We’re so excited that Korean beauty products and trends continue to grow worldwide and that Glow Recipe has been a part of this global beauty dialogue. At the same time, there’s so much unfiltered information, we wanted to put this burning question – one our customers and readers email us about almost every day – completely to rest.

We’ve all heard about the 10, 15, even 20 step Korean skincare routine. And we’re here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. Korean women do own a lot of products and also do use a lot from them, but the true Korean skin care routine is fluid and customized to how one’s skin feels at the time. No specific number of products is set in stone. Some days, one could layer on a essence and a serum before the moisturizer, but on other days, it could just be a sleeping cream and nothing else.

We’ve put together some K-beauty routines for different skin types, lifestyles and concerns and why each product is needed.

The Korean skin care routine for skin that is dull and rough & has fine lines

A combination of anti-aging ingredients such as niacinimide and anti-oxidants to combat environmental damage are the building blocks of a strong anti-aging routine – and don’t forget hydration is a must as well!
Cleanser: Use LJH Tea Tree 30 Foam Cleanser to deep cleanse the skin – it’s sodium lauryl/ laureth sulfate free and won’t throw skin off balance.
Toner: One of the first essence textures to have vitamin microcapsules inside, the peptide rich Blithe 8 Bean Pulp Essence Toner is a great way to kickstart hydration and nutrients to the skin vs. using an astringent toner that could potentially dry out skin.
Ampoule: Packed with 50% propolis extract & niacinimide, LJH Vita Propolis Ampoule is an advanced treatment that works to minimize lines and smooth skin. Ampoules are used as a 2~3 week ‘boot camp’ program for skin, but this versatile treatment can also be layered on top of a serum or as a stand-in.
Cream: While the Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum is part of a new multi-tasking category called ‘pressed serums’ – a serum & moisturizer hybrid – we love to layer this anti-oxidant-rich cream with an ampoule to give skin with aging concerns an extra boost.

The Korean skin care routine for dry, dehydrated skin

Using a hydrating cleanser and toner instead of products that dry-out and strip the skin, then layering with emollient products are critical to keep skin looking supple and youthful.
Cleanser: Use a sodium lauryl/ laureth sulfate free creamy foaming wash such as Whamisa Organic Flowers Creamy Foam Cleanser
Toner: Mists are a great way to replenish hydration instantly after cleansing – never leave your skin dry than for more than 30 seconds aftr cleansing by spritzing with Whamisa Organic Flowers Olive Mist, chock-full of fermented botanicals.
Essence: The Blossom Jeju Essence Serum is a serum treatment packed with antioxidant rich Camellia, that quickly absorbs but also leaves skin deeply plumped and comfortable. Essences are the modern version of a serum, with uber-lightweight, watery textures that are great for layering.
Cream: Earth’s Recipe Moisture Bound Cream is formulated with Tremella mushroom which is known as nature’s ‘moisture magnet’ to keep skin supple.

The Korean skin care routine for break-out prone, combination skin types

A great ingredient to use for break-out prone skin is tea tree. But this isn’t your grandmother’s smelly little vial of tea tree oil – it’s in modern, lightweight, scent free formulas that really work to balance & treat the skin. Also remember to go for lightweight, gel textures that can treat the skin without leaving it greasy.
Cleanser: Use LJH Tea Tree 30 Foam Cleanser to deep cleanse the skin – it’s sodium lauryl/ laureth sulfate free and won’t throw skin off balance.
Toner: Use LJH Tea Tree 70 Mist to instantly replenish skin after cleansing. Oilier skin types often under-hydrate the skin, causing a spiral where the skin over-produces oils to compensate.
Essence: A lightweight serum, LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence is 90% tea tree extract in a feather-light texture and helps to brighten and even tone as well as soothe troubled skin.
Cream: LJH Tea Tree 80 Cream is in a refreshing gel cream format to hydrate without heaviness.

The Korean skin care routine for lazy nights

Sleeping masks or sheet masks are a great way to keep skin treated during lazy nights. Simply cleanse, then apply the mask. If you are using a sleeping mask, leave it on overnight and rinse off with water in the morning. For the sheet mask, discard after 20 minutes, then pat in excess serum with fingertips. 
Cleanser: Use LJH Tea Tree 30 Foam Cleanser to deep cleanse the skin – it’s sodium lauryl/ laureth sulfate free and won’t throw skin off balance.
Sleeping Mask: Use an emollient overnight mask such as Goodal Anti-Wrinkle Want Night Sleep Mask, that will deeply hydrate skin and keep the skin barrier protected.

The Korean skin care routine for time-pressed moms

Multi-taskers are on the rise in Korea, as customers continue to demand quality and convenience – without compromise. The below routine can deliver results without being too overwhelming for busy mothers!
Cleanser: A powder cleanser such as Dr. Oracle Enzyme Powder Wash is an 2-in-1 product that both cleanses the skin and works as a gently daily exfoliator to keep skin naturally radiant.
Toner: An easy to spritz on mist, such as Whamisa Organic Flowers Damask Rose Mist, not only looks great on the vanity, but also as an on-the-go hydrator throughout the day.
Serum/ Moisturizer: A serum + moisturizer combo such as Blithe Velvet Yam Pressed Serum is an easy way to both treat and moisturize the skin simultaneously.

The Korean skin care routine for the budget conscious

The most important building blocks of any skincare routine is cleansing and hydration. Start off with a solid, harsh-free cleanser and moisturizer to keep skin’s moisture barrier intact. Eventually your goal is to add in a serum treatment step to further provide skin with the actives & nutrients it needs to thrive.
Cleanser: Easy to use and travel friendly, just use a little of the Dr. Oracle The Snow Queen Enzyme Powder Wash to create a cleansing lather.
Moisturize: Whamisa Organic Flowers Cream with Natto is a whipped souffle-like cream that is packed with fermented botanical extracts to keep skin glowing.

And of course,

• Don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily in the morning – it’s your #1 protection against premature aging.
• Start cleansing as soon as you can at night instead of leaving it last minute so that skin is free of the pollutants that clog pores and cause free radical damage as soon as possible.
• Apply your skincare gently and in a patting motion to increase absorption (this article here may help)
• Try a sheet mask or face mask at least once a week to rev up skin cell turnover, clarify or give skin that little extra boost it needs.
• Need a primer on the differences between essences, serums and ampoules? Check out our blog post here.

Get your glow on,
Christine