When the winds bite and heaters blast, our skin is often the first to wave the white flag. Winter skincare isn’t just about piling on creams. It’s about smart, intentional care that repairs and protects. And who does skincare better than Koreans?

In Korea, skincare isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifestyle. The beloved 10-step Korean skincare routine can feel like a self-care ritual, and during winter, it’s the perfect defense against dullness, dryness, and irritation. Let’s rework that iconic 10-step routine for cold-weather care that actually works.

Routine For Winter Skincare

1. Double Cleanse Gently, Not Aggressively
Winter skin is already under siege, so the last thing it needs is a harsh cleanse. Start with an oil cleanser to gently melt away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Follow that with a mild, low-pH water-based cleanser. Look for ingredients like green tea or centella asiatica, they clean without stripping away essential moisture.

2. Exfoliate, But Only Sparingly
Yes, dead skin cells dull your glow. But too much exfoliation in winter? Recipe for redness. Swap gritty scrubs for chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid are gentler on the skin. Once or twice a week is plenty. And skip it altogether if your skin is cracked or flaky.

3. Toner: Hydration Over Astringency
Think of toner not as an afterthought, but a moisture magnet. Toss out alcohol-laden toners that sting and dry. Instead, reach for hydrating toners rich in hyaluronic acid, ginseng, or birch juice. In K-beauty, this step preps your skin to soak in everything that follows.

4. Essence is Your Winter Hero
This lightweight, watery serum-meets-toner hybrid is often skipped, but don’t. Especially in winter, it acts as the first real wave of moisture. Go for essences with snail mucin, fermented ingredients, or ceramides. They boost elasticity, soothe irritation, and strengthen your skin barrier.

5. Ampoule or Serum: The Real Workhorse
Winter is the perfect time to get serious about targeted treatments. Dealing with redness? Try a serum with propolis or niacinamide. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid or panthenol. K-beauty serums are concentrated, so a few drops are enough to get your skin back on track.

6. Sheet Masks: Chill Out, Hydrate In
There’s nothing cozier than a 20-minute sheet mask session while Netflix runs in the background. But don’t save masks for spa nights, only use them 2-3 times a week. Look for masks with ceramides, peptides, and aloe. Pro tip: warm the packet slightly in your hands before using for that extra soothing effect.

7. Eye Cream: Because Winter Ages Eyes First
The thin skin around your eyes is often the first to feel the sting of cold air. A dab of eye cream morning and night can make a big difference. Choose something rich but not greasy, think peptides, collagen, and caffeine to reduce puffiness and protect delicate skin.

8. Moisturizer: Go Rich or Go Home
This is your skin’s winter coat. Forget the lightweight gels you used in summer, bring out the creams and balms. Korean moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or ceramides form a barrier that locks in all that goodness from the previous steps.

9. Occlusives: Seal the Deal
This step isn’t always part of the K-beauty routine, but in winter, it’s essential. Apply a thin layer of an occlusive product like sleeping masks or a slug of Vaseline over your moisturizer at night. It traps moisture and prevents trans-epidermal water loss (aka waking up with a tight, flaky face).

10. SPF: Non-Negotiable, Even in Snow
Yes, it’s cold. No, the sun didn’t go on holiday. UV rays still penetrate clouds and reflect off snow. Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning, especially if you’re hitting the slopes or just walking around town. Korean sunscreens are famously lightweight, so no excuses.

FAQs