My 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine
In this post, I talk about my personal Korean skincare routine with a list of all the eco and “green” Korean skin care products I use and love for both my morning and evening routine. Everything I use is for my skin type which is normal but acne prone. In my 4 weeks in Seoul, Korea, I tested out multiple Korean skin care products while keeping in line with my desire to use only those with clean and ethical ingredients.
The majority of the products that are a part of my Korean skincare routine are available online. Some of my favorite eco brands like Whamisa, Blossom Jeju, Blithe and Make P:rem are available on Glow Recipe while Cosrx and Klairs are available on Soko Glam, and my all time favorite Aromatica is available on Peach and Lily. Amazon carries most of the products as well but one needs to watch out for dupes. I have added some Amazon links as well.
Step by Step Korean Skin Care Routine:
Here is a summary of my Korean Skin Care Routine. Click on the links to read about each step and the products I’ve used and recommend.
- Double Cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed with a water-based cleanser
- Exfoliation – Physical/Chemical
- Toner to balance the PH of skin
- Sheet Masks
- Eye Cream
- Vitamin C: For even skin tone, spots, and blemishes
- Serum: To enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity (anti-aging)
- Spot Treatment: For acne prone skin and to diminish acne scars
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
If you are interested in Korean skin care products, check out my post detailing specific Eco and Green Korean skincare beauty brands to look out for.
To read more about how I stumbled upon Korean skincare and my hunt for products while in Seoul that do not use any animal byproducts, abrasive alcohols, parabens, sulfates, chemical fragrances, dyes and unnecessary fillers, click here!
My 10 Step Personal Korean Skincare Routine:
STEP 1: AM or PM – Double Cleansing
Koreans swear by double cleansing and consider it an essential step for good skin. This step involves first cleansing your skin with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve all the makeup, sunscreen, dirt and oils from deep within the pores and then using a gentle foam, gel or water-based cleanser to remove any residual oil and grime. The beauty experts stress the importance of having a clean canvas before applying any “treatments” that follow the cleansing step.
At first, I wasn’t convinced and thought, double cleansing was overkill. But, since most Koreans swear by this step and I had a trial oil-based cleansing product from Whamisa I decided to give it a shot. After double cleansing for a just a few days, I noticed a change in the quality of my skin. I was amazed at how soft and clean my skin felt. Despite the results, I must confess that I do not double cleanse every day as I don’t wear makeup. However, I do double cleanse when I have doused myself in sunscreen or have applied makeup.
What I Use and Love:
Oil Based Cleanser:
I first tried the Whamisa Oil Cleanser from the trial pack I purchased from Glow Recipe and really liked it. It is light and didn’t clog my pores. I don’t double cleanse every day, hence I use my trusty Organic Jojoba Oil for the one-off days. If you plan on oil cleansing every day, I would recommend you try the cleansers from Whamisa.
Water Based Cleanser:
Hands down the Whamisa Cream Cleanser is my best pick for this step. Both my husband and I LOVE this cleanser from Whamisa. We started with the trial size, which lasted for little more than a month and ended up buying the full-size tube. It has a creamy texture that cleans and softens without stripping the skin. Another good option is the COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleaner. This is a super gentle cleaner and has a non-stripping feel to it.
Whamisa is one of my all-time favorite eco and green Korean skincare brands. They use organic and botanical ingredients in all the products. Both these products are also available at Glow Recipe.
STEP 2: Once or Twice a week – Physical/Chemical Exfoliation
One needs to exfoliate the skin so dead skin cells can be removed for new cells to surface. Exfoliation is effective in fading away old scars and revealing fresh and healthy skin. Koreans faithfully exfoliate 1-2 times a week and they recommend exfoliating with both a physical (aka manual) and chemical exfoliator. Physical or manual exfoliation can be the use of sugar, salt, clays or a brush to massage the skin and chemical exfoliators include low percentages of chemical acids (AHA’s and BHAs) to remove dead cells and turn over the skins brighter and smoother layers. Counter-intuitively, chemical exfoliation is recommended for people with sensitive skin so as to not damage the skin by over scrubbing or scrubbing too hard. Chemical exfoliators can be in the form of toners, serums, essences, sheet masks and even moisturizers.
What I Use and Love:
Primera Mild Peeling Gel – This peeling gel is very gentle and has really good ingredients. I’ve been using this gel along with the color clay face masks from Innisfree and enjoy the process and after effects of clean and baby soft skin. I try to exfoliate at least once a week and that seems to work great. Unfortunately, none of the Korean skincare stores that sell to the US market sell Primera. So, for now, I get my stash from Amazon.
