10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

woman in a garden flower - Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

Are you looking to upgrade your skincare routine using the best skin brands? The Korean skincare routine, day and night, could be your answer for achieving healthy and glowing skin. From double cleansing to layering on serums and ampoules, the Korean skincare routine is a step-by-step process packed with nourishing ingredients and plenty of hydration. 

Imagine waking daily to beautiful, radiant skin that feels hydrated, plump, and healthy. This guide will help you through the steps to enhance your beauty by using different beauty tips with the Korean skincare routine day and night.

Looking to enhance your beauty with different beauty tips? Download the Glowup App for personalized skin care advice tailored to your unique skin needs.

Table Of Contents

What Is Korean Skincare?

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Korean beauty products and regimens are built for the long haul. Consistency and dedication yield the desired results. Think of it as the difference between a crash diet and a clean-eating lifestyle.

Fundamentally, the routine is about respecting your skin. Instead of using products full of harsh ingredients that strip the skin’s natural barrier, the Korean skincare philosophy is about working with your skin’s natural ecosystem by cleansing, hydrating, nourishing, and protecting it — allowing your skin to thrive. Korean skincare focuses on prevention and protection rather than using products to undo the damage.

If Korean skincare is any proof, taking care of your skin before it needs it will pay off in the long run. Prevention is always better because it can be hard to recover skin to its original state once the damage is done.

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5 Reasons Why Is Korean Skincare So Good

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1. Innovation and Technology: The Key to That Glow

Korean skincare is all about innovation and technology, and that's the secret to that glowing skin you've been seeing all over Instagram. These brands are always one step ahead regarding the latest skincare research. This results in the development of new formulas and techniques to tackle a wide range of skin concerns.

When Korean skincare brands revamp their formulations, this also helps to keep their products original and unique. By staying on top of their formulations and ensuring their products are authentic, Korean skincare brands can maintain their reputation for high-quality, effective skincare products.

2. Unique Ingredients: Snail Mucin, Centella & Ginseng

Korean skincare products are known for using unique and exotic ingredients not commonly found in Western skincare products. Yup, Snail Mucin is a thing, and it's a game-changer. Snail Mucin contains skin-loving ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Peptides that can help with skin regeneration, hydration, and overall skin health.

Another unique ingredient commonly used in Korean skincare is Centella Asiatica or tiger grass. This plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it great for sensitive or inflamed skin. Centella Asiatica is commonly found in creams and serums to help soothe and heal the skin.

Ginseng is also a popular ingredient in Korean skincare, known for its antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginseng increases collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and improves skin tone. With its rich antioxidants, Ginseng helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Rigorous Skincare Routines: Worth the Effort

Korean skincare routines are known for being rigorous and involving multiple steps, ranging from 3 to 10 steps. Each step addresses a specific aspect of your skin, such as removing makeup and impurities, providing hydration and nourishment, and protecting the skin from UV damage.

The routines are designed to be customized to your specific skin concerns and needs, offering a tailored approach to skincare.

4. Less Fragrance, More Minimalistic Ingredients

Korean skincare brands take a minimalistic approach to ingredients, focusing on the essentials of skincare needs. Products have shorter ingredient lists, containing only what is necessary for the skin.

Many brands avoid using heavy fragrances in their products to prevent irritation. By using simple, minimalistic ingredients, Korean skincare brands provide effective, gentle products for the skin.

5. Affordable but Efficient

Korean skincare products are known for their affordability despite being high quality and effective. They are often more affordable than their Western counterparts, allowing people to experiment with different skincare routines without breaking the bank.

Korean skincare products are efficient, so a little goes a long way. This longevity saves money in the long run, making them a cost-effective choice.

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10 Step Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

woman walking down a park - Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

Day Time 8-Step Korean Skincare Routine

1. Wash Your Face with Water Firs

Upon waking, wash your face with water. Avoid using a cleanser at this stage. This step helps to refresh your skin without stripping it of natural oils.

2. Use Toner

Apply toner to your face after water cleansing. To apply toner, take a cotton swab and sweep it over your face. Alternatively, pour some toner into your palms and lightly pat it all over your face.

3. Use Essence

Essence is a combo of serum, toner, and moisturizer. Gently pat it all over your face without sweeping your fingers.

