The Korean Skincare Routine for Glass Skin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover the secrets to glass-like skin beauty with our Korean skincare routine, using a mix of essential products to achieve that coveted radiant glow. Whether you incorporate one item or the full regimen, each step has unique benefits to enhance your skin’s health and appearance.

Did you know the average Korean woman uses up to 17 skincare products daily? Yes, you read that right! Korean skincare is a breathtaking symphony of dedication and innovation, starting from new cleansing rituals to advanced serums and masks.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the Korean skincare routine, complete with statistics and diverse perspectives, so you can embark on your journey toward radiant, glowing skin—with some exciting HAUS Cosmetics options!

Step 1: Oil-based Cleanser

The first step of the double cleansing process is using an oil-based cleanser. This is critical because oil-based cleansers can effectively break down makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based impurities like sebum (an oily substance naturally produced by the skin). The oil in these cleansers attracts other oils, lifting them off the skin without disrupting its natural balance.

Why it’s essential:

• Removes waterproof makeup and sunscreens, which water-based cleansers can’t fully dissolve.
• Gently cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Prepares the skin for deeper cleansing in the next step.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ Hydra Glow Melt Away Balm is formulated with nourishing oils like Rice Bran oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil & Geranium oil ensuring gentle yet effective removal of makeup and impurities.

Step 2: Water-based Cleanser

Following your oil-based cleanser, a water-based cleanser ensures that any remaining residue—like dirt, sweat, and other water-based impurities—is thoroughly washed away. This step leaves your skin perfectly clean and ready to absorb the benefits of the next products in your routine.

Why it’s essential:

• Removes dirt and water-based impurities that oil-based cleansers might leave behind.
• Helps maintain a clear complexion by preventing clogged pores.
• Prepares the skin for better absorption of serums, essences, and moisturizers.

Suggestion: Try HAUS Cosmetics’ Brightening Cream Cleanser, a gentle yet effective foaming cleanser that purifies the skin while maintaining its natural moisture balance.

Step 3: Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an important step, but it shouldn’t be overdone. By exfoliating one to two times a week, you help slough away dead skin cells that can cause dullness and clog pores. This step also improves the skin's texture and enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare products.

There are two types of exfoliants:

• Physical exfoliants use tiny particles or brushes to physically scrub away dead skin.
• Chemical exfoliants use ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil gently.

Why it’s essential:

• Removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
• Prevents breakouts by clearing out clogged pores.
• Allows other skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ AHA BHA Exfoliating Lotion uses a blend of fruit enzymes and mild AHAs to gently exfoliate without irritating your skin.

Step 4: Toner

A toner serves multiple purposes, and it’s more than just a refreshing spritz! Toners in Korean skincare help restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing, which can be disrupted during the washing process. They also provide an extra layer of hydration, ensuring that your skin is primed to absorb serums and treatments more effectively.

Why it’s essential:

• Balances the skin’s pH, ensuring it remains healthy and less prone to irritation.
• Provides a light layer of hydration that preps the skin for the next steps.
• Can help refine the appearance of pores and improve skin texture.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ HydraPore Toner contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for the next steps.

Step 5: Essence

Essences are the heart of the Korean skincare routine and a key to achieving that "glass skin" look. An essence is a lightweight, watery formula designed to hydrate and nourish deeply. Packed with active ingredients, it boosts moisture, increases the skin’s resilience, and enhances the efficacy of the treatments that follow.

Why it’s essential:

• Hydrates the skin at a deeper level, plumping it up from within.
• Provides a base layer for serums, helping them to penetrate more effectively.
• Offers additional nutrients and antioxidants, which support skin health and radiance.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ Birdnest Beauty Elixir is infused with hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts to give your skin a hydrated, glowing base.

Step 6: Serum and Ampoule

Serums and ampoules are potent, concentrated treatments designed to address specific skin concerns. While both are effective, serums are typically lighter and suitable for daily use, while ampoules are often more concentrated and used for short, intensive treatment periods.

Common ingredients to look for:

• Niacinamide (brightening)
• Vitamin C (anti-aging, brightening)
• Peptides (collagen-boosting)
• Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
• Retinol (anti-aging)

Why it’s essential:

• Delivers targeted treatments for specific skin issues like pigmentation, acne, or fine lines.
• Provides potent active ingredients for visible improvements.
• Boosts the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ MUDDE NAD+ Booster Serum offers a range of serums targeting concerns from fine lines to dullness, featuring ingredients like niacinamide and peptides for brighter, smoother skin.

Step 7: Sheet Masks

A staple of Korean skincare, sheet masks provide an instant boost of hydration and nutrients, making them a perfect pampering treat. Sheet masks are typically soaked in serums enriched with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or antioxidants.

Why it’s essential:

• Delivers an intense surge of hydration to plump and rejuvenate the skin.
• Provides targeted treatment depending on your skin’s needs (brightening, hydration, soothing).
• Leaves the skin visibly glowing after just one use.

Step 8: Eye Cream

The delicate area around the eyes requires special care. Eye creams are designed to tackle puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. They provide deep hydration and targeted ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, or peptides to rejuvenate this sensitive area.

Why it’s essential:

• Hydrates the thin, delicate skin around the eyes, preventing dryness and wrinkles.
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles, brightening the under-eye area.
• Prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.

Step 9: Moisturizer

Moisturizer is an essential step in locking in hydration and sealing all the active ingredients from the previous steps. A good moisturizer not only hydrates but also strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors.

Why it’s essential:

• Locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated throughout the day or night.
• Strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing dryness and irritation.
• Leaves the skin soft, supple, and smooth.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ CeraMoist Stick Moisturiser uses hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide long-lasting hydration and improve the skin’s texture.

Step 10: Sunscreen

The final and most important step in any skincare routine is sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. It’s vital to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.

Why it’s essential:

• Shields the skin from UV damage, preventing sunburn and premature aging.
• Reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
• Protects against skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure.

Suggestion: HAUS Cosmetics’ Super Moisturizing Sunscreen provides SPF 50/PA++++ broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that sits perfectly under makeup.

In a Nutshell

And there you have it! The Korean skincare routine is a carefully layered process designed to hydrate, protect, and nourish the skin. By consistently following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving flawless, glass-like skin.

Now that you're equipped with the ultimate guide to glass skin, why not explore HAUS Cosmetics' range of Korean-inspired products and take your skincare to the next level? Your journey to glowing, radiant skin begins here!