[Updated Sep 3 2022] 7 Step Korean Skincare Routine for Beginners: Dry Skin Edition
Here at Eunogo Shop, we know how confusing it can be to come up with a whole new skincare routine, especially when there are so many steps involved. In this article, we've curated a handy skincare routine for those with dry skin type:
Step 1: Cleansing
While it is common for many K-beauty routines to include double cleansing (one oil-based cleanser/balm to remove makeup and one water based foam/gel), we consider cleansing collectively as Step One. Our recommendation? Get a cleanser that does both, like the iLomys Renew-Derm Foam Cleanser, which uses papaya fruit water, rice extracts, and beta-glucan (research shows that it's 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid) to cleanse your face without stripping it of any natural oils. Remember, if your cleanser is leaving you with a “squeaky clean and dry” feeling, pour it down the toilet, because that’s where it belongs.
Eunogo Shop’s Pick: iLomys Renew-Derm Foam Cleanser
Step 2: Exfoliation
Did you know that our skin cells have a turnover cycle of 28 days? That makes it so important to exfoliate the dead skin off your face and let the new cells celebrate their glow up! Team Eunogo recommends a mild chemical exfoliator using AHA, BHA or PHA which will gently remove excess dead skin cells, oil and wastes and provide the new baby skin cells more room to “breathe.” Exfoliate once a week for dry skin to help increase both your glow and the absorption of your follow-up skincare steps.
Eunogo Shop’s Pick: Ceramine Botanical Peeling Gel
Step 3: Toner
Gone are the days when toner used to be astringent and strip your face of all the oils your skin needs to regulate sebum. Welcome to the modern age of toners, where we use them to calm our skin, give it extra hydration, and even help prime your face so that makeup sets more beautifully! Our favorite toner for those with dry skin has a gel texture and uses Centella Asiatica and Licorice Root extract to moisturize and balance. Your skin will drink it right up!
EunogoShop’s Pick: OxygenCeuticals Toning Gel
Step 4: Sheet Mask
This is a step that can be done daily if you have the time, or 1-2 times per week, whenever you feel like your skin needs a little extra boost. One of our Team Eunogo colleagues even uses this to help her dehydrated skin after a hangover! For dry skin we recommend a plant-based sheet mask with immediate soothing and moisturizing effects to really elevate your routine. Best of all? One box contains 10 sheets making it a great value. Once you’ve finished with the mask please remember to let all the essence absorb before moving on to the next step. Giving your skin a light “tap tap tap” with your fingertips will help absorption and, frankly, feels great.
EunogoShop’s Pick: Ceramine Aqua Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Mask Pack
Step 5: Serum
What is a Serum? In short, a serum contains a concentration formula of active ingredients with a light, easily absorbed consistency. Usually a serum will target a specific skin concern and will be used after toner but before applying moisturizer. For dry skin, Team Eunogo recommends a serum that will address your main skin concern of hydration. Our go-to pick includes a two-product combo: the Korean Glass Skin Kit for Hydration, that includes Acell-300 Fluid and Moisture Aqua Serum. Although this serum step would usually include only the Acell-300 Fluid, when your skin is dry it requires a little extra care. By mixing the Acell-300 Fluid and Moisture Aqua Serum together in your hand, and applying to the skin simultaneously, you will get the best results. Don’t forget to "tap tap tap" with your fingertips for great absorption!
EunogoShop’s Pick: Korean Glass Skin Kit for Hydration
Step 6: Cream
After you’ve applied the Korean Glass Skin Kit, you need to lock in all the nutrients and hydration with a cream. Those of us at Team Eunogo with dry skin rely heavily on this Hydrating Cream to seal the deal. Despite its light texture, it provides 24 hours of deep hydration and will give your face a radiant glow with daily use.
Eunogo Shop’s Pick: OxygenCeuticals Hydrating Cream
Step 7: SPF
If there is one step you cannot, and we mean CANNOT skip, it is applying sunscreen on a daily basis. You can read more about it here but please take our word for it: SPF is indispensable. For dry skin Team Eunogo recommends the Rovectin tinted sunscreen which has a velvet finish and gives a tone-up look to your complexion without any white cast.
Eunogo Shop’s Picks:
Rovectin Anti-Irritant UV Defense Tinted SPF 50+ PA+++ (Tinted Sunscreen)