It’s no surprise that Korean skincare is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. Known for its innovative products and focus on achieving healthy, glowing skin, the Korean skincare routine is gaining massive recognition in the West. The hype is real, I have to tell you, and it’s not just for fans of Kpop or Korean dramas—anyone can benefit from these tried-and-tested methods.
Best of all, you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money to achieve radiant skin. With affordable Korean skincare for beginners, you can start your skincare journey without feeling overwhelmed or like you just spent a fortune.
If you’re curious but unsure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll guide you through a simpler, more budget-friendly version of the famous routine: the 5-step Korean skincare routine. This beginner-friendly approach focuses mainly on the essentials, helping you discover some of the best skincare products for your skin without all the fuss. No need for a cabinet full of products.
Whether you’re completely new to the concept or just looking for affordable options, this guide will set you up for success while keeping things simple and effective. If you’re looking for an easy, wallet-friendly way to upgrade your skincare game, you’re in the right place!
Morning version
Step 1. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser
The most important part of your morning skincare routine is starting with a gentle cleanser. This step clears away dirt and excess oil from the night’s sleep, setting the foundation for everything that follows. Use lukewarm water to dampen your face, apply a small amount of cleanser, and massage it into your skin using gentle, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel (never rub!).
A good cleanser should ensure that your skin is free from impurities, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. It also preps your skin to absorb the benefits of the next steps in your routine. For beginners, look for affordable cleansers (Korean brand or not) with soothing ingredients like green tea or rice water for added hydration.
Step 2. Apply a hydrating toner
For a very long time, toners were seen as an optional step, but in Korean skincare, they’re an absolute must. A toner helps restore our skin’s natural pH balance after cleansing to make sure the skin stays hydrated and prepped for the products to follow. Like giving your face a refreshing drink of water to keep it smooth and ready to glow.
To use, simply pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or your clean hands, then gently pat it onto your face. You must focus on areas that tend to feel dry or tight after cleansing. Choose a good, affordable toner with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration or centella asiatica for soothing benefits.
Pro tip: Skip the harsh, alcohol-based toners that can dry out your skin. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to enhance absorption that are suitable for your skin type.
Step 3. Use a lightweight moisturizer
Especially when your skin feels dry or tight, a good moisturizer is non-negotiable. It locks in hydration, strengthens your skin barrier, and keeps your complexion looking bright and healthy. Skipping this step is like forgetting to drink water all day—your skin ends up thirsty and stressed, making it more prone to oiliness.
When I first started using a moisturizer, I was amazed at how my skin felt soft and smooth instead of flaky by midday. The right moisturizer doesn’t have to be expensive; there are affordable Korean options with ingredients like snail mucin or ceramides that work wonders for hydration and repair.
To apply, take a pea-sized amount and gently massage it onto your face and neck (yes, don’t forget the neck area). Focus on areas prone to dryness, like your cheeks and around your mouth.
-Pro tip-
Use your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner. This helps seal in the moisture and maximizes hydration!
READ MORE: Affordable Glow Up Tips: 15 Ways to Look & Feel Incredible on a Budget
Step 4. Target treatment
Your skin slowly starts to reveal its unique needs as you build your routine, and this is where the treatment step comes in. These are targeted products like serums or creams designed to address specific concerns, such as acne, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation. Think of them as the problem-solvers in your skincare routine.
For beginners, start simple with serums containing ingredients like niacinamide for brightening dark areas or tea tree extract to soothe existing blemishes. Apply a few drops to your face after applying some moisturizer, gently patting it in until absorbed.
You can focus on one treatment at a time to see how your skin reacts. Overloading with multiple active ingredients can overwhelm your skin and cause irritation. Stick to lightweight, beginner-friendly formulas that are gentle yet effective, and always patch-test new products to avoid surprises.
Step 5. Finish with a sunscreen
If you hadn’t been prioritizing sunscreen in your morning skincare, now’s the time to start. Sunscreen is one of the most crucial steps in your morning skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. No matter your skin type, sunscreen is non-negotiable, so please don’t skip it!
Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and a lightweight formula; I recommend the one with SPF 30 or higher. Apply generously to your face, neck, and any exposed areas, and reapply every two hours if you’ll be outdoors for a long time.
If your schedule lets you stay indoors most of the day, an SPF of 30 is usually enough. For extended sun exposure, opt for SPF 50 or higher. Don’t forget your ears and the back of your hands—these areas are often overlooked but just as vulnerable to UV damage.
Night version
Step 1. Do a double cleansing
The nighttime skincare routine is a bit different from the AM version, and double cleansing is very necessary. First, you can use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Gently massage it onto dry skin, then rinse. Then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
Double cleansing is important because it ensures your skin is thoroughly clean to prevent clogged pores and future breakouts. This step is especially important after a long day of wearing makeup or sunscreen.
Step 2. Exfoliating your skin 2-3 times a week
If there’s any way to encourage you to level up your skincare, it’s exfoliating a couple of times a week. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. At night, when your skin naturally repairs itself, exfoliating helps this process by clearing away the buildup that can cause dark spots or acne.
Stick to a gentle chemical exfoliant, like AHAs or BHAs, and use it 2-3 times a week. If you can, limit physical scrubs, which can be harsh. Exfoliating at night gives your skin time to rejuvenate while you sleep.
Step 3. Apply a hydrating toner
Yep, same as the morning steps, toner plays an important role in your nighttime routine too. After cleansing, a toner helps balance your skin’s pH, ensuring it’s ready to absorb all the nourishing products you’ll apply next. It also provides a layer of hydration, which is especially important overnight when your skin is in long repair mode.
Look for hydrating, soothing toners with ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides to refresh your skin. Pat it gently onto your face and neck to lock in moisture, and you’ll swear for a glowing complexion by morning!
Step 4. Use retinol or a treatment serum 2-3 times a week
If you are still dealing with acne or fine lines, adding retinol or a treatment serum to your nighttime routine can make a big difference. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that speeds up healthy cell turnover and helps to fade dark spots, reduce wrinkles, and clear clogged pores.
You can start slow and use it 2 or 3 times a week to avoid irritation. Apply a small amount onto your skin, focusing on your skin concern areas.
Step 5. Try a sleeping mask
There are a handful of reasons why you need to add sleeping mask rituals to your nighttime routine. Sleeping masks provide intense hydration and nourishment while you sleep, so you wake up with smooth, glowing skin. They work overnight to repair your skin without you lifting a finger.
When I used one for the first time, my skin felt as though it had just received a gentle, glowing makeover in the morning!
-Pro tip-
Use a sleeping mask 2-3 times a week for an extra boost when your skin needs it most.
Starting an affordable Korean skincare routine if you’re a beginner doesn’t have to be intimidating—trust me, it’s easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, like using a gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, you can build a routine that leaves your skin smoother and more glowy. You don’t need to splurge on expensive products either; there are plenty of budget-friendly options available out there that work wonders. If you stick to this 5-step Korean skincare routine, you’ll see your skin improve in no time. Just keep in mind to remain consistent, enjoy the process, and allow the habit to fit into your everyday schedule.