The best routine is the one you do on a tired Tuesday night. It does not need ten steps. For most people, four is plenty: cleanse, hydrate, moisturize and, in the morning, protect.
1. Cleanse gently
Choose a cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean but not tight. If you wear sunscreen or makeup, a cleansing balm as a first step in the evening helps melt it away before your regular cleanser.
Worth considering: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser for a gentle daily cleanse, and Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original for removing sunscreen and makeup.
2. Add hydration
A watery toner or a light serum adds a layer of hydration and makes the next step feel more comfortable. Apply it to slightly damp skin and press it in with your hands.
Worth considering: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner or Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizer helps seal everything in. Lighter gels suit oilier skin and warm weather; richer creams feel better on dry skin and in cold, windy months.
Worth considering: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream for skin that runs dry.
Consistency beats complexity. A short routine done daily will do more than a long one done occasionally.
4. Protect every morning
Sunscreen is the step that protects everything else you do. Choose a formula you enjoy wearing, apply it as the last step of your morning routine and reapply when you are outdoors for long periods.
Worth considering: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++.
Introduce one product at a time
When you try something new, add it on its own and give it a couple of weeks before adding anything else. That way you know what is working for you. If you have a skin condition or a reaction, a dermatologist is the right person to ask.
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