You don't need 10 steps: cleanse, hydrate, moisturise and sunscreen cover most people. Start with those and add one new product at a time.
Cleansing clears oil, sweat and leftover product so the next steps sit on clean skin. Dermatologists suggest a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser, lukewarm water and your fingertips, morning and night [4]. If your skin is dry or sensitive and you cleansed well the night before, a lukewarm water rinse in the morning is an option.
This is a watery layer that adds a little hydration before the rest of your routine. To be honest, it is optional: a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist lists toner as a step you can skip, and some toners dry out or irritate sensitive skin [5]. In Korea, essences and serums are often treated as much the same thing [2], so if you keep it simple, choose one or the other.
A serum is a concentrated step aimed at one goal, such as oily skin, redness or dullness. Use one at a time: the same dermatologist suggests a single serum rather than stacking several [5]. Not sure where to start? Pick your main concern: dark spots, oily skin and pores, sensitive skin and redness, dullness, or dryness and dehydration.
Moisturiser helps your skin hold on to water and makes the rest of your routine more comfortable, especially if you use actives [5]. Lighter gels suit many oily skin types, while dry skin usually does better with a cream: dermatologists say creams add more moisture than lotions [6]. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are useful ingredients to look for [6].
Cancer Council Australia recommends sunscreen whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, ideally SPF50 or 50+, broad-spectrum and water-resistant, along with a hat, shade and sunglasses [10]. In Queensland the UV Index reaches 3 or above every day [11]. Check the pack for an AUST L (or AUST R) number, which shows the product is listed on the ARTG, and read our guide to Korean and Japanese sunscreens in Australia [12].
No, toner is optional. Some people like the extra hydration, but dermatologists list it as a step you can skip, and some toners dry out or irritate sensitive skin [5]. If you use one, choose alcohol free and fragrance free.
Thinnest to thickest: cleanser, toner or essence, serum, moisturiser, then sunscreen last in the morning [5]. Makeup goes on over sunscreen [12].
Usually 4 to 12 weeks. For breakouts, give one product 6 to 8 weeks before adding another [8]. Keep your routine steady so you can tell what is working.
Yes. Korean and Japanese products follow the same basic steps as any other skincare. Patch test each new product, add one at a time [3], and avoid stacking several strong actives in one routine [5].
A gentle, simple routine can suit acne-prone skin, but most K-beauty products are not acne medicines. For mild acne, dermatologists suggest one product with an active ingredient such as salicylic acid (a BHA), benzoyl peroxide or adapalene, used for 6 to 8 weeks [8]. See a GP or dermatologist for deep, painful spots, scarring or dark marks left behind [8].
Not usually. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist generally suggests your regular moisturiser instead, because the skin around the eyes can be sensitive [5]. Pat it on gently rather than pulling the skin [4].
Check the UV Index rather than the weather. UV can't be seen or felt, and in Queensland it reaches 3 or above every day [11]. Cancer Council recommends sunscreen whenever the UV Index is 3 or above [10].
Your night routine can be even simpler: cleanse, add an active if you use one, then moisturise.
If you wore sunscreen or makeup, you can double cleanse: an oil or balm cleanser first, then your gentle cleanser. If you didn't, one gentle cleanse is enough. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist says double cleansing does more harm than good for many people [5], and Korean survey data suggests most Korean women don't double cleanse every day either [2].
Finish with moisturiser. On nights you use an active, a richer layer can help with dryness [5].
General information only, not medical advice.
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Prices and stock come live from Australian shops. We don't sell anything.
Prices and stock come live from Australian shops. We don't sell anything.
Prices and stock come live from Australian shops. We don't sell anything.