You've embarked on Korean skincare, full of good intentions, hoping to regain a luminous complexion and smooth, hydrated skin. And yet... nothing. Worse, your skin seems to be acting up. Redness, small spots, tightness? You may be making one (or more) of these common mistakes.
K-beauty isn't just an Instagram trend; it's a refined, barrier-friendly ritual that's suitable for every skin type, even the most sensitive. But you still need to avoid any faux pas...
1. Not knowing your skin type 😬
It may sound silly, but it's THE basics. Many people choose products because they're "popular" or "nicely packaged," without checking if they're suitable for their skin. The result? Excess sebum, dehydration, enlarged pores ... the works.
Each skin type (combination, dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive) has its own specific needs. For example:
-
Oily skin needs light care, often in gel form, which regulates sebum.
-
Dry skin will love rich textures, such as nourishing creams made with shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
Don't know your skin type? Take our free skin assessment to discover the routine that's right for you.
2. Skip the double cleansing step 🧼
You're coming home late, you're feeling lazy, a quick swipe of micellar cleanser and off to bed? Oops. It's the most common mistake. Double cleansing is THE signature of the Korean routine. And no, it's not just for makeup-wearing skin.
Why is it essential?
-
Cleansing oil (or balm) dissolves makeup, oil and pollution.
-
The foaming cleanser removes hydrophilic impurities such as sweat or dust.
Skipping this step leaves impurities behind that clog your pores and prevent your skincare from penetrating. Clean skin is skin ready to receive its active ingredients. You can find suitable products in our collection of gentle cleansers.
3. Applying too much product, too quickly 😵
You've probably heard of the Korean 10-step routine . Tempting, right? But in practice, if you layer ten products on top of each other without letting them absorb... your skin will become saturated.
Result :
-
Irritations.
-
Sticky residue.
-
And sometimes even… buttons.
The secret? Less, but better:
-
Wait a few seconds between each layer.
-
Look at your skin: it can speak (even without a mouth).
-
And most importantly: start simple. A routine of 4 to 5 well-chosen steps can work wonders.
A well-chosen 4- to 5-step routine can work wonders. Discover our ready-to-use minimalist routines tailored to every need on Holy Skin .
4. Forgetting sunscreen every day 🌞
Yes, even when it rains. Even in winter. Even when you stay indoors . UV rays are the primary cause of skin aging, dark spots, and loss of radiance. And guess what? Even screens emit UV rays.
Korean women never go out without SPF50+ , and it shows in their smooth, even skin.
But be careful:
-
Choose a lightweight , moisturizing sunscreen, such as Beauty of Joseon or Tocobo .
-
Apply it as the last step of your morning routine.
5. Change your routine every 3 days 🔁
You scroll through Instagram, see a new miracle essence, and hey presto, add it to your routine. Three days later, another post, another serum... Result: your skin is lost.
Korean skincare is gentle, but it takes time to work. On average:
-
2 weeks for a visible moisturizing effect.
-
4 to 6 weeks for spots, fine lines or imperfections.
So stop skipping! Be patient. And if you really want to optimize your routine, choose a pre-built routine based on your skin type. Holy Skin offers one for every need (anti-aging, radiance, anti-blemish, etc.).
6. Neglecting exfoliation… or overdoing it 🧽
Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and restoring radiance. But it's also the most overlooked step.
Too little : your complexion becomes dull, your pores become clogged.
Too often : your skin barrier weakens, hello irritations.
The right frequency?
-
1 to 2 times a week.
-
Choose gentle exfoliants (with enzymes or BHA), especially if you have sensitive skin.
And don't forget to moisturize afterward, with a rich cream or a soothing mask . Your skin will thank you.
7. Using incompatible assets ❌
Are you stacking retinol, vitamin C, acids, and niacinamide like a grandmother's recipe? Ouch. Some combinations can wreak havoc.
👉 For example:
-
Retinol + AHA = ultra-sensitized skin.
-
Vitamin C + niacinamide = effects cancelled out (or worse).
