K-Beauty is often recognized for its extensive 10-step skincare routine. However, achieving healthy, glowing skin does not require such complexity. For those new to skincare or managing a busy lifestyle, a simple 3-step routine is sufficient to maintain hydration, smoothness, and resilience—especially in cold, dry climates like Finland. This approach serves as an ideal introduction to skincare for beginners, offering both simplicity and effectiveness.
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing – The Most Important Step
Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine. If your skin isn’t properly cleansed, dirt, excess oil, and sunscreen can build up – leading to breakouts, dullness, or even premature aging.
☀️ Morning – Refresh Your Skin Gently
Overnight, your skin may produce oil or sweat, so you should cleanse again in the morning to remove sebum, and dust from bedding, and allow better absorption of your next skincare steps.
For dry or very sensitive skin: Use lukewarm water or gently wipe your face with toner in the morning to avoid stripping your natural oils. In cold and dry climates like Finland, skin loses moisture more easily than in humid environments. If you’ve already done a thorough evening routine, your skin may not have accumulated much dirt or oil overnight – so using a cleanser again isn’t always necessary. Over-cleansing may worsen dryness, especially if your skin is sensitive or prone to flakiness.
For oily or combination skin: Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
Tip: Listen to your skin – if your face feels tight or irritated after your morning cleanse, try using only lukewarm water instead.
🌙 Evening – Deep Clean to “Free” Your Skin
Even if you don’t wear makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and oil can clog your pores if not thoroughly removed. That’s why double cleansing is essential at night.
First, double cleansing: An oil cleanser dissolves sunscreen, makeup and oil-based impurities that cling to the skin. Then, a gentle, non-stripping water-based cleanser will help to cleanse off any makeup residue, dirt and sweat.
Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin where you want to avoid rubbing with cotton pads.
Unscented cleansing balm with a convenient twist-up design.
Made with just 14 gentle ingredients like green tea seed oil, grape seed oil, madecassoside, and centella asiatica extract. Effectively removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen while calming sensitive or irritated skin.
A gentle, low pH cleanser that cleanse off dirt and impurities without damaging natural skin barrier Formulated with green plum water and mung bean extract, the water-based cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin too!
Soothing ingredients to look for: Green tea, Cica (Centella Asiatica), Houttuynia Cordata, Aloe vera
Step 2: Rebalance – Rehydrate your skin.
After cleansing, your skin typically loses some of its natural moisture – even more so in dry climates like Finland. This is when a hydrating toner or essence becomes crucial to instantly restore moisture and prep your skin for what comes next.
This step could be done both morning and night:
☀️ Morning – Light & Refreshing Toner
Use a thin layer of toner to calm and lightly hydrate the skin after cleansing. This helps create a plump, refreshed base before applying moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup.
In cold climates like Finland: go for gel-textured toners – they absorb quickly and retain moisture better than watery formulas.
SKIN1004
A gentle, hydrating toner with PHA and Centella Asiatica.
PHA exfoliates mildly without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It also hydrates and protects against aging. Centella Asiatica soothes, supports skin repair, and boosts collagen. Leaves skin fresh, calm, and velvety soft.
🌙 Evening – Deep Hydration with Essence
Your skin needs extra care after a long day exposed to pollution, dry air, or blue light.
For skin types common in Finland (oily T-zone and dry cheeks), choose an essence that is nutrient-rich, hydrating, and lightweight to avoid clogged pores. To achieve deeper hydration—especially during winter—apply 2–3 layers of toner before the essence.
Last step in your skincare routine: Moisturize – Lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
After rehydrating with toner or essence, your skin needs a final step to lock in moisture, support the skin barrier, and enhance overnight recovery.
Why is moisturizing essential?
Your moisturizer acts like a warm blanket for your skin. It helps:
- Prevent moisture from evaporating (especially in dry indoor heating environments)
- Protect the skin barrier from external irritants
- Enhance the performance of previous skincare steps
☀️ Morning – Lightweight & Protective
Use a lightweight gel or lotion moisturizer to create a smooth base for makeup or outdoor activity.
Choose products with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or Centella Asiatica to hydrate and soothe at the same time.
After moisturizing in the morning, always apply sunscreen – especially with summer coming up. UV rays are one of the leading causes of premature aging.
To streamline your morning routine, use a BB cream with SPF for both protection and a natural finish.
PURITO SEOUL
Upgraded B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream – now in a 100ml size with added Bamboo extract!
This lightweight, fast-absorbing cream deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, leaving your skin soothed, refreshed, and naturally glowing.
🌙 Evening – Deep Nourishment & Recovery
At night, your skin goes into recovery mode – use a richer, more nourishing moisturizer to support this process.
For dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin, look for formulas that include:
- Ceramides – to strengthen the skin barrier
- Squalane or plant oils (jojoba, sunflower…) – to deeply moisturize and soften skin
- Peptides or madecassoside – to help repair and reduce signs of aging
Even oily or combination skin types should include a night cream in their skincare routine—simply opt for one that is labeled “non-comedogenic” and has a lightweight texture.
HELLO SKIN JUMISO
Lightweight, deeply hydrating cream for dry, rough skin.
With 3 types of hyaluronic acid and a pre- & probiotic complex, it boosts moisture, supports a healthy skin barrier, and smooths texture. Fast-absorbing, non-sticky, and free of fragrance and essential oils.
The Real Key: Consistency, Simplicity & Listening to Your Skin
It doesn’t take expensive products or complicated routines to achieve healthy skin. What truly matters is:
- Consistency: Stick to your routine every day.
- Skin awareness: Add more hydration if your skin feels dry; switch to lighter textures if it gets oily.
- Keep it simple: Start with three steps, and add products like serums or masks only when needed.
Modern Korean skincare is shifting toward simplicity, skin-friendliness, and visible results. For those seeking skincare for beginners or a quick yet effective routine suited for dry, cold climates, these three basic steps offer an excellent starting point—helping your skin glow naturally and beautifully.