here’s the key: you only need to double cleanse at night! Throughout the day, your skin collects dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and pollution. This is where the oil-based cleanser comes in—use it to break down all those impurities. Then, follow it up with a water-based cleanser to remove any leftover residue, leaving your skin fresh and clean.

In the morning, skip the oil cleanser and just use the water-based cleanser. This will gently remove any sweat or leftover product from your evening routine without over-cleansing. Washing your face too much—especially using an oil cleanser twice a day—can strip your skin of its natural moisture and lead to dryness or irritation. So, the ideal routine looks like this:

• Morning: Water-based cleanser only
• Evening: Start with an oil cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.

Product tips for beginners:

• Oil cleanser: [Tovegan White Wholesome Cleansing Balm] – effective for removing makeup and sunscreen.
• Foaming cleanser: [COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser] – great for gentle cleansing without stripping your skin.

Why Double Cleansing is Important

Double cleansing doesn’t just remove dirt and makeup; it ensures that your pores stay clean, which is essential for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Starting with an oil-based cleanser removes excess sebum without stripping the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.

Step 2: Toner – The Ultimate Hydration Booster

After cleansing, it’s time for toner. Think of toner as a refreshing drink for your skin! Toners hydrate your skin and prepare it to absorb all the goodness from the products that follow. Many Korean toners contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump up and soften your skin. Plus, some toners even double as exfoliators, especially those with AHA, BHA, or PHA. These multitaskers gently slough off dead skin cells while hydrating, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.

Product Tip: Try Some By Mi AHA•BHA•PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – a great example of an exfoliating toner that works wonders for acne-prone or inflamed skin!

Myth Buster: Many believe toners are harsh and full of alcohol, but that's old news! Modern Korean toners focus on hydration and soothing the skin.

Product Tip: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner – a hydrating toner suitable for all skin types.

 

Step 3: Essence and Serum – The Dynamic Duo for Radiant Skin!

This is where your K-beauty routine truly shines! Essences are lightweight, liquid products packed with active ingredients that deeply hydrate and prep your skin to absorb everything that follows. Serums, on the other hand, are more concentrated and focus on specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or acne. By combining these two powerhouse steps, you’re giving your skin both a hydration boost and a concentrated dose of skin-repairing goodness.

Of course, it's perfectly fine to use just an essence or a serum—it's not necessary to use both. Tailor your routine to what suits your skin best!

Product tip: Start with the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule for soothing hydration, then follow with the Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum to brighten and balance your complexion!

Step 4: Moisturizer – Lock in All the Goodness

Moisturizer is essential for every skin type. It helps to lock in hydration and supports your skin’s natural barrier, ensuring all the benefits from the previous steps are sealed in. Choose a formula that works best for your skin—lightweight gels for oily or combination skin and richer creams for those with dry skin.

Product Tip: Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Cream – a deeply hydrating yet lightweight cream that provides long-lasting moisture, perfect for all skin types!

Step 5: Sunscreen – Your Everyday Hero

Finally: Don’t Forget Your SPF! Sunscreen is the most important product in any routine, and your true everyday hero. Koreans wear SPF daily to protect their skin from premature aging and sun damage, and it’s a step you shouldn’t skip—whether you’re stepping outside or staying indoors. Those sneaky UV rays can lead to early wrinkles, dark spots, and long-term skin damage. No matter the weather, apply sunscreen daily to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected.

Product Tip: Skin1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ – a lightweight, hydrating sun serum that absorbs effortlessly, leaving no white cast. Perfect for everyday use and all skin types!

Common Sunscreen Mistakes

Many people think sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days, but even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate the clouds. Make sure to wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, for optimal protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Korean Skincare

Do I really need a 10-step routine?
No! You can customize the routine based on your skin type and needs. Even just a few well-chosen steps can give amazing results. Start with cleansing, toner, and sunscreen, and gradually add serums or essences as your skin gets used to the routine..

Are Korean products only for dry skin?
No, there are K-beauty products for every skin type, from oily to acne-prone. Many Korean brands focus on specific skin concerns like breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and oil control.

What is "glass skin"?
"Glass skin" refers to a smooth, clear, and intensely hydrated complexion that looks as if it’s glowing from within, like glass. It’s the ultimate goal for many K-beauty enthusiasts, achieved through a consistent routine focused on hydration.

Which products are best for acne-prone skin?
Try products like Some By Mi AHA•BHA•PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner or Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule.

Time to Shine!

See? A Korean skincare routine isn’t as complicated as it sounds. It’s all about hydration, protection, and giving your skin some extra love. Start small and gradually build your routine. Before you know it, you’ll have that dream skin you’ve always wanted. And remember, whether you're keeping it simple or exploring all the steps, the most important part is to enjoy the process and discover what works best for your skin!