Introduction
The famous "10-step Korean routine" is too much for a beginner. The 5-step routine we suggest here is both enough and easy to keep up. Follow the same basic steps morning and evening, and choose products for your skin type.
Morning routine (5 steps)
- Cleanser: a gentle foam or gel, such as Natinda Aloe Vera or Calming Cleansing Foam.
- Toner: hydrates skin after cleansing. Toners with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide are a good start.
- Serum: niacinamide for oily and combination skin, hyaluronic acid for dry skin.
- Moisturiser: a cream for dry and normal skin (for example Rivecowe Collagen Tone-up), a gel cream for oily skin (for example Watermelon Moisture).
- Sunscreen: every morning, as the last step, for example Beautyway UV Sun Cream.
Evening routine (6 steps with double cleansing)
- Oil-based cleanser: Calming Sherbet Cleansing Balm dissolves make-up and sunscreen.
- Water-based cleanser: remove what is left with a foaming cleanser.
- Toner: the same as in the morning.
- Serum: an active such as retinol, PDRN or peptides in the evening. If you are new to retinol, start with 2 to 3 evenings a week.
- Eye cream: optional, for example Natinda Eye Wrinkle Care Cream.
- Cream: a moisturising cream or Pine Needle Cica Cream.
Weekly extras
- Exfoliation (once or twice a week): a toner with PHA or a mild AHA.
- Sheet mask (once or twice a week): after serum, for example a Rivecowe Peptide or Collagen Mask.
- Sleeping mask: a few nights a week when your skin looks dry or dull.
Choosing products by skin type
- Oily: Watermelon Moisture Gel Cream, a niacinamide serum and a light SPF.
- Dry: Rivecowe Collagen Tone-up Cream, Blossom Hyaluron & Collagen Ampoule and BB Cream SPF 43.
- Sensitive: Natinda Pine Needle Calming Cica Cream and simple, fragrance-free products.
- Combination: a gel cream on the T-zone and a richer cream on the cheeks.
- Pigmented: Patch Holic Yuja Serum, the Sleeping Mask and sunscreen every day.
Common mistakes
Skipping sunscreen, harsh exfoliation and starting lots of new products at once. Add new products one at a time, a week apart, and patch test each one on a small area first.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I start a skincare routine?
A basic routine (cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen) is recommended from the teenage years. Anti-aging actives such as retinol usually come into the picture from the mid-20s.
Is the same routine right for men?
Yes. If shaving leaves skin sensitive, add an alcohol-free, soothing cream.
On a tight budget, which 3 products should I start with?
A gentle cleanser, a moisturiser for your skin type and sunscreen. You can add a serum later.
Is toner essential?
No. It is useful for hydrating skin after cleansing and prepping it for the next steps, but your routine is not incomplete without it.
Do I need a morning serum?
No. Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are enough in the morning. If you want to add a serum, niacinamide or vitamin C is a good start.