At the heart of the Korean skincare philosophy lies one powerful truth: skincare isn’t just about achieving results — it’s a daily ritual of self-love and care. The iconic 8-step Korean routine has become a global beauty phenomenon, not because it’s complicated or trendy, but because it slows you down. It invites you to touch your face with intention, to learn its patterns, and to nourish it with kindness.
The 8 steps — layer by layer
1. Oil Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser melts makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum without stripping the skin. Use as the first step to dissolve surface oils and grime.
2. Water-based Cleanser
Follow with a gentle water cleanser to remove sweat and residue — leaving a truly clean canvas for the next layers.
3. Exfoliation (2–3x/week)
Gently buff away dead skin cells to reveal smoother texture. Use chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) or mild physical scrubs sparingly.
4. Toner
Not to dry you out, but to rebalance pH and boost absorption for the layers to come. Choose hydrating, alcohol-free toners whenever possible.
5. Essence
A lightweight, watery layer that infuses hydration and supports cell turnover — often the secret to that glassy, plump look.
6. Serum / Treatment
Targeted actives live here — vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or other treatments based on your skin’s needs.
7. Sheet Mask (optional / weekly)
An indulgence that pushes hydration deep into the skin. Use as a weekly ritual to replenish and soothe.
8. Moisturizer + Sunscreen (AM) / Sleeping Mask (PM)
Seal everything in with moisturizer; in the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen (non-negotiable). At night, a sleeping mask can act as a heavy occlusive for extra repair.
Tips for making it yours
Eight steps aren’t required every day. Customize: do the essentials (cleanse, hydrate, protect) daily, add treatments or masks when needed. With Pookie Glow you can track which steps you follow, measure results, and refine your ritual over time.
The magic of the Korean routine isn’t in its length — it’s in its intent. Each touch is a chance to slow down, notice, and care.