STEP 3: Everyday AM and PM – Toner
This step is considered the last step in the cleansing routine or the first step in the treatment routine. Toners are applied to balance out the skin’s moisture and PH levels. It is also considered the step in which the remnants of dirt and grime are removed. Initially, this sounded bogus to me, as I couldn’t imagine any more dirt and grime left on my skin after double cleansing. But as the saying goes, “you need to see it to believe it”. I was flabbergasted when I saw how much dirt the toner doused cotton swab picked up from my skin. Thankfully, after sporadically double cleansing, my skin is now pretty clean by the time I apply toner.
What I Use and Love:
Right now, I am using two toners simultaneously based on what my skin needs. For extra hydration and in the winter months, I use Whamisa’s Deep Rich Essence Toner. When I need something light, I opt for Primera’s Miracle Seed Essence Toner, which is my absolute favorite for the summer months. I am currently using Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner since I ran out of my Whamisa Toner and am pretty impressed. The consistency is pretty similar to Whamisa’s Deep Rich Essence Toner and I love that it is vegan. All these toners are extremely hydrating and one can’t go wrong choosing either. I sometimes just use a toner in the 7-skin method (which literally means applying toners seven times while patting it on the skin before the next layer), apply moisturizer and sunscreen and be done for the day.
In addition to Amazon, you can find:
- Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner at Glow Recipe and
- Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner at Soko Glam
STEP 4: Everyday or once/twice a week – Sheet Masks
There is no single answer in the Korean skin-care community about how often one must sheet mask. Some people sheet mask every single day and some, once or twice a week. There are people and groups who have seen amazing results applying a sheet mask every day for 7 days straight. I sheet mask as and when I can. I thoroughly enjoy the “me time” and love the results that follow. It’s a quick 15 mins spa experience at home and takes little to no effort. I have a bag full of awesome sheets masks that I fell in love with in Seoul. I sometimes use a sheet mask in lieu of treatments and it works great for me. If I sheet mask on a certain day, I skip straight to STEP 9 and 10 after this step.
What I Use and Love:
I adore the sheets masks from Polatam, Make P:rem and Whamisa and have heard great things about the sheets from Blossom Jeju. When in Seoul I shipped my sister a box full of masks that we could use as a family. We use sheets while running errands, watching TV and even on flights to save the skin from getting dehydrated. I will buy more when I run out from one of my three trusted sources – Glow Recipe, Soko Glam and Peach and Lily.
STEP 5: Everyday AM and PM – Eye Cream
Most people become aware of their skin around the eyes after they notice dark circles, crows feet or puffiness. I was one of “those people”. I started using eye creams only after noticing the harsh effects of constant sun exposure and travel. While in Seoul, I bought myself couple eye creams to protect my skin under my eyes from fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. The k-gurus suggest you start using a good eye cream as early as your twenties. This step comes right after the toner so you can protect the eye area before applying the treatments that follow this step. To apply eye cream I use my ring finger and gently tap the skin around the eyes.
What I Use and Love:
Like all the other tried and tested products from Whamisa, the Organic Flowers Eye Essence did not fail to impress. I loved the texture of this eye cream and how it quickly absorbs into the skin. It was light yet effective for the summer months and I’ll be using this next year again. This essence smoothes out wrinkles, reduces puffiness, and brightens dark circles! My mom uses this one and loves it too. You can get this eye essence from Glow Recipe.
After Whamisa and Aromatica, Primera is my brand of choice. The Primera Wild Seed Firming Cream is what I am currently using for the winter months and it’s been great so far. My skin feels moisturized and hydrated even after being out in the cold all day. I was only able to find Primera on Amazon. Luckily I have a full tub from Seoul for now. I have a pot of the Innisfree eye cream that I plan on using next.
Everyday AM and PM – Treatments
This step was the most confusing when I first learned about it. Some call it the serum step, some essence, some ampoule and others just treatments. They all mean the same or similar thing. The “serum” step is what I am going with. Broadly speaking, it’s a product filled with antioxidants that help hydrate, moisturize and enhance cell turn over. It can have Vitamin C, E, and hydrating extracts from herbs, flowers, and fruits. The key is to determine what your skin concerns are and use products that will address those concerns. For example, my skin care concerns are fine lines, uneven skin tone and spots and blemishes. So, when I look for my treatment products, I will look for ingredients that will help with my concerns. These products are usually very light and absorb into the skin really easily. In this step, you can layer as many complimentary skin care treatments as you like. I use 2-4 products to address all my concerns.
