I change my skincare routine depending on the season and my skin’s particular needs. In the summer, I use gentle cleansers, fewer exfoliators, and moisturizers with SPF. In the winter, I use more oils and deep moisturizing creams. But one of my favorite routines year-round is the Korean skincare routine….and today I’ll break it down step-by-step.

If you haven’t heard of the Korean skincare routine yet let me fill you in! It’s a 10-step process that covers all your skincare needs and leaves you with your freshest face yet. Not only will I take you through each step, but I’ll recommend products you can use for them too. And don’t worry, they will range from inexpensive ones you can pick up at Trader Joe’s or Walmart to higher-end ones that pack more of a punch.

Korean Skincare Routine for Beginners

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1.) Makeover Remover or Oil Cleanser

This step is very important to remove makeup, extra sebum, and any other gunk that has collected on your face throughout the day. If you don’t remove it all then it’ll end up sinking into your skin while you sleep possibly causing acne or clogged pores. Yuck.

I use what’s known as the Oil Cleansing Method for this step. It feels so refreshing! Make sure to read my post on the OCM and how to do it correctly.

Products I recommend:

• Shelby Natural’s Face cleaning oil
• Jojoba Oil

2.) Wash with a Water-Based Cleanser

Combined, steps 1 and 2 are known as a “double cleanse” for the obvious reasons. It makes sure your face is thoroughly cleaned without stripping it of necessary oils.

A water-based cleanser is any cleanser that the first ingredient is water. Unlike the oil cleanser, it helps remove sweat and dirt a little better.

Products I recommend:

• I use FRÉ skincare’s hydrating facial cleanser called Purify Me. It’s nourishing and helps de-stress, hydrate, and rebalance my skin. Use SARAHALT25 for 25% every purchase (plus free shipping!)
• Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam

3.) Exfoliate Your Skin

***I’m going to make a quick note about exfoliation. Do not do it more than once a week or combined with any other exfoliators including scrubs, chemical peels, brushes such as the Clarisonic, or even a silicone face scrub.

Once you over-exfoliate it can take a month or longer to heal your skin. I learned the hard way.

That being said, exfoliation CAN be a great way to remove dead skin cells and help aid in cell turnover which helps make your face glow!

Products I recommend:

• The FRÉ face cleanser uses Jojoba beads to gently but effectively exfoliate and purify your skin. They remove excess oils, dead skin cells, unclog pores, imparting a healthy glow, and smooth skin texture. 
• Try this DIY oatmeal and brown sugar face scrub

4.) Use a toner

The point of a toner is to either remove any lingering makeup and/or add nutrients to your skin.  The third use for toners, and probably the most important, is to restore your skin’s barrier so the following products will be absorbed better. Skin is easier to hydrate when it’s already moisturized!

Products I recommend:

• Andalou Natural’s 1000 Roses floral toner.
• Heritage Store Rosewater Face Toner

5.) Add an essence.

Now here is a step you may be unfamiliar with. “Essences” are concentrated products that deliver hydration, anti-aging, and even “glow” factors to your skin. Sounds lovely. Sign me up for more essences!

You can use a traditional essence that is part of the Korean Skincare routine or use this time to apply your favorite serum.

Products I recommend:

• FRÉ’s deep replenishing serum called Revive Me It replenishes moisture and vitamins, regenerates COLLAGEN, and combats premature aging, dryness, and skin fatigue. Use SARAHALT25 for 25% on every purchase (plus free shipping!
• Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum

6.) Apply treatment.

This is the step you would apply any acne or wrinkle specific product to address a specific problem. I don’t always use a treatment depending on how my skin is acting that week.

Products I recommend:

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in squalane but be careful about using it every day if you have sensitive skin.

7.) Apply a sheet mask.

I don’t know if you’ve discovered the wonderful world of sheet masks yet but they are lovely. I like to put one on while relaxing in the bath. When I’m done I don’t have to bother washing it off. It also helps “lock” in the previous steps.

I’ll make a note that you don’t have to use this step every day. Once or twice a week, when you have time will suffice.

Products I recommend:

• Orgaid is one of the few completely clean sheet masks I’ve seen on the market.
• Andalou Naturals Sheet Mask
• Trader Joe’s sheet mask. (Only $2 too!)

8.) Apply eye cream.

I don’t care how young you are. It’s always a good time to start applying an eye cream! I never used to have dark circles under my eyes before becoming a mom but here we are. Now, an eye cream is an essential step in my skincare routine.

Products I recommend:

• FRÉ’s Anti-dark Circles Brighten Me. It increases natural collagen production, prevents transepidermal water loss, and restores the protective barrier function of your skin. Use SARAHALT25 for 25% on every purchase (plus free shipping!
• OleHenriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream

9.) Moisturize!

Moisturizes can come in all different forms from oils to creams to gels. This step seals in the moisture as well as the precious ingredients already applied. I switch it up between oils and creams depending on the time of year and how dry my skin is.

Products I recommend:

• At night I often use The Ordinary’s “B” Oil or FRÉ’s Recover Me Night solution. The “B” oil has a blend of amazing oils and it’s only $9! While costlier, FRÉ’s night cream packs more of a punch though with a 3-in-1 treatment to fight breakouts, fight UV damage, and hydrate all while you sleep. It’s truly skin changing.
• In the morning I use FRÉ ‘s Protect Me, Defense Facial Moisturizer or Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

10.) Apply SPF

Don’t forget your SPF if this is a part of your morning skincare routine! It’ll help protect your skin from damaging UV rays.

Products I recommend:

• FRÉ’s Protect Me contains SPF so I’m good to go!
• COOLA or SunBum

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