Start Here: The Essentials That Matter Most
You know that moment when you stare at your bathroom shelf, wondering why your “skincare routine” looks more like a Sephora clearance rack? Same. Between TikTok hauls and influencer routines with more steps than your fitness app, it’s easy to feel like you’re either doing too much — or not enough so you feel stuck.
Let’s fix that.
This is the skincare routine I wish I had when I first started: an easy step by step process that will help you achieve Korean glass skin.
Step 1: Cleanser (If it wasn’t obvious, washing your face is mandatory)
The starting line is important. You want something gentle that gets the day off without stripping your skin like dish soap.
Look for:
- Low pH
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free (especially if you’re sensitive)
Tip: You don’t need a foaming cleanser unless your skin likes it. Cream or gel textures are usually more forgiving.
Step 2: Moisturizer (Even If You’re Oily)
Listen, I don’t care if you think your skin’s greasier than french fries. The right one helps balance your skin and it sinks in right away. If you’re having trouble, you just haven’t found the right product which is why I’m here.
Look for:
- Gel or lightweight lotions for oily skin
- Creams or balms for dry skin
- Ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide = hydration heroes
Step 3: SPF (Non-Negotiable. Yes, the sun still reaches your face)
If you only take one thing away from this blog, let it be this: wear SPF religiously because it will be one of your holy grails. Sun damage causes wrinkles, pigmentation, breakouts, and irritation. You don’t need to see the sun for it to mess with your skin — UV rays are sneaky like that.
Go for:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum
- Lightweight and non-comedogenic if you’re breakout-prone
Optional (But Awesome) Add-Ons
Once you’ve got your basics down, you can build from there. But don’t rush this — give your skin time to get used to your skincare routine first.
Serums
These are your core components:
- Vitamin C: Brightens and protects
- Niacinamide: Reduces oil + calms redness
- Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates like a glass of water for your face
Start slow because your skin needs time, not overload.
Exfoliants (AHA/BHA)
Chemical exfoliants sound scary, but they’re usually better than scrubbing your face with walnut shells or something that you think will work just cause.
Just don’t overdo it — 1–2 times a week max to start.
Exfoliating too much = breakouts, purging, or worse. Trust me, I’ve been there and I break it down in this blog on skin purging vs breakouts.
Customize It for Your Skin Type
What works for your bestie might not work for you. Here’s a mini cheat sheet:
- Oily: Gel cleansers, light lotions, clay masks
- Dry: Creamy cleansers, rich moisturizers, facial oils
- Sensitive: Minimalist products, fragrance-free everything
- Combo: Balance actives, treat different zones as needed
Not sure what your skin type is? Try washing your face, waiting 30 mins, and checking: shiny = oily, tight = dry, both = combo.
AM vs PM: Do You Really Need Both?
Yep, but it’s not as complicated as the internet makes it sound.
Morning: Cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF
Night: Cleanser → Moisturizer → Optional serum or treatment
Easy. Done. Go live your life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Jumping into too many products too fast
- Over-exfoliating (looking at you, twice-a-day acid peels)
- Skipping SPF and then wondering why your skin’s freaking out
- Not giving anything time to actually work (consistency over chaos, my rule of thumb is 6-8 weeks)
Keep It Simple, Keep It You
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have good skin. You need the right steps — and a little patience.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start with the basics: Cleanse. Moisturize. SPF.
Everything else is extra — so don’t listen to people out there who say you need every trending product.
Need help figuring out where to start? I’ve got you. Check out my Beginner’s Skincare Guide for a step-by-step breakdown.
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