4. Use Ampoule

Ampoules have a higher concentration of active ingredients than essences and serums. Apply a few drops to your face with the dropper, tap, and gently press it all over your face with your fingers.

5. Use Serum

Serums address specific skin concerns. Apply a pea-sized amount to your fingertips and gently pat it all over your face.

6. Apply Eye Cream

The delicate skin around your eyes needs a separate cream. Apply an eye cream to keep that area hydrated and protected throughout the day.

7. Use Moisturizer

After applying the eye cream, apply moisturizer to your face and neck. Gently massage the moisturizer into your face and neck.

8. Put on Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV rays. This reduces the appearance of dark spots, tanning, sunburn, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Night Time 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

1. OilBased Cleansers

Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove heavy lipids and oils from your makeup.

2. WaterBased Cleansers

Follow the oil cleanser with your regular face wash for a complete clean.

3. Toners

Prepare your skin for hydration with a toner, enhancing the properties of further products.

4. Essences

Use essences with botanical ingredients for a soft and hydrated skin base.

5. Serums & Ampoules

Nighttime is great for potent serums tailored to your skin's needs.

6. Eye Creams

An eye serum complements your eye cream for brighter skin around the eyes.

7. Moisturizers / Oils

Apply an evening moisturizer before bed or use a sleep mask.

8. Exfoliators 

Use exfoliators with a sleeping mask before nourishing the skin.

9. Sleeping Masks

Use a hydrating overnight mask for potent active ingredients.

10. SPF

If heading out for the night, continue using sunscreen until the sun completely sets.

Benefits Of Korean Skincare Routine

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All About Hydration

Korean skincare routines are designed to provide deep hydration to the skin, ensuring a plump, youthful appearance. Achieving deeply hydrated skin helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and gives the skin a radiant glow.

Benefits for Dry Skin

KBeauty offers an array of hydrating products for dry skin. From essences and ampoules to rich creams, every layer of the skin receives the necessary moisture to combat parched, tight skin.

Customization for Various Skin Types

Korean skincare routines cater to skin types, including oily/combination, sensitive, and aging skin. For oily skin, lightweight, water-based products help balance sebum production. For sensitive skin, products are laden with natural ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Madecassoside. And for aging skin, ingredients like Ginseng and Snail Mucin enhance skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.

Emphasis on Sun Protection

Sun protection is a crucial aspect of KBeauty routines, helping delay premature aging, prevent sunspots, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is not an afterthought but a pivotal part of daily skincare.

Treating Skin Concerns at the Root

Korean skincare products are designed to target skin issues at their core. For acne-prone skin, ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Green Tea Extract, and BHA unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne. For hyperpigmentation, Niacinamide, Licorice Root, and Vitamin C address dark spots and achieve an even skin tone.

Emphasis on Natural Ingredients

KBeauty products harness the power of natural ingredients like Bee Venom and Bamboo Sap to treat skin concerns and provide essential nutrients. These ingredients are gentle on the skin and offer numerous benefits.

Focus on Preventive Care

Korean skincare routines focus on prevention to ensure that the skin remains healthy, resilient, and radiant in the long run. Rather than waiting for skin issues to arise, prevention is key.

Innovations Tailored for Every Need

The KBeauty industry continually evolves, leading to innovative products catering to every skin type and concern. From bubble masks to sleep masks and jelly moisturizers, Korean skincare has something for everyone.

Skin’s Barrier Strengthening

Korean skincare products enhance the skin's barrier to prevent moisture loss, protect against external irritants, and keep the skin radiant. Ingredients like Ceramides, Fatty Acids, and Hyaluronic Acid help strengthen the skin barrier.

Achieving the ‘Glass Skin’ Glow 

Korean skincare routines aim to achieve the coveted 'glass skin' – a smooth and reflective complexion that resembles glass. This glow is a sign of healthy skin that naturally shines from within.

Why Is Korean Skincare Better Than American

woman in a club - Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

Korean skincare has been a gamechanger for many. According to cosmetics chemist Ramón Pagán, Korean skincare focuses more on reducing inflammation and promoting hydration than its American counterpart, which can be more irritating and astringent due to higher active ingredient percentages. Western skincare has been heavily influenced by marketing trends, emphasizing stripping the skin of impurities rather than nurturing it. 

