A Step by Step 10-Part Korean Skincare Routine for People in Their 20s
Your 20s are bustling with life and drama. You barely have time to balance sleep, work and a social life, let alone have a proper routine for your skincare. Don't fret, we've got you covered. We have made a step-by-step list that details the fantastic Korean skincare routine for people in their 20s.
Common Skincare Problems in Your 20s
It's not uncommon to have skincare problems in your 20s. Many of us deal with oily skin, dry skin, acne, dark circles and tired eyes. Most people in their 20s will notice they have big pores, caused by oily skin, which can then develop into acne — it's completely normal.
Problem skin is just a part of life, but there is something you can do about it. Developing a thorough and consistent skincare routine is the first step to healthier, less problematic skin. In Korea, acne is a widespread issue, and this is one of the reasons why K-beauty came to be in the first place.
You might think your acne will just disappear one day, and maybe it will. But it's much better to take control now and start taking preventative action for healthier, more vibrant skin. We can help you achieve that famous K-beauty glow with the 10-step Korean skincare routine.
The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Your 20s is the perfect time to start a skincare regime. Try avoiding anti-ageing products, as they contain potent ingredients that might actually age your skin faster.
At this age, you're likely dealing with oily skin and acne. No problem, we have the perfect solution for you.
1. Oil Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser is the first line of defense against the dirt and pollutants that accumulate on your skin. The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is a great place to start. With its rice bran water and grain extracts, this cleansing balm doesn’t just melt away impurities but also provides a dose of moisture, antioxidants, and brightening effects.
2. Water Cleanser
Following up with a water-based cleanser ensures a deep clean without stripping your skin. The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is pH-balanced, incorporates tea tree oil for managing sebum, and natural BHAs to refine skin texture - a powerhouse trio for clear and balanced skin.
For those with dryer or more sensitive skin, the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel offers a gently purifying experience. Its coconut-derived surfactants cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils, while the formula’s pH 5.5 regime respects your skin’s natural equilibrium.
3. Exfoliator
Exfoliating is one of the most critical parts of your daily skincare routine. Try the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid — its purifying properties leave the skin feeling renewed, refreshed and healthier.
If you're looking to blast your blackheads and clear your complexion, look no further. The exfoliating solution is infused with 4% natural beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps decongest pores and reduces the number of blackheads.
Those prone to blackheads will benefit from the exfoliating formulation that leaves skin blemish-free and looking radiant. Using the power of sodium hyaluronate with white willow bark and niacinamide, this exfoliator clears away dead skin cells while brightening and clarifying skin. The purifying properties leave skin feeling renewed, refreshed and healthier.
4. Toner
Toning is the middle man in your skincare; it preps skin for deeper penetration of serums and moisturisers. The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is great for locking in moisture with its rich, hydrating blend of rice, bamboo and hyaluronic acid.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin will love the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner. With a perfect formula balancing 25% green plum water for hydration and 2% AHA, and 0.5% BHA for gentle exfoliation, it’s an all-in-one for minimising pores and soothing sensitive skin.
5. Essence
An essence is the soul-soothing musical prelude to the symphony of your skincare routine. It's the product that bridges the gap between freshly cleansed and toned skin and the potency of your serums and creams. It’s vital in remedying multiple skin concerns such as dehydration, dullness, fine lines, and more.
With a star-studded ingredient list, the COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence lends a youthful glow with every drop. Boasting 74% snail mucin, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this concoction not only delivers intense hydration but also addresses hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity. It's the perfect multi-tasking solution for newbies reluctant to commit to an extensive routine.
For those who prefer a higher concentration of snail mucin or anyone dealing with persistent acne scarring, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence is a formidable choice. At a staggering 96% snail mucin, this formula is viral for a reason, with noticeable healing properties and the ability to fade stubborn blemishes and marks.
6. Mask
Sheet masks are the show-stealers of your skincare routine. They pack a potent punch in a short amount of time, infusing your skin with a concentrated burst of beneficial ingredients. They're perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or as prep before a big event.
Benton offers a selection of sheet masks catering to various skin needs, including:
- The Aloe Soothing Mask Pack - A go-to for hydration and relief, this mask is a skin-calming oasis with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and camellia sinesis leaf water working together to quench dryness and alleviate tightness.
- The Goodbye Redness Centella Mask Pack - Designed to soothe and restore the skin, this mask is a healing touch with 45% centella asiatica leaf water, renowned for its reparative properties.
- The Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack - Unleash the power of snail filtrate for gentle exfoliation and bee venom to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in a brighter, plumper, and smoothed complexion.
7. Serum
After the whimsy of sheet masks, it’s time for a no-nonsense, no-frills serum. This is where you get serious about specific skin goals, whether it's brightening, fighting off the signs of ageing, or soothing irritation.
Beauty of Joseon offer a brilliant range of cruelty-free serums with a variety of benefits.
- The Glow Serum – A potent combination of propolis and niacinamide to combat dullness and uneven skin tone.
- The Glow Deep Serum – With ingredients like rice and arbutin, this serum targets stubborn dark spots for a genuinely radiant complexion.
- The Revive Serum – Snail and ginseng team up to revitalize tired skin, plump up fine lines, and improve overall texture.
- The Calming Serum – Made with green tea and panthenol, this serum is a gentle giant, perfect for soothing and hydrating sensitive skin.
If you're spoilt for choice, the Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit offers a sample of all four serums, giving you the chance to test the waters before committing to a full-size product.
8. Eye cream
More from Benton! How could you blame us with products this good? Try Benton Fermentation Eye Cream. If you've tried almost everything and your dark circles are still visible, this is the eye cream that will do the trick!
This product has been specifically formulated to fortify that delicate skin around your eyes. Unlike the rest of your skin, the skin around your eyes is much thinner and requires something extraordinarily gentle and nourishing.
Benton's Fermentation Eye Cream contains a targeted concentration of Bifida ferment lysate and galactomyces ferment filtrate, alongside ceramides, hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Together, this powerful combination will help naturally hydrate your skin and reduce signs of ageing and fatigue. It does this by plumping and smoothing the under-eye area for a radiant and youthful look that you'll love.
9. Moisturiser
For the heart of your routine, a good moisturiser is non-negotiable. The iUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream is an ace. With its high concentration of beta glucan (which is 20% more effective at retaining moisture than hyaluronic acid), this cream strengthens the skin’s barrier and retains moisture.
Alternately, for those with oily or acne-prone skin, the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a perfect fit. With its lightweight gel texture and blend of 70% centella asiatica, tea tree extract and niacinamide, this cream is comfortable on the skin and great for soothing the skin, reducing redness and controlling oil production.
Battling particularly dry skin? Turn to the Etude Soon Jung 2X Barrier Cream - with a rich blend of shea butter, panthenol, and madecassoside that will effectively nourish your skin, without any worry of irritation.
10. Sunscreen
As mentioned earlier, sun spots are common among people in their 20s, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't do anything about them. Our bestseller sunscreens the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ and the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ will prevent your skin from getting sun spots.
The sunscreens are both vegan, cruelty-free and deeply nourishing. Specially formulated to protect the face from Seoul's dangerously high pollution levels and the sun's intense rays.
Those who prefer a more lightweight sunscreen will love the ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel or the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.
Anyone who loves a glowy base for their makeup, or is just looking for an everyday radiance boost to their complexion, look no further than the Heimish Artless Glow Base. With broad spectrum sun protection and a pearlescent finish, this sunscreen is perfect for getting that “glass skin” look while protecting your skin.
Start Your Routine
A well-managed and consistent skincare routine using quality products is the key to amazing, healthy-looking skin. In Korea, the 10-step routine above is a guiding principle used by many to get that famous K-beauty glow.
Start organising your Korean 10-step skincare routine now, and head over to our store to find all the Korean skincare products you need to get started. We stock the best Korean skincare brands with the best quality products.
Shop now, and get a free gift with orders over £25. We'll deliver for free anywhere in the UK when you spend £30 or more. Give your skin the special treatment it deserves.