There is no better time to start mastering your skincare routine than during the winter season. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. This winter skincare guide provides step-by-step recommendations on both a morning and evening routine for those new to Korean skincare. This routine aims to keep your skin moisturized and rejuvenated during the harsh winter months.

Why Is This Important?

During the winter months, do you find that your skin is more prone to dryness, flakiness, and just feels dull overall? There’s a reason for this. Climate conditions, environmental toxins – and even your HVAC system all impact the condition of your skin. Dry air, frigid winds, low temperatures, and low humidity are all environmental elements that impact your skin’s moisture barrier. When you’re out braving the winter cold, your facial skin is exposed to harsh temperatures with no way to replenish the lost moisture of your skin. 

Protecting your skin barrier during the winter is essential to lock in all the moisture and hydration your skin needs. Doing so will ensure your skin is less prone to dryness, flakiness, and irritation all winter long. 

Morning Routine

Good morning! Time to cleanse and nourish your skin. ​

Step 1. ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

Start your morning with this refreshing and non-irritating mild cleanser. Formulated with natural moisturizing ingredients, this is perfect for achieving clean and plump skin on all skin types. This cleanser is made to maintain the skin’s natural pH balance for maximum skin benefits.

Shop ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser.

Step 2. PURITO Centella Green Level Calming Toner

Use a toner to rebalance your skin’s natural pH levels. This lightweight toner works to gently soothe and hydrate irritated, sensitive skin. Made with ingredients like centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils for a boost of nourishing hydration.

Shop PURITO Centella Green Level Calming Toner.

Step 3. COSRX Snail Mucin Essence

Next, nourish your skin with lightweight and highly concentrated ingredients for specific concerns. This COSRX Snail Mucin Essence is formulated with a concentration of snail mucin that repairs, soothes, and hydrates, all while targeting concerns ranging from acne and PIH to dryness and fine lines.

Shop COSRX Snail Mucin Essence.

Step 4. Etude House Soon Jung Cream 

Congrats–you're almost ready to conquer the day! Now it's time to lightly nourish your skin for the day ahead. Formulated with panthenol and madecassoside, this product is used to soothe, moisturize, and hydrate stressed skin caused by dryness and external pollutants. 

Shop Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream. 

Step 5. Sunscreen

Winter is not the season to skip out on sunscreen! Although UVB rays (the rays responsible for sunburn and redness) are a lot weaker in the winter, UVA rays are potent year-round. Applying sunscreen regularly ensures you protect your skin from premature ageing, and helps you maintain a youthful glow. 

Night Routine

Step 1. Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

After a long day, it’s time to double cleanse your face. Double cleansing helps purify your skin and remove the makeup, pollution, and pore-clogging impurities your skin comes in contact with throughout the day. Made with natural ingredients such as black bean, black sesame, and black currant, this gentle oil cleanser melts away all impurities while keeping the skin hydrated.

After oil cleansing, proceed with your usual skincare routine.

Shop Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil.

Step 2. ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

Step 3. PURITO Centella Green Level Calming Toner

Step 4. COSRX Snail Mucin Essence

Step 5. COSRX Snail Cream

Last but not least, it’s time to moisturize your skin. Formulated with 92% snail mucin and hyaluronic acid, this cream is a holy grail product that hydrates, nourishes, and plumps your skin. By encouraging collagen production, this cream ensures that your skin stays hydrated and plump throughout the winter season.

Shop COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream.

Before You Go...

In short, hydration is key for the winter months. By using hydrating skincare products, you can help protect your skin’s moisture barrier from harsh weather conditions. Make sure to drink water, bundle up, and stay hydrated this season!