The Korean approach is about nourishing the skin, making it the preferred choice for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. This difference in approach has made Korean skincare a go-to solution for many, offering relief from skin concerns that can be exacerbated by Western skincare products.

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8 Best Selling Korean Skincare Products

woman applying cream on hand - Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

1. GlowUp AI

GlowUp AI is a revolutionary beauty app designed to help you unlock your full aesthetic potential. By analyzing your facial features, GlowUp AI helps you discover your unique archetype and best traits. This bespoke AI beauty guide offers personalized tips to enhance your appearance and highlight your beauty. 

Whether you're a Bunny Pretty, Cat Pretty, Doe Pretty, or Fox Pretty, GlowUp AI empowers you to embrace your identity and enhance your self-confidence. By downloading the GlowUp app on the App Store or Google Play, you can discover your pretty archetype in seconds for free, kickstarting your journey of self-discovery and enhancement.

2. QUENCH Korean Serum for Pigmentation and Dark Spots

QUENCH Korean Serum is a bouncy and silky serum that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue. Infused with pomegranates, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this serum enhances skin luminosity and boasts exceptional anti-aging properties. 

The betahydroxybutyrate in QUENCH improves skin firmness and reduces fine wrinkles, while ingredients like allantoin and arginine tighten and smooth the skin. This serum protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental factors, smooths the skin, enhances its texture, and boosts its overall health.

3. COSRX Snail Mucin Hydrating Korean Serum

Containing 96 percent skin-friendly snail secretion filtrate, COSRX serum is a game-changer in repairing damaged skin, enhancing elasticity, and maintaining optimal moisture levels throughout the day. This serum contains essential components to nourish, heal, and rejuvenate the skin effectively. With consistent use, snail mucin addresses many skin concerns, from dry spots to acne breakouts, and even helps reduce hyperpigmentation, leaving your skin radiant and hydrated.

4. Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion is a deeply moisturizing yet lightweight lotion that works wonders on the skin. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, this lotion is enriched with ceramides crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and supple. You won't look back once you try this holy grail beauty product. It's a must-have for daily application to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

5. Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream

The Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream is a game-changer for those struggling with patchy and dehydrated skin. This gel-like formula feels incredibly lightweight and delivers intense hydration to your skin. The real magic lies in the four growth factors present in this moisturizer. These growth factors stimulate your skin cells to repair and regenerate, helping you achieve a youthful and radiant complexion. Say goodbye to dry, lackluster skin with this moisturizer.

6. PILGRIM Korean Serum

PILGRIM Korean Serum is a fast-absorbing serum that instantly brightens the skin. This serum features a unique blend of blueberries, vitamin C, and alpha arbutin to maintain an even skin tone. Alpha arbutin tackles hyperpigmentation, minimizes dark spots, and smoothes the skin, while vitamin C fights free radicals that accelerate skin aging. Regularly, this serum strengthens the skin's natural defense barrier, preventing premature aging and promoting a healthy complexion.

7. AESTURA ACICA 365 Calming Cream

AESTURA ACICA 365 Calming Cream is a savior for dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. This Kbeauty calming cream contains panthenol, a skin-smoothing ingredient that moisturizes, heals, and reduces inflammation. Ideal for soothing bug bites, eczema, sunburns, and overall skin discomfort, this cream alleviates various skin issues, leaving your skin feeling calm and rejuvenated.

8. Beauty of Joseon Korean Serum

The beauty of Joseon Korean Serum is tailored for acne-prone skin, aiming to calm and heal irritated flareups while promoting an even skin tone. Enriched with 60 percent propolis extract, this serum acts as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, soothing the skin and refining pores. With niacinamide, lotus seed extract, and a touch of BHA, this serum effectively targets acne, controls sebum production, and nourishes the skin for a healthy and revitalized complexion.

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Glowup AI is dedicated to helping you unlock your full aesthetic potential and embrace self-discovery. With features like discovering your archetype, learning about your best traits, and receiving personalized tips, Glowup AI is your bespoke beauty guide on the enhancement journey. Download the Glowup AI app on the App Store or Google Play today to explore your beauty and unlock your full beauty potential.

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