Korean skincare favors the gentle synergy of natural ingredients (ginseng, aloe vera, and centella asiatica). These active ingredients are often used in brands like SKIN1004 or Haruharu Wonder , perfect for sensitive skin and risk-free routines.
Korean Skincare FAQ 💬
Should you follow a Korean morning and evening routine?
Absolutely! The morning and evening routine is one of the foundations of Korean skincare. But be careful, it doesn't have to be complicated. In the morning, the focus is on protection : gentle cleansing, toner, light serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. In the evening, we move on to repair and nourishment : double cleansing, lotion, essence, targeted serum, night cream, or even a night mask if needed.
Simply adapt your routine to your pace and the condition of your skin: a well-thought-out routine, even a short one, is better than a long, sloppy routine!
Can I mix Korean products with other brands?
Yes, you can, but... with caution! While Korean products are formulated to be gentle and well-tolerated, mixing different brands (especially Western ones) without understanding the active ingredients can create incompatibilities. For example, certain ingredients like AHA/BHA, retinol, or vitamin C must be used sparingly to avoid irritation and redness.
When in doubt, always start by testing the products one by one, and respect the principle of "less is more".
How long before I see results?
Patience, patience! Unlike harsh or overly aggressive treatments, K-beauty is a gentle and gradual method.
In general :
-
Hydration, radiance : first effects visible in 1 to 2 weeks.
-
Refined skin texture, less visible pores : 3 to 4 weeks.
-
Spots, imperfections, wrinkles : 6 to 8 weeks with a regular routine.
Every skin is different, so the key is: consistency and kindness towards your skin.
Is Korean skin care good or bad?
Overall, Korean skincare products are excellent , provided you use them correctly. Their formulation is based on natural active ingredients (green tea, aloe vera, centella asiatica, etc.), innovative textures (gel, essence, light cream) and deep respect for the skin barrier .
They are suitable for a wide variety of skin types and are particularly prized for their rapid effectiveness on hydration, redness, pores and radiance of the complexion.
What is the best Korean skincare brand?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it all depends on your skin type and needs. Here are some popular Korean brands:
-
Beauty of Joseon : For sensitive and dull skin. Formulas inspired by traditional medicine.
-
TIRTIR : famous for its tinted creams and moisturizers.
-
SKIN1004 : based on centella asiatica, great for soothing and regenerating the skin.
-
Haruharu Wonder : anti-aging and anti-pollution treatments formulated with fermented black rice.
-
Dr. Althea : Light textures, concentrated serums, perfect for combination to oily skin.
You can discover these brands and many more on Holy Skin , with selections by objective (acne, radiance, anti-aging, etc.).
Do Korean skincare products give me breakouts?
It's possible... but not necessarily because of the skincare product itself. There are several reasons why acne may break out after changing your routine:
-
A purge due to the introduction of an active ingredient (eg: BHA or niacinamide).
-
A product that is not suited to your skin type (too rich or comedogenic).
-
A bad combination of care.
To avoid this:
-
Introduce new features gradually .
-
Analyze the composition if you suspect a particular ingredient.
-
Opt for non-comedogenic formulas and lightweight textures if your skin is prone to imperfections.
Are Korean skincare products non-toxic?
The majority of Korean cosmetics are formulated without controversial substances: no parabens, no harsh sulfates, no drying alcohol or overly concentrated fragrances.
They rely on natural ingredients, plant extracts and active ingredients recognized for their skin tolerance .
Of course, as with everything else, you have to be vigilant. Read the labels , choose transparent brands and dermatologically tested products. On Holy Skin , you'll find a rigorous, hand-picked selection , with a focus on quality, effectiveness... and safety!
In summary: Korean skincare, yes… but not just any old way 😉
Korean skincare is a gentle, precise art that listens to the skin's needs. But it doesn't take much to miss out on its benefits. By avoiding these 7 Korean skincare mistakes, you'll finally give your skin the ideal conditions to shine.
And if you want to simplify your life, discover our free skin diagnosis on Holy Skin , and choose your personalized routine, lovingly designed for each skin type. Don't forget: your skin deserves the best! ❤️
