Did you think Korean skincare required 12 steps, 20 bottles, and a PhD in cosmetology to master? Don't worry: it's not that complicated. In fact, it all starts with just 4 essential products . Yes, just four. And believe me, that's more than enough to see your skin transform!
So why all the hype around K-beauty? Because it's based on prevention, gentleness, and listening to your skin's needs. And if you don't yet know your skin type (oily, combination, dry, sensitive?), you can get a free skin analysis here . You'll see, it makes all the difference!
1. A good cleanser for clear skin 🫧
Without proper cleansing, even the best cream in the world won't do you any good. The first step is to purify your skin of impurities, excess sebum, sweat, and pollution. And here, Korean skincare shines with its gentle yet remarkably effective approach.
Opt for a foaming cleansing gel , especially if you have oily or combination skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose a creamy foam or a cleansing cream that respects your skin's hydrolipidic film. Holy Skin offers a selection of Korean cleansers suited to every skin type .
Quick tip: don't skip this step morning AND night. Yes, even if you don't wear makeup. Skin regenerates overnight, and in the morning, it needs a boost to properly absorb the rest of your skincare products.
2. A targeted serum for a radiant complexion ✨
Once your skin is clean, it's time to give it what it truly needs: powerful, targeted active ingredients . And that's where serum comes in. Lightweight and concentrated, it works deep down to address YOUR needs: radiance, hydration, blemish control, wrinkle reduction…
For example, you could turn to:
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Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum is perfect if you're looking to brighten your complexion and reduce shine caused by excess sebum.
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The AXIS-Y Dark Spot Serum if you want to reduce 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 moisturizing cream to strengthen the skin barrier 💦
You might think that a cream is just for "looking pretty" or "keeping your skin hydrated." But no! A good moisturizing cream acts like an invisible shield, protecting your skin from external aggressors (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 types will prefer a light jelly .
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Dry skin will love a rich cream based on shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
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If you're looking for an anti-aging product, 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 so. Sunscreen is THE ultimate anti-aging step. UV rays are responsible for 80% of premature skin aging. And they're present even on cloudy days, even through windows.
Good news: K-beauty offers ultra-light, non-greasy sunscreens that leave no white cast and 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 it easy for you 💡
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, tried and tested.
And if you want to personalize it even more, our online skin diagnostic tool is there to guide you. You answer a few questions, and voilà, your ideal routine arrives in your inbox.
FAQ – Korean Skincare for Beginners 🌱
Do I really have to do these 4 steps every day?
Yes, if you want visible results. Consistency is key! In the morning: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. In the evening: same routine, 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 evenings, at least maintain your cleansing and moisturizing routine. 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 skincare products 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 such as centella asiatica or panthenol.
Not sure what your skin type is? Take our free diagnostic here to discover the routine that's right for you.
What ingredients should be prioritized 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 soothe 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 common in Korean skincare, as they adhere to the K-beauty philosophy: gentle, progressive effectiveness, and suitable for all skin types.
What is the order of Korean skincare?
Excellent question, especially for beginners! 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…)
- Moisturizing cream : to strengthen the skin barrier and seal in previous treatments
- Sunscreen (morning only) : essential to prevent UV damage
With this, you cover the essentials. And once you're well established, you can gradually introduce a cleansing oil, toner, essence, or weekly mask depending on your skin's needs.
Are Korean products good for the skin?
Yes , they are . Korean cosmetics are renowned for their gentle, often natural formulas, based on soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as ginseng, green tea, aloe vera, or centella asiatica.
They are designed to respect all skin types – even the most sensitive – and to prevent skin problems rather than treating them in an emergency. Furthermore, the majority of Korean brands offer products free of harsh alcohols, sulfates, and parabens, making them an ideal option for building a healthy and skin-friendly routine.
At Holy Skin , all our products are rigorously selected for their effectiveness, safety, and user experience . You can discover our full selection here .
Final tips for radiant skin 🌿
Starting Korean skincare doesn't mean changing everything overnight. Go at your own pace. Begin with these four basic steps. Observe your skin. And above all, stay consistent : results come with consistency.
And then… treat yourself! The sensorial textures, the cute packaging, the soothing scent of Korean skincare—it makes the routine so much more enjoyable. And your skin? It will become exactly as you've always wanted it!
