Did you think Korean skincare was 12 steps, 20 bottles, and a PhD in cosmetology to get you through it? Don't worry: it's not that complicated. In fact, it all starts with 4 essential products . Yes, just four. And trust me, that's more than enough to see your skin transform!
So, why all the fuss about K-beauty? Because it's all about prevention, gentleness, and listening to your skin's needs. And if you don't yet know what your skin type is (oily, combination, dry, sensitive?), you can get a free diagnosis here . You'll see, it changes everything!
1. A good cleanser for clear skin 🫧
Without proper cleansing, even the best cream in the world won't do anything for you. The first step is to cleanse your skin of impurities, excess sebum, perspiration, and pollution. And here, Korean skincare shines with its gentle yet incredibly effective approach.
Opt for a foaming cleansing gel , especially if you have oily or combination skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, turn to a creamy foam or cream cleanser , which respects your hydrolipidic film. Holy Skin offers a selection of Korean cleansers adapted to each skin type .
Quick tip: Don't skip this step in the morning AND evening. Yes, even if you don't wear makeup. Your skin regenerates at night, and in the morning, it needs a boost of freshness to properly absorb the rest of your skincare.
2. A targeted serum for a radiant complexion ✨
Once your skin is clean, it's time to give it what it really needs: powerful, targeted active ingredients . And that's where serum comes in. Lightweight and concentrated, it works deep down to meet YOUR needs: radiance, hydration, anti-blemish, anti-wrinkle...
For example, you can turn to:
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Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum if you're looking to brighten your complexion and reduce shine caused by excess sebum.
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AXIS-Y's Dark Spot Serum if you want to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone.
Don't forget that at Holy Skin , you can find your ready-made routine with a serum adapted to your skin type and your current concerns.
3. A moisturizer to strengthen the skin barrier 💦
You might think that a cream is just for "looking pretty" or "keeping in moisture." But no! A good moisturizer acts like an invisible shield, protecting your skin from external aggressions (pollution, wind, air conditioning, oxidative stress, etc.).
Whether you have dry, combination, or oily skin, you need to moisturize daily :
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Oily skin will prefer a light jelly .
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Dry skin will love a rich cream with shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
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If you're looking for anti-aging, look for a cream enriched with peptides, collagen, or ginseng .
A well-chosen cream strengthens your skin barrier , soothes tightness , and visibly improves the texture and radiance of your complexion.
4. Daily sunscreen to protect your skin ☀️
This is the step many people skip... wrongly. Sunscreen is THE ultimate anti-aging step. UV rays are responsible for 80% of premature skin aging. And they're present even on gray days, even through windows.
Good news: K-beauty offers ultra-light, non-greasy, white-casting sunscreens that blend into the skin like a moisturizer. Definitely worth trying:
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Relief Sun SPF50+ from Beauty of Joseon : fluid texture, glowy finish.
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Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream : vegan, moisturizing, perfect for sensitive skin.
It's THE finishing touch to your morning routine. Without it, everything you've applied before is exposed... and therefore weakened.
And if you don't want to make a mistake? We've made your life easier 💡
The good news? At Holy Skin , we've already done all the work for you. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, you can directly choose a pre-designed routine with these 4 essential steps, tested and approved.
And if you want to personalize even more, our online skin diagnosis is here to guide you. Answer a few questions, and presto, your ideal routine arrives in your inbox.
FAQ – Korean Skincare for Beginners 🌱
Do I really need to do these 4 steps every day?
Yes, if you want visible results. Consistency is key! Morning: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. Evening: same regimen, but without the SPF (replaced with a repairing treatment or night cream). These steps help strengthen the skin barrier, maintain hydration, and prevent blemishes.
Even if you feel tired some nights, keep cleansing and moisturizing to a minimum. Your skin will thank you in the long run, trust us.
Should I adapt my routine to my skin type?
Absolutely! Oily skin doesn't have the same needs as dry, combination, or sensitive skin. For example:
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Oily skin will need light, mattifying textures and treatments that regulate sebum.
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Dry skin will need nourishing creams and serums rich in hyaluronic acid.
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Sensitive skin will require soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or panthenol.
Not sure about your skin type? Take your free skin diagnosis here to discover the routine that's right for you.
What ingredients should you choose to start with?
Beginners can rely on active ingredients known for their gentleness and effectiveness:
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Hyaluronic acid for intense hydration,
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Centella asiatica to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier,
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Niacinamide to regulate sebum and improve skin texture,
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Propolis or panthenol to repair and soothe.
These ingredients are very present in Korean skincare, because they respect the K-beauty philosophy: gentle, progressive effectiveness, and suitable for all skin types.
What order of Korean skincare?
Great question, especially when you're just starting out! Here's the classic order of a Korean routine in 4 simple steps (suitable for beginners):
- Gentle cleanser : to remove accumulated impurities
- Serum : to treat a specific problem (hydration, radiance, imperfections, etc.)
- Moisturizing cream : to strengthen the skin barrier and seal in previous treatments
- Sunscreen (morning only) : essential to prevent UV damage
With this, you've covered the essentials. And once you're comfortable, you can gradually introduce a cleansing oil, toner, essence, or weekly mask depending on your skin's needs.
Are Korean products good for skin?
Yes , they are . Korean cosmetics are renowned for their gentle, often natural formulas, made with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like ginseng, green tea, aloe vera, and centella asiatica.
They're designed to respect all skin types—even the most sensitive—and prevent skin problems rather than treating them in an emergency. What's more, most Korean brands offer products free of harsh alcohol, sulfates, and parabens, making them an ideal option for building a healthy, skin-friendly routine.
At Holy Skin , all our products are carefully selected for their effectiveness, safety, and ease of use . You can discover our full selection here .
Final tips for glowing skin 🌿
Starting Korean skincare doesn't mean changing everything overnight. Go at your own pace. Start with these four basic steps. Observe your skin. And above all, stay consistent : results come with consistency.
And then... treat yourself! The sensory textures, the cute packaging, the soothing scent of Korean skincare products make your routine much more enjoyable. And your skin? It'll become just as you've always wanted it!
