Build your Korean skincare routine

How to build a Korean skincare routine

A Korean routine is not defined by how many bottles it contains. It is an order: clean the skin gently, add water-based hydration, apply one targeted step, then hold it all in with a moisturiser — and protect it with sunscreen in the morning. Everything else is optional.

Basic morning order

1. Gentle cleanse
2. Hydrating toner
3. Targeted serum or ampoule, if you use one
4. Moisturiser
5. Sunscreen

Basic evening order

1. Oil cleanse, on days you wore sunscreen or makeup
2. Water-based cleanse
3. Hydrating toner
4. Essence, if your skin feels dry
5. Targeted serum or ampoule
6. Moisturiser, or a sleeping mask occasionally

How many steps do you actually need?

Three is a complete routine: cleanse, moisturise, sunscreen. A standard routine adds a hydrating toner and one targeted step. A fuller routine adds essences, eye care and occasional masks. More steps mean more ingredients interacting, which is why the builder keeps the routine shorter when you tell it your skin reacts easily.

Introducing new products safely

• Introduce one strong active at a time, and build up frequency gradually.
• Patch test new products on a small area before using them on the whole face.
• Use sunscreen in the morning when using actives that can increase sun sensitivity.
• Speak to a qualified professional about persistent, severe or concerning symptoms.

Adapting for your skin type

• Dry: favour richer creams and consider an essence layer before moisturiser.
• Oily: lighter gel textures usually feel better, and a sleeping mask is rarely needed.
• Combination: a lighter base with a richer cream only where skin feels tight.
• Sensitive: fewer steps, fragrance-conscious choices and one new product at a time.

Where PDRN fits, if at all

PDRN sits in the targeted step — a serum, ampoule or essence — and is optional. Evidence in cosmetic formulations is limited and effects are formulation-dependent, so the builder never forces it into a routine. If you are weighing it up, the 90-second PDRN check is the better starting point, and the product finder is where to compare specific products.