My Korean Skincare Routine For Flawless Glass Skin!

Korean skincare isn't just a routine; it's a ritual of self-care but it can be a bit overwhelming with all of the layering and product ingredients. So I've written not only my routine but ways to adapt it to suit your skin type - plus all of the best products!

I always have freckles which actually makes my skin look less clear even when there's not a blemish in sight. But after committing to this routine, and even going into summer where my freckles are usually in full force, my skin looks clear! And dare I say... glass like?

Here's what I'm doing...

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The Philosophy of Korean Skincare

Rooted in a skin-first philosophy, Koreans believe in preemptively addressing the root causes of skin concerns.

With the goal of achieving the covetable glass skin aesthetic—so clear and luminous it’s almost translucent—Korean skincare is a testament to patience, dedication, and an understanding of skin science.

Delicate skin is nurtured and the focus is on skin health, not quick fixes or anti-aging. You'll be working to vitalise and nourish the skin without the use of harsh exfoliators and topicals.

Looking for the best vegan Korean skincare products?

Check out our roundup

My Korean Skincare Routine: The Fundamentals

Think of the routine as layers rather than a collection of products you need to use.

 

Think of each layer as a 'prescription' for your skin targeting your needs. I did a lot of research into how to achieve a more even, hydrated complexion.

 

It involves understanding different skin types, identifying skin concerns, and adapting the steps to meet your unique needs.

 

My 10 step Korean skin care routine looks like this:

 

1. Oil-based cleanser: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Cleansing Oil

 

2. Water-based cleanser: ETUDE SoonJung Whip Facial Cleanser

 

3. Exfoliator (1-2 times a week): Ji.Woo.Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad

 

4. Toner: I'm from Rice Toner

 

5. Essence: mixsoon Bean Essence & Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

 

6. Serum: Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum & SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule

 

7. Sheet mask (1-2 times a week): VT COSMETICS CICA Reti-A Mask Sheet & Mary&May Niacinamide Vitamin C Mask

 

8. Eye cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

 

9. Moisturizer: Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

 

10. Sunscreen: THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Water Sun Cream

Ji.Woo.Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad

celimax

Sun Project Water Sun Cream

THANKYOU FARMER

Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

Pyunkang Yul

Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Haruharu Wonder

CICA Reti-A Mask 30pcs

VT COSMETICS

Niacinamide Vitamin C Mask

Mary&May

Madagascar Centella Ampoule

SKIN1004

Light On Serum

Beauty of Joseon

Essence Toner

Pyunkang Yul

Rice Toner

I'm from

Bean Essence

mixsoon

SoonJung Whip Facial Cleanser

ETUDE

Ginseng Cleansing Oil

Beauty of Joseon

So here's what I've been doing to get that glow.

Double Cleansing & Exfoliating

• A successful skincare regime starts with double cleansing, my non-negotiable night-time ritual.
• I begin with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm that melts away the makeup, sunscreen, and grime accumulated throughout the day.
• After my oil cleanse, I reach for a foaming, water-based cleanser to further lift away any residual water-based impurities like dirt and sweat.

Exfoliating & Toning

• Once I've double cleansed, it's time to tone.
• I've stopped using physical exfoliants for the moment (although will be giving rice-based exfoliants a go)
• Soaked onto a cotton pad and swept across my face, they balance pH levels and leave my skin plumped, prepped, and ready for the essence.
• Two or three times a week I use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and reveal the radiant skin! THIS IS KEY.
• I mostly use a chemical exfoliator with AHA or BHA.

Essence and Serums

Now for essences and serums - the true game-changers of Korean skin care routines. I apply the essence first and then layer on the serums with skin healthy ingredients aimed at achieving flawless skin tone and smoother skin.

Essences hydrate and aid in cell regeneration while serums, packed with active ingredients, target my specific skin concerns.

The key ones you need to know for glass skin:

• Vitamin C serum to brighten dark spots
• Green Tea for brightening the skin
• Hyaluronic acid-rich essence for an extra boost of hydration
• Ginseng hydrate and revitalize the skin
• Centella for hydration and supporting the skin barrier

Using a rotation daily bring me closer to my skin goals.