STEP 6: Everyday AM and PM – Treatment for even skin tone, spots, and blemishes
What I use and love:
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – I just finished a bottle of the Cosrx Mela 14 White Ampule which is also used for scars and evening out the skin tone. The Klairs Vitamin C is known to be a wee bit stronger with 5% pure vitamin C. This product has rave reviews in the Korean skincare community so I am hoping to continue to see my skin improve. After applying my toner and eye cream I use 2-3 drops of this vitamin C and pat on all over my skin and neck while avoiding the eye area. I was advised to a good SPF sunscreen when using Vitamin C. This product is also recommended for people with sensitive skin. I bought mine from Seoul and it is available on Soko Glam.
STEP 7: Everyday AM and PM – Treatment to enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity (anti-aging)
Primera Super Sprout Serum – After the Vitamin C shot I pat on this anti-aging serum from Primera. It’s light-weight, moisturizing and helps enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity. I am hooked to this serum and am now on my second bottle! It also smells divine with an herbal aroma. Like all Primera products, I was only able to find them on Amazon.
STEP 8: Everyday AM and PM – Treatment for acne prone skin and to diminish acne scars
Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream – In my final treatment step, I use this blemish cream on targeted spots to further lighten acne, age, and sunspots. A small amount goes a long way and I love that it’s hydrating and nongreasy. I take less than a pea size and pat of spots till it’s all absorbed. You can find this product on Amazon and Soko Glam.
Other “treatments” that I have used and love:
Aromatica Rose Absolute First Serum – If there were only one product I would recommend to someone, it would be this serum. It smells divine and is a highly effective serum for balancing, brightening, toning the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles all at once. I finished the first bottle that I purchased from Seoul and decided to use the remainder of my stash before buying a second. I love, love this product and one only needs to pat on couple drops after applying toner. You can find this Aromatica product on Peach and Lily and Amazon.
Cosrx Mela 14 White Ampule – This ampoule was one of the first treatment products I used to even my skin tone and lighten my spots and blemishes. In three months I noticed a huge difference in not just the spots but also the texture of my skin. I love this product and used it every single day until the last drop. You can also find other Cosrx product on Soko Glam.
STEP 9: Every day AM and PM – Moisturizer
Once I’ve applied all my “treatments” or serums that are targeted to go deep into the skin to address any skin concerns, I apply a moisturizer to lock in all the benefits. The moisturizing step helps with hydration and assists in getting what the Koreans call “gwang” meaning soft, dewy and glowy skin. Moisturizers also create a protective skin barrier that protects the skin from pollutants and environmental stresses. I have always used a moisturizer so incorporating this step came very naturally for me.
What I use and love:
For the summer months, I have used and loved Aromatica’s Absolute Vital Fluid. It has Bulgarian rose oil and organic Aloe Vera! The smell is divine and this moisturizer leaves my skin smooth, soft and hydrated without being greasy and heavy during the hot summer months. This winter I have been using Aromatica’s Rose Absolute Nourishing Facial Oil, which has Babassu and Argan Oil. I only use couple drops and pat on as the final step in my night time routine. Aromatica is one of the cleanest Korean skincare brands out there. I bought my first bottle in Seoul and was ecstatic to find this on Peach and Lily’s site. These two products will always have a spot on my skincare shelf.
STEP 10: Every day in the morning – Sunscreen
I must confess, I never used to wear sunscreen. But, after seeing the negative effects on my skin after only 6 months of constant travel and extended sun exposure, I started to protect myself from UVA and UVB rays. Most sunscreens that I have tried in the US feel heavy, icky and sticky on my skin and leave an annoying white cast. Korean sunscreens are truly revolutionary! You have to try it to believe it. They are lightweight, non-sticky and doesn’t feel like I’ve applied a layer of honey and chalk on my face. As the final step in my daytime routine, I use Make P:rem’s UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel which provides SPF 50 protection. This product has been a game changer and now my entire family is hooked. I bought my stash in Seoul but you can find this on Glow Recipe and Amazon.
Finally, with that, I end my skincare regime! 🙂 If you are a wash and moisturize kinda girl or gal this may sound like overkill. I was that kinda gal but once I started to incorporate all these steps I am now a faithful convert and so are my sisters and mom. Surprisingly, my husband didn’t take long to follow suit. The key is to make it part of your routine and enjoy the process.
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If you interested in Korean skin care products, check out our post detailing specific Eco and Green Korean skincare beauty brands to look out for.
I hope you enjoy your skin care time and find this article useful. Feel free to drop me a line or your questions if you have any.