Although the Korean skincare regimen has been around for a while now, it has just recently started making an impact in the West. Known for resulting in glowing skin, it can seem like a long and daunting process with 5+ steps in total. However, the results are totally worth it! Keep reading if you want to learn how to start your journey to dewy skin.

1. Cleansers

There are two cleansers involved in Korean skincare: an oil cleanser and a water-based/foaming cleanser. You may think using oil to clean your face would result in oilier skin That’s not the case! The oil cleanser is meant to remove things like makeup, leftover SPF, and other impurities. I really like using Kose Softymo speedy cleansing oil for this step.

The second cleanser is used to remove any excess residue and leave skin feeling fresh and clean. This cleanser should be chosen based on your skin type to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin. Su:m 37’s Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick works great on my oily/combination skin.

2. Toner

After all of the cleansing, toners are used to restore your skin’s pH balance back to normal. Choosing which toner to use is also dependent upon your skin type. I found that an almost natural toner is best for my skin. If you need something with minimal ingredients and no scent, try COSRX’s Centella Alcohol-free toner!

3. Essences

Essences are meant moisturize and prep the skin for the rest of the routine that follows. I consider this step optional as most essences I tried irritated my skin, but other people swear by them. COSRX’s Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence is a popular one.

4. Serums

Here is where you can go above and beyond or stick with the basics. Many people like to layer serums in order to target specific problems. Many serums are made to target different areas like fine lines, firmness, dehydration, and more. It’s up to you to pick the one(s) you think will benefit your skin the most.

5. Moisturizers

Eye cream is the first essential moisturizer you will need to you. The skin under the eye is thinner and gets more dehydrated, so it’s important to use a moisturizer catered to those problems.

After applying eye cream, you will need to apply a moisturizer to your face that will lock in all of the products used before it. You will need to determine your skin type and find the best moisturizer that will do this without breaking you out. I find that gel aloe moisturizers work well for my skin.

6. Sunscreen

The final step of the Korean skincare routine is to add sunscreen. This is obviously only necessary to do in the mornings. The higher the SPF, the more protected your skin will be.

And that’s it! I hope this has helped you learn more about Korean skincare and inspire you to start your own.