I am mostly using a combination of Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum & SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule

And when intense treatment is called for, a powerful ampoule is my go-to for that concentrated effect.

Masks and Eye Cream

• Next come the sheet masks. If you haven't used Korean sheet masks before, you're going to LOVE that you can buy them in tubs. Yes one tub with 30 masks in it that you can pull out whenever you need to - and its affordable! What a dream.
• A weekly indulgence in sheet masks infuses my skin with elasticity-boosting active ingredients and deep hydration. And gives me a moment of self-care.
• I choose between VT COSMETICS CICA Reti-A Mask Sheet & Mary&May Niacinamide Vitamin C Mask
• Following up with an eye cream - I gently tap around my eyes, being mindful of the delicate skin, to help combat fine lines and dark circles. The one I'm using contains Bakuchiol, which is a natural alternative to Retinol (read my guide to natural and vegan retinols here) , to help diminish fine lines.

Moisturizing

• Then comes the protective seal - moisturizing.
• Morning and night, I seal in all of those serums with a moisturizer that is lightweight in texture. The one I use is also specifically designed to support the skin barrier.
• The beauty of using a Korean skin care routine is that all of the products are lightweight and easy to layer.
• I make sure the moisturizer is full of hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin hydrated, looking plump and stops the future risk of dry skin.

Sun Protection

• Finally, and possibly the most important step of all, sun protection.
• Every morning, rain or shine, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is my shield against premature aging and skin cancer.
• And you cannot beat a Korean sunscreen. They offer both chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreen.
• They wear beautifully under makeup, no white cast in sight! I am so in love with them. It took me a while to trust that they were actually working because they were so much better than the western SPFs I'm used to using.

Adapting the Skincare Routine for Different Skin Types

Flawless skin isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, especially with a K-beauty routine.

While my routine should give you a great foundation with some great results, I also wanted to share how you could adapt it to meet your specific skin type and skin issues and the beneficial ingredients to look for.

Korean Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Dry skin can often feel like a tight and uncomfortable mask. The key is to focus on locking in moisture and supporting the skin barrier.

The oil cleanser is a great start and then select products that will be gentle and hydrating so you don't further strip your skin.

Here are some great products that would work for dry skin types:

• Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: Hydrating and soothing toner for dry skin
• Etude Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream: Rich moisturizer for intense hydration
• Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum: Soothes and deeply hydrates dry skin

Korean Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Oily skin is more likely to create a problem of skin congestion so we need to make sure we're balancing the skin with Korean toners and focusing on serums and essences that clarify and minimise pores.

You should also opt for a gel-based moisturizer to provide moisture without the oil slick.

And try a chemical sunscreen for a lighter texture better suited to oily skin.

Here are some great products that would work for oily skin:

• Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel Moisturizer: for Acne Prone Dry Skin
• Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner: Controls oil production and soothes skin
• COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: Gently cleanses without stripping skin 
• Ji.Woo.Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad: Exfoliates and controls oil 
• ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++: Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Korean Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

With sensitive skin, Korean skincare routines will be a great fit but you should always patch test products first.

Sensitive skin makes it important to choose products without fragrance or known irritants.

The products in my routine should work well but go easy on the exfoliation. You could also try these:

• Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity: With calming properties
• COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: Gently cleanses without stripping skin 
• Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner: Essential oil free
• PURITO Centella Green Level Eye Cream: Soothing and calming
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++: The first Korean skincare product I ever bought! This won't sting your eyes.

For natural Retinol alternatives and sensitive Retinol products

Read our guide to the best here

Korean Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

My skin typically falls between normal and combination skin so my routine should work perfectly if you also have this skin type.

Where to Find Korean Beauty Products

I have linked all of my product recommendations for easy shopping but if you want to explore more products it's easier than you might think to shop.

Here are my top recommendations:

First up is Soko Glam. They curate an extensive range of skincare and makeup from leading Korean brands.

Another favorite is Peach & Lily, with some more lesser known brands.

If you're looking for variety and the convenience Amazon has a huge selection of popular K-beauty products that will shop from US warehouses.

Lastly, don't forget about YesStyle, which provides a vast array of K-beauty, J-beauty. Probably one of the best places to go for a good haul!