Normal Skin

A second cleanser is needed to completely remove all impurities from your face. Water-based cleansers remove any residue that your oil cleanser (nighttime) didn't remove and help remove any remaining residue from the oil cleanser. They usually come in gel and foam textures.
While many traditional cleansers have a reputation for being drying, that's not always the case! We focus on water-based cleansers that are hydrating and balancing.

Recommendation: ROUND LAB Cleanser

Toners help remove any remaining residue while repairing the skin barrier and balancing its pH. Toners also help the skin absorb the products that follow it more effectively. Unlike traditional Western skincare toners, Korean skincare toners are not astringent and do not contain drying alcohol. Korean toners are generally more hydrating and less irritating to the skin. They are typically applied using a cotton pad and/or by patting the skin.

Recommendation: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

After cleansing and toning, the treatment step is where the Korean skincare routine really shines. This crucial phase is all about addressing your skin’s unique needs and concerns with precision and care. Here, you’ll be introduced to a variety of specialized products, each designed to address specific concerns like acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration. The treatment step is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor your routine to your skin’s ever-changing needs. Whether you’re looking to boost hydration, fight signs of aging, even out skin tone, or soothe sensitivity, there’s a treatment product for every concern. This is where you can truly see the transformative power of Korean skincare, as these concentrated formulas work to deeply nourish, repair, and rejuvenate your skin.

Recommendation: KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Skin Fit Blending Korean Essence

After the treatment stage, serums play a vital role in delivering powerful, targeted ingredients deep into your skin. These lightweight yet potent formulas are designed to address specific skin concerns with high concentrations of active ingredients. Popular serum ingredients in Korean skin care include hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening and refining pores, peptides for anti-aging, and centella asiatica to soothe sensitive skin.

Recommendation: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Dark Spot Serum

Moisturizers, the penultimate step in your skincare routine, come in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, lotions, and oils. Their primary function is to seal in the benefits of all the moisturizing products used in previous steps and prevent moisture from escaping the skin, a process known as transepidermal water loss. While moisturizers provide additional hydration, their primary role is protective, forming a barrier on the skin's surface. Many people opt for separate moisturizers for day and night use. During the day, a lighter formulation, sometimes including sunscreen, is often preferred. At night, a richer, more emollient moisturizer can deeply nourish your skin while you sleep. Ultimately, the most important factor is choosing a moisturizer that best suits your skin type and concerns, ensuring your skin stays supple, protected, and well-hydrated throughout the day or night.

Recommendation: DR. G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

The eye area, with its thin and sensitive skin, requires special attention in any skincare routine. Korean skincare focuses on this step, recognizing the eyes as a focal point for signs of aging and fatigue. For For best results, incorporate an eye cream into your morning and evening routines. Some prefer lighter formulations for day and richer creams for night. Regular use can help maintain skin elasticity, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep the eye area bright and refreshed.

Recommendation: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Dark Circle Eye Cream

Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen over moisturizer. Opt for broad-spectrum protection, which protects against both UVB (SPF) and UVA (PA) rays. Sunscreens come in two main types: chemical, which absorb UV rays, and mineral, which reflect them. While both are effective, mineral sunscreens are often recommended for pregnant women or those with sensitive skin. Modern Korean sunscreens have revolutionized sun protection, addressing common complaints about traditional formulas. Many now blend seamlessly without leaving a white cast, offer pleasant or fragrance-free options, and incorporate beneficial skin care ingredients. These advanced formulas not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but also provide hydration and other skin-loving benefits.

Recommendation: ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen