The Korean skincare routine aims to achieve healthy, radiant skin (called "glass skin") through multiple steps and concentrated products. This routine relies on the "layering" principle, where several lightweight products are applied one after the other to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.

Here are the basic steps of a Korean skincare routine, keeping in mind that they can be modified depending on your skin type and needs:

Evening routine (more detailed):

1. Oil Cleanser:

• Purpose: Remove makeup, sunscreen, and oily impurities (such as excess sebum).
• How to use: Apply a small amount of oil cleanser to dry skin and gently massage in using circular motions. Then add a little water to create a milky emulsion, and continue massaging before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Why it's important: This is the first step in "double cleansing," the foundation of the Korean skincare routine to ensure completely clean skin.

1. Water-Based Cleanser:

• Purpose: Remove water-based impurities such as sweat, dirt, and any residue from oil-based cleanser.
• How to use: After rinsing the oil cleanser, use a small amount of water cleanser (gel or foam) on wet skin and gently massage, then rinse with lukewarm water.
• Its importance: This step completes the double cleansing, ensuring that your skin is completely clean and ready to receive the following products.

1. Exfoliator - 1-2 times a week:

• Purpose: Remove dead cells, cleanse pores, and improve skin texture.
• How to use: You can use physical exfoliants (such as very gentle exfoliants) or chemical exfoliants (such as AHA/BHA acids). Use once or twice a week depending on your skin's sensitivity.
• Its importance: Exfoliation helps make the skin smoother and brighter, and allows other products to penetrate the skin better.

1. Toner:

• Objective: To restore the skin's pH balance, moisturize the skin, and prepare it to absorb the following products.
• How to use: Pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe your face, or pat it directly onto your skin with your fingers.
• Its importance: It is considered a bridge between cleansing and treatment steps, and ensures that the skin is moisturized and prepared.

1. Essence:

• Purpose: Deep hydration and nourishment of the skin with concentrated ingredients.
• How to use: Apply a few drops of essence to your palm and gently pat it on your face and neck until absorbed by the skin.
• Its importance: It is considered the heart of the Korean routine, as it provides an extra layer of hydration and nutrients that help improve the skin's texture and radiance.

1. Serums/Ampoules:

• Purpose: To treat specific skin problems such as wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, or severe dryness.
• How to use: Apply a few drops of serum or ampoule to the targeted areas or all over the face and pat gently.
• Its importance: It contains high concentrations of active ingredients that effectively target skin problems.

1. Sheet Mask - 2-3 times a week (or as needed):

• Objective: To provide an intensive dose of hydration and nutrients in a short period.
• How to use: Apply the sheet mask to a cleansed, prepared face (after toner and essence), and leave it on for the recommended time (usually 15-20 minutes). Remove the mask and massage the remaining liquid into your skin until absorbed.
• Its importance: It is considered a mini spa treatment for the skin, adding an extra layer of hydration and nourishment.

1. Eye Cream:

• Purpose: Hydrate and firm the delicate eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
• How to use: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of eye cream onto your ring finger and gently pat around the eye area.
• Its importance: The eye area is sensitive and needs special care to prevent signs of premature aging.

1. Moisturizer:

• Objective: To lock in moisture and all the ingredients applied in the previous steps, and provide a protective barrier to the skin.
• How to use: Apply an appropriate amount of moisturizer to your face and neck and gently massage until absorbed.
• Its importance: It represents the last layer that “seals” all the goodness you put on your skin, and keeps it moisturized throughout the night.

1. Sleeping Mask - 1-2 times a week (as an alternative to moisturizer):

• Purpose: To provide intensive hydration and nourishment to the skin while you sleep.
• How to use: Use as the last step in your evening routine, instead of or over moisturizer. Wash off the next morning.
• Its importance: It works as a nourishing mask that allows the skin to benefit from the active ingredients during the nightly cell renewal period.

Morning routine (more concise):

The morning routine focuses on light cleansing, moisturizing, and protection.

1. Water-Based Cleanser: To cleanse the skin of any oils or impurities that have accumulated overnight.
2. Toner: To prepare the skin and restore its balance.
3. Essence/Serum: For extra hydration or to address specific concerns.
4. Moisturizer: To moisturize the skin and lock in moisture.
5. Sunscreen - The most important step in the morning:

• Purpose: To protect the skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging and pigmentation.
• How to use: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) as the last step before makeup.
• Its importance: It is indispensable for maintaining healthy and youthful skin, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors near windows.

Additional tips:

• Gentleness: Be very gentle with your skin every step of the way. Avoid pulling or rubbing too hard.
• Patience: Results don't appear overnight. Commitment and consistency are key.
• Listen to your skin: You may not need all the steps every day. Adapt your routine to your skin's changing needs (season, hormones, etc.).
• Add products gradually: When trying new products, add them one at a time to assess how your skin responds.
• Quality over quantity: It's not about the sheer number of products, but about choosing the right products for your skin type and concerns.

By following these steps regularly, you can work towards achieving healthy, radiant, and balanced Korean skin.