The Beginner’s Guide to a Korean Skincare Routine (Without 10 Steps)

When I first got into Korean skincare, one thing confused me more than anything else: the so-called “10-step routine.”

I remember thinking — Do I really need ten different products every day?
Spoiler: No. You absolutely don’t.

In fact, when you understand the basics, you’ll realize that Korean skincare isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what’s right for your skin, consistently.

If you're just getting started, this guide is for you.

The Routine Isn’t About 10 Steps — It’s About the Right Steps

Let’s clear something up: the 10-step routine you’ve probably seen online was never meant to be a rule. It was more of an outline of everything you could use, not what you should.

What matters more is that your routine:

• Supports your skin barrier

• Keeps your skin hydrated

• Includes sun protection during the day

• Matches your skin type and concerns

You can get great results with just 3 to 5 steps.

So What Does a Basic Routine Look Like?

Here’s the beginner-friendly structure I recommend — nothing complicated, no fluff:

1. Cleanser

Start and end your day by washing your face. Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin.
If you wear sunscreen or makeup, you might want to double cleanse at night (oil cleanser first, then foam or gel cleanser).

2. Toner or Essence

These are your hydration boosters. They prep your skin for what comes next and help prevent dehydration — especially after cleansing.

3. Serum

This is where you target specific concerns: breakouts, dullness, dark spots, sensitivity. Korean serums are often lightweight but highly effective.

4. Moisturizer

Even oily skin needs moisture. A good moisturizer helps lock in hydration and keep your barrier strong.

5. SPF (Morning only)

This is the step you can’t skip. Sun damage undoes all the good work you do at night — and accelerates aging. A Korean SPF will protect you without feeling sticky or heavy.

You Don’t Have to Guess What to Use

I talk to a lot of people who say the same thing:
“I want to take better care of my skin… but I don’t know where to start.”

That’s why I added a Skincare Quiz to this shop.
It takes less than 2 minutes and gives you a routine based on:

• Your skin type

• Your goals (glow, clear skin, less redness, etc.)

• How much time you want to spend

Take the quiz here — it’s free and actually helpful.

Keep It Simple — Then Build From There

If you start with a solid base, you don’t need much else.
You can always add extras later, like:

• A sheet mask once a week

• An exfoliating toner (2x/week max)

• A richer cream for winter

But don’t feel like you need a shelf full of products on day one.

Your skin will respond better to consistency than to variety.

Final Thought

A good skincare routine shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
It should feel like something you do for yourself — not because you're trying to fix your skin, but because you're learning to take care of it.

Start simple. Stick with it. Adjust as needed. And if you’re not sure what your skin needs? That’s what the quiz is for.