My K-beauty products for anti-aging
Over the years, I’ve tried everything under the sun when it comes to skincare—luxury creams, budget-friendly options, and serums galore. I was always searching for that miracle product to make my skin flawless.
I don’t even want to think about how much money I poured into this quest. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
I’ve used Shiseido, Clarins, and even Chanel skincare. While they smell divine and come in gorgeous packaging, they did more harm than good for my skin. Full of perfumes and heavy formulations, they irritated my sensitive, slightly oily skin and led to breakouts.
My skin isn’t overly problematic, but it’s far from perfect—slightly oily with fine lines and melasma (thanks to pregnancy). Many creams were too rich for me, and new pimples would appear almost instantly. I lost count of how many products I had to abandon.
Then, about eight years ago, my sister introduced me to Korean skincare, and everything changed. After trying a few creams, toners, and serums, I realized I’d been overpaying for subpar results.
Korean skincare emphasizes hydration, protection from the sun, and using natural ingredients. The products are formulated to target specific skin concerns and give noticeable results. In addition, the multi-step routine involved in Korean skincare helps in achieving healthy and glowing skin.
Korean skincare was a game-changer. The products are packed with clean, gentle ingredients and no heavy fragrances—perfect for my sensitive skin. From the moment I made the switch, I never looked back. My skin became clearer, plumper, and more radiant than ever before.
Now, I swear by brands like Cosrx or Klairs. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my routine, delivering effective results without breaking the bank.
If you’re struggling with sensitive or oily skin, give Korean skincare a try—you might just fall in love like I did!
Overview of my skin
My skin is far from perfect. It is very sensitive and prone to blemishes. If I put on a cream that is thicker, with oils and perfumes, I always wake up with a couple of blemishes.
I am now in my forties, so I also worry about fine lines and dark spots.
But overall my skin is nice, I’ve never had acne or any serious problems with it. It is still nice and plump.
Current skincare routine
The biggest improvement in my skin came when I introduced tretinoin. Midlife women should consider using retinol in their skincare routine because it is an effective anti-aging ingredient that can help address many of the common signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin texture and elasticity.
It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use over time to avoid any potential irritation or sensitivity. It’s also important to always use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
At first, I started slowly, using it once a week mixed with my moisturizer. It took about a year for my skin to fully adapt, but the results were worth it:
- Improved skin tone
- Fresher, smoother complexion
Now, I use tretinoin every 3–5 days for maintenance, depending on how my skin feels. I never go more than a week without it. If you’re prone to blemishes like me, I highly recommend giving tretinoin a try—but be patient and introduce it gradually to avoid irritation.
My Morning Skincare Routine
My morning skincare routine focuses on hydration and prepping my skin for the day. Here’s what I use:
- Cleanse: I wash my face with water to keep it gentle.
- Tone & Hydrate:
- 1 layer of Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
- 2 layers of Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
- 1 layer of Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
- Finish with Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence
- Moisturize: I finish with Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream, my go-to moisturizer for over five years. It’s lightweight yet hydrating—perfect for my sensitive skin. And I end with my go-to sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50
This might sound like a lot, but I adjust based on the season:
- In summer, I keep it simple with just one toner layer.
- In winter, I layer everything for extra hydration.
I streamline my routine when traveling by packing just one hydrating toner or essence. Occasionally, I add serums like propolis or Centella calming serums for extra care.
My Evening Skincare Routine
My evening skincare routine is similar to my morning one but focuses more on cleansing and repair.
I always double cleanse in the evening to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities:
- Oil-Based Cleanser: I use Haru Haru Cleansing Oil, which effectively dissolves makeup and excess oil without irritating my skin.
- Second Cleanser: For the second step, I use the La Roche-Posay Gentle Cleanser to ensure my skin is clean and balanced.
I didn’t always know about double cleansing. In my teens and twenties, I’d often go to bed without properly removing makeup, which caused most of my blemishes. Once I started double cleansing, my skin improved dramatically—it’s a game-changer for anyone prone to breakouts.
After cleansing, I focus on treating and hydrating my skin:
- Tretinoin: A couple of times a week, I apply tretinoin as the first layer. It’s been a crucial part of keeping my skin smooth and clear.
- Moisturizer:
- On most nights, I use the Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream from my morning routine.
- If my skin feels particularly dry, I switch to Cosrx Ceramide Cream for added hydration and repair. I also add a couple of drops of Castor oil. I use it as an eye cream.
- Extras (as needed): If my skin feels dehydrated, I’ll add an essence or toner before moisturizing for an extra boost of hydration. I also love Klair hydrating serum, as well as Cosrx ones.
Skincare tips
There are a couple of tips I learned over the years after numerous mistakes and wasted money:
Do not over-exfoliate your skin
Over-exfoliating your skin can do more harm than good, leading to irritation, redness, and even a damaged skin barrier.
While exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy glow, too much can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and sensitive. For best results, limit exfoliation to 1–3 times a week, depending on your skin type, and use gentle products like chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs. Protecting your skin’s barrier is key to maintaining hydration, reducing breakouts, and achieving a clear, radiant complexion. Remember, less is often more when it comes to exfoliating!
On YouTube, many people claimed they were using acids and tretinoin daily. This may well be, but I do not think that that is normal.
Depending on your skin, you may only be able to use glycolic acid or tretinoin only once a week, or even once a month.
If you notice that your skin is red, burning, or itching, stop immediately. And then try again once your skin recovers.
For instance, I am unable to use glycolic acid. Every time I tried using it, I ended up with painful pimples. So I gave up. Tretinoin is enough for me.
Enjoy your skincare routine
These 5 minutes are just for you, to enjoy some “me” time, massage your skin and relax.
Skincare should be something you look forward to, not a chore. Take a moment to relax and enjoy each step, whether it’s cleansing, applying serums, or moisturizing. It’s not just about taking care of your skin—it’s a simple act of self-care that helps you feel good. Choose products you love and make your routine a time to unwind and focus on yourself.
Consistency is the key
As with any habit, consistency is important when trying to improve your skin. I do this routine every single day, even when I am not well, or when I travel.
I never go to bed with makeup or an unwashed face.
Pay attention to ingredients, not the price or brand
I used to pay a lot for Shiseido or Clarins creams, but I quickly realized that the brand is not important. What matters is what is inside the bottle.
I now prefer to use simple skincare, with clean ingredients.
Amazingly, once you start paying attention to ingredients, you save money and you significantly improve your skin.
