Life is hectic enough, and skincare doesn’t need to add to the stress, right? For many, skincare means using countless products in an hour-long skincare routine.
What if we told you that you can have healthy and radiant skin in just four simple steps? A simple Korean skincare routine gives you mirror-like skin in four easy steps. This not only makes the whole process simple but also gives the benefit it promises.
What Is a Simple Korean Skincare Routine?
The basic Korean skincare routine has four steps: cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting. Each step has a clear job, and together they cover the skin’s basic needs. The right products can multitask. This means that they could address more than one skin condition at a time.
Because of Korean skincare ingredients, these products prevent the problem before it even starts. This keeps your skin healthy and looking radiant every day. And the plus points? It blends well into your busy mornings and evenings.
This regimen also adheres to the Korean approach of preventing rather than fixing issues before they arise. It keeps the skin balanced and healthy every day. Since it involves only a few steps, it is easy to incorporate into busy mornings and nights. The results can still be seen, but the routine is simple, easy, and convenient to use daily.
First Step: Double Cleansing in the Evening
Double cleansing is the best way to begin a nighttime skincare routine. A single wash will leave behind makeup residue, sunblock, or dirt. With two cleansers, the skin is better cleaned without feeling dry.
Start with an oil cleanser. It helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and other oils on the skin. Most people believe that oil will make the skin oily. However, in reality, oil dissolves oil. Due to this reason, the skin feels balanced instead of oily.
Then, use a water-based cleanser. It will absorb sweat, dust, and whatever is left behind after the oil cleanser. Together, both these steps leave your skin clean, soft, and prepared for the rest of the routine.
This process will leave your skin squeakily clean. Since there is no sunscreen and makeup put on at nighttime, this is only required in the evening.
Second Step: Toner in the Morning and Evening
A toner is the second step in the Korean skincare routine. You can use it both in the morning and at night. Unlike many Western toners, Korean toners are gentle on the skin and make your skin hydrated.
After cleansing, apply toner as the first layer of moisture. It also brings the skin back to its natural pH level. This way, you are preparing your skin to absorb serums and creams better.
However, there is a correct way to use toner. Always apply toner using a cotton pad and gently pat it on your skin, and do not wipe the skin harshly.
Third Step: Moisturizer in the Morning and Evening
A moisturizer is the third step in the beginner Korean skin care routine. You can do it both in the morning and the evening. Korean moisturizers are usually light and absorb quickly. They give deep hydration without making the skin feel heavy.
With daily use, a moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier strong and prevents dryness and irritation. Religiously moisturizing your face also helps reduce the early signs of aging. For this reason, always apply moisturizer after toner to seal in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
Elire moisturizers follow the same concept. The Firming Eye Cream adds gentle care to the eye area. The Aging Repair Cream gives lasting hydration while supporting skin repair, whereas our Anti-Aging Eye Cream targets fine lines and keeps your skin soft. With regular use, these products prevent many common skin problems.
Last Step: Sunscreen in the Morning and During the Day
The final step in the Korean routine is sunscreen. Apply it every morning and as needed during the day. It creates a protective barrier that shields your skin against UVA and UVB rays. This stops your skin from prematurely aging, developing dark spots, and being damaged by the sun. Without sunscreen, even top-notch skincare won’t help shield your skin from the sun.
There are two broad categories of sunscreens. While chemical sunscreens absorb harmful rays, physical sunscreens prevent them from reaching the skin's surface.
Korean sunscreens nowadays provide light, smooth, and non-greasy textures that not only help protect but are also not hard on the skin. That’s why people use it daily.
Is a 4-Step Korean Skincare Routine Suitable for Everyone?
This routine is suitable for everyone. It works for most skin types, ages, and experience levels. With only four easy steps, it is ideal for busy people who want effective care without long steps.
4 Step vs. 10 Step Korean Skincare: What’s the Difference?
Korean skincare can be short or long. Some individuals stick to four steps, while others use all ten. That said, both help nourish and shield your skin.
The 4-step routine offers the fundamentals of care and is good for people with little time or with basic skin needs. The 10-step routine consists of niche skincare products. It adds layers for individuals who wish to treat issues such as brightening, exfoliating, or anti-aging.
FAQ
What is the Korean skincare 3-second rule?
The 3-second rule means applying toner right after cleansing, within three seconds. This helps lock in moisture before the skin dries.
Why do Koreans wash their face twice?
Koreans wash twice through double cleansing. The first oil cleanser removes makeup and sunscreen, while the second water-based cleanser clears dirt and sweat.
