Cheat Sheet for Beginners: How to Do Korean Skincare Right in 5 Easy Steps

Korean skincare is popular across the globe for a reason: it delivers results. From the novel active ingredients to the emphasis on hydration and overall skin health, K-beauty has changed the game on how we approach skincare. But let’s be honest—another thing it’s famous for is being rather complicated. 

Now for the good news: It is not necessary to use 10, 12, or 15 steps to get the benefits of the Korean skincare routine. With as few as 5  steps, you will get beautiful, glowing skin without having to go through the whole process. 

This cheat sheet is not just another blog, it is your pass to learn how to do K-beauty right the first time around, with the least amount of products and effort and with maximum devotion to yourself and your well-being.

Step 1:  Double Cleansing – This is the Basis of a Perfect Skin

If there is one thing that is certain in the world of Korean skincare, it is that double cleansing is a must. This method helps the skin to be thoroughly cleansed thus allowing other products in your routine to work at their best.

Why is it so important? Most of the cleansers cannot do that. Oil-based stains (makeup and sunscreen) have to be removed differently than water-based stains (such as sweat or dirt). This is where double cleansing comes in.

Step One: Oil-Based Cleanser

Oil-based cleansers are designed to dissolve stubborn impurities without stripping your skin. Whether you wear makeup daily or just apply sunscreen, this step ensures every trace is removed.

How to Use: Pump a small amount into your hands and massage it onto dry skin in gentle circular motions. Focus on areas where makeup or sunscreen tends to build up, like around the eyes and nose. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Why It Works: Oil attracts oil, making it incredibly effective at breaking down makeup and sebum. Plus, this step is surprisingly gentle, leaving your skin soft rather than tight. to maintain hydration levels, as dehydration can make skin appear dull​.

Step Two: Water-Based Cleanser

Once the oil cleanser has done its job, it’s time to use a water-based cleanser to tackle sweat and dirt.

How to Use: Wet your face and apply a pea-sized amount of cleanser. Lather it up in your hands before applying it to your skin. Massage for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.

Why It’s Essential: This step ensures no residue is left behind. By the end of your double cleanse, your skin is a clean, smooth canvas ready to absorb the rest of your routine.

Step 2: Toning—Your Hydration Hero

In the past, toners were often associated with drying, alcohol-heavy formulas. Not anymore, and especially not at Divote where you can find only products with clean ingredients. In Korean skincare today, toners are all about hydration, balance, and prepping your skin for the next steps.

Korean toners are formulated to replenish moisture and rebalance your skin’s pH after cleansing. This step is crucial because a balanced pH ensures your skin’s barrier remains strong, keeping it protected and healthy. If you use it regularly, toner will enhance your skin’s ability to retain moisture, giving you that coveted dewy glow.

How to Use: Pour a small amount into your palms or onto a cotton pad, and gently pat it onto your skin. The goal is to let your skin drink it up—don’t rub it in like lotion.

Step 3: Treatment—Your Secret Weapon for Targeted Care

Here’s where Korean skincare becomes truly personalized. Treatments like essences and serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to tackle specific skin concerns, whether it’s dullness, acne, or fine lines.

Essence vs. Serum: What’s the Difference?

• Essence: Think of it as a lighter, more hydrating version of a serum. Essences boost hydration and improve skin elasticity.
• Serum: These are thicker and more potent, designed to target specific issues like pigmentation or wrinkles.

How to Use an Essence: Pour a few drops into your hands, rub them together, and gently press the essence into your skin. This step is all about patting, not rubbing—let your skin absorb it naturally.

Choosing the Right Serum: Not all serums are created equal, so pick one that addresses your skin’s needs. Here are a few popular options.

1. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Serum

The serum’s antioxidant-rich formula supports your skin’s natural defense mechanisms, fortifying it against external aggressors and contributing to overall skin protection and well-being.

2. Mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The high viscosity of the serum creates a thin, moisturizing layer on the skin, giving it a beautiful shine and smoothness. It can be applied up to three times without leaving a sticky feeling.

3. Purito The Wonder Releaf Centella Serum

With a lightweight, watery gel texture, it absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a refreshing cooling sensation and leaving a radiant, glowy finish. Infused with Centella Asiatica Extract and Panthenol, this serum effectively calms irritation and redness while revitalizing the skin with allantoin and peptides.

Step 4: Moisturizing—The Key to Long-Lasting Hydration

Moisturizing is the step that ties everything together. It locks in the benefits of the previous steps while providing a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

The right moisturizer depends on your skin type:

• Oily Skin: Opt for a lightweight gel formula
• Dry Skin: Choose a rich, creamy texture for deep hydration 
• Combination Skin: A balanced formula works best 

Step 5: SPF—The Non-Negotiable Skincare Hero

You’ve heard it a million times, but we must say it again: If you do only one thing for your skin daily, wear sunscreen! It’s the ultimate anti-aging product and a must-have in any routine.

UV rays are the number one cause of premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen daily, you protect your skin and ensure all your other efforts (time and money invested in your skincare) don’t go to waste.

How to Use: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously as the last step of your morning routine. Don’t forget to cover areas like your neck and the tops of your ears.

Why This Routine Delivers Results

The beauty of this simplified Korean skincare routine is that it’s both easy to follow and incredibly effective. Each step is designed to give your skin exactly what it needs without feeling like a chore or taking up too much time. Stick with these five steps, and you’ll start to see some amazing changes. Your skin will feel more hydrated, giving it that plump, dewy glow everyone loves. 

Over time, your skin’s texture will smooth out, leaving it softer and more refined. Plus, by cleansing regularly and protecting your skin with SPF, you’ll notice clearer skin with fewer blemishes and dark spots. It’s proof that great skin doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes choosing the right products and a little consistency. Think of that time as the time of the day you get to devote just to yourself and your health and beauty. If you don’t do it for yourself, no one else will.

Frequently Asked Questions by Divote Friends 

Q: Do I need a toner and an essence?
A: While both hydrate, toners prep the skin, and essences deliver a deeper boost. If you’re simplifying, start with just one.

Q: How long will it take to see results?
A: Most people notice improved hydration and smoother texture within a week or two. Concerns like dark spots or fine lines may take a few months.

Now you see you don’t need a 10-step routine to achieve glowing skin—this five-step cheat sheet is proof of that. With consistent effort and the right products, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skin transforms.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your Korean journey today. This is more than skincare—it’s self-care, simplified.