Korean Skincare Routine to Combat Dull and Dry Winter Skin

Winter can really put a damper on things, and our skin can reflect this lackluster energy.

Cold temperatures mean less moisture in the air. Combined with the drying effects of indoor heating, they can leave the skin looking and feeling dull, dry, and flaky. Venture outside, and the harsh wind and biting cold are a double-whammy, just waiting to attack any exposed areas. It's like our skin is under siege, and unfortunately, it shows!

The best defense against this onslaught is to nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin. Fortunately, a few product swaps are all it takes to adapt your Korean skincare routine for winter.

Here’s a tailored Korean winter skincare routine to help you maintain that healthy glow even when temperatures drop.

1. Cleanser

Clean skin is happy skin, but it’s important to strike the right balance, especially in winter.

Start with an oil cleanser to gently dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils, then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue.

However, dry conditions can easily compromise the skin, so be careful not to over-cleanse. If your skin feels dry and tight, consider double cleansing only on nights when you wear heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen.

Otherwise, a single cleanse with a gentle cleanser is sufficient for your Korean skincare routine in winter. Among our top picks is the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel. It has beta-glucan, which works wonders in soothing and calming irritated skin, while its slightly acidic pH of 5.5 maintains the skin's moisture barrier.

In the morning, simply rinse your face with warm water and use a cleansing pad to remove any impurities. This minimalist approach prevents over-cleansing.

2. Exfoliator

Now, you might be thinking, “Didn’t you just say to be gentle with my skin? Shouldn’t I avoid exfoliants altogether?” While it might seem counterintuitive, gentle exfoliation can actually benefit your skin during winter.

Exfoliating sloughs away the dead skin cells that build up and contribute to a dull, lackluster complexion. It also promotes cell turnover, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath.

The key is to use a mild exfoliant in your Korean skincare routine for winter and do it in moderation. A low-percentage beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliating toner like the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner is a great example. It also has the added goodness of 80% aloe leaf water.

Exfoliate only once or twice a week to avoid irritating your skin.

3. Hydrating Toner

After cleansing (on nights you don’t exfoliate), the next step in your Korean winter skincare routine is applying a hydrating toner.

This step is essential because it balances your skin's pH level and replenishes vital moisture. Look for Korean toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica. Hyaluronic acid is a superstar humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, while Centella soothes and hydrates winter-stressed skin.