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New to Korean Skincare? Here’s a Simple 7-Day Beginner Routine

Starting a Korean skincare routine can feel overwhelming with all the steps and products — but don’t worry! We’ve created a simple 7-day plan that helps you ease into K-beauty without stress.

This beginner-friendly routine builds gradually, helping your skin adjust while teaching you the basics of layering and care.

Let’s glow — one step at a time!

 

 

 

Day 1: Start with the Basics – Cleanser & Moisturizer

 

Choose a gentle, low-pH cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer. Clean skin + hydration is the foundation of every K-beauty routine.

Try:

  • Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (COSRX)
  • SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream (Etude House)

Day 2: Add Sunscreen in the Morning

 

Sun protection is non-negotiable in Korean skincare. Even indoors, UV damage can affect your skin.

Try:

  • Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
  • Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

 

 

 

Day 3: Introduce a Toner After Cleansing

A hydrating toner preps your skin to absorb the next layers better and gives an extra boost of moisture.

Try:

  • Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
  • Round Lab Dokdo Toner

Day 4: Time for Essence or Serum

Now that your skin is used to the basics, introduce an essence or calming serum to target specific skin concerns (like dullness or redness).

Try:

  • Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum (Green Tea + Panthenol)
  • Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Day 5: Try Sheet Masks (2-3x a Week)

Pamper your skin with extra hydration and glow. Use a sheet mask in the evening and relax.

Try:

  • Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask
  • Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask

Day 6: Learn to Layer Products (Light to Rich)

Apply your products in order from thinnest to thickest:

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner
  3. Essence/Serum
  4. Moisturizer
  5. Sunscreen (AM only)

Focus on gentle patting rather than rubbing.

Day 7: Observe Your Skin & Adjust

Now that you’ve completed your first week, notice how your skin feels. Glowing? Calmer? Dry? You can slowly explore new products or steps like exfoliants, eye creams, or night masks — one at a time.
Final Thoughts:

Starting with Korean skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. This 7-day plan gives your skin time to adjust and helps you build a routine that works for you — step by step.

Need help building your own beginner set?

Check out our curated K-beauty collections at www.sparkleskinkorea.com or message us for personal advice!

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