Routine

3-Step sensitive skin care routine
Title

SkinTalks - August 14, 2020

Hey there, SkinTalks readers! 

 

Finding the right skincare routine is fun, taxing, full of trials and errors, surprises and let-downs. For sensitive skin it can be even harder feeling like there are limitations on which products to use. Luckily Korean skincare offers many products suited for sensitive skin so you can build your sensitive skin care routine easily. 

 

Keep in mind everyone's skin is different and all the products mentioned may not be suited for you but you'll get a general sense of products that may work. For now, I'll just go over a few products, guidelines, and a general routine.

Keep it SIMPLE!

Sometimes the right way to start is to just take a moment and press the brakes on loading up on all the products on your wish list (don't worry that snail essence isn't going anywhere) and if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the unbelievably gorgeous skincare products out there, then it's okay to take a breather and keep it simple. 

 

Sticking to 3 basic steps and building up from there is perfectly fine. You should always feel comfortable with the products you are buying and feel confident about your skin decisions. Let's take a moment and go through these 3 simple steps together.

Welcome to the 3 basic steps in a sensitive skin care routine

Step 1: Water-based cleanser, used to clean your face before applying your next steps.

 

Step 2: Moisturizer, used to provide hydration and calm skin.

 

Step 3: Sunblock, absorbs or reflects some of the sun UV rays, which provides protection to your skin.


Remember we are taking baby steps here, you have to learn how to crawl before you take those 10 steps. Some great beginner sensitive skin products are:

Step 1: Water-based cleanser

Round Lab - Birch Juice Moisturizer Cleanser

Perfect for gently cleansing your skin while keeping it hydrated. With birch sap and hyaluronic acid, it nourishes and locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Its soothing formula is ideal for sensitive skin, maintaining a healthy pH balance without irritation

Heimish - All Green Foam

A lightly scented gel cleanser, that does not foam so much. PH of 5.5; a gentle cleanser best suited for oily/acne prone skin.

iUNIK - Centella Mild Cleansing Foam

Excellent for soothing and cleansing sensitive skin. Formulated with Centella Asiatica Extract, it calms irritation while gently removing impurities without stripping your skin's natural moisture. Its hypoallergenic formula ensures a soft, hydrated, and refreshed complexion after every use.

Etude House - Soon Jung Whip Cleanser

A gentle fragrance free light foam cleanser. Great for acne prone/normal/dry skin.

Shop the recommendations:
Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

€15.62
See more
All Clean Green Foam

All Clean Green Foam

€11.25
See more
Centella Mild Cleansing Foam

Centella Mild Cleansing Foam

€12.68
See more
SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

€15.17
See more

Step 2: Moisturizer

Etude House - Soon Jung 2X Barrier Cream

A heavy, gentle cream that's sure to moisturize even the driest of skin.

Dear Klairs - Midnight Blue Calming Cream

A nice medium weight cream that helps soothe irritated skin. Great for toning down redness.

iUNIK - Centella Calming Gel Cream

A light more gel than cream product. Absorbs very fast into skin and has a higher amount of Centella. Provides a medium amount of moisture while soothing acne prone skin.

Shop the recommendations:
SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

€15.95
See more
Klairs Midnight blue calming cream - Korean-Skincare

Midnight Blue Calming Cream

€27.95
See more
Centella Calming Gel Cream

Centella Calming Gel Cream

€11.75
See more

Step 3: Sunblock

Missha - All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk

A thin sunscreen that dries down with a slight matte finish. Subtle white cast but does well under make-up. Good for long outdoor exposure, is waterproof and great for higher activity. Contains alcohol, so be careful applying close to the eyes, has a heavier scent. It is a high coverage SPF.

COSRX - Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

Rich cream texture, slightly scented. Dries down slightly dewy, and gives a nice glow appearance. Goes well under light makeup, and is nice medium coverage SPF.

Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

A creamy light weight unscented sunscreen, that is quickly absorbed into the skin. Since being released, this sunscreen has quickly become a top favorite. This sunscreen is perfect as a high coverage SPF.

Shop the recommendations:
Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++ - Korean-Skincare

All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk EX SPF50+/PA+++

€14.42
See more
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+/ PA+++

Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+/ PA+++

€11.52
See more
Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

€16.10
See more

Final tips for your sensitive skin

Remember, figuring out your morning/evening sensitive skin care routines takes time. Understand everyone's skin is different, and you might only use 3 products that work for you and that's okay. Or you might find 10 products that work and this is also okay. 

 

First we need to understand your skin; this means some days you might want to just do the basic steps and there's nothing wrong with that. It could be in the mornings especially you might just want to wash with water, and that's alright. If it suits you, then go with it. When in doubt, just go back to the basics and keep it simple and slowly build up again.

 

These are just some suggestions on where to start your skincare journey. Everyone is different and that's what makes skincare fun, we get to learn from each experience, compare each let down, and celebrate when we find what works. Learn to build it up, test it out, and be patient with results.

Remember you're already beautiful, instead do skin care as a way to show your skin you care.

Keep reading Our SkinTalks
Title

Interview | Mar 07, 2025

Get to know Haruharu: An exclusive interview with the CEO

Discover Haruharu’s story from its CEO in this Women’s Day interview.

Routine | Jan 15, 2025

Porosity: Take your hair care to another level

Let's talk about how to take proper care of your hair based on its porosity.

Skincare | Jan 13, 2025

K-Beauty in 2025: New year, new Korean skincare trends!
Are you ready to discover what 2025 holds in the world of K-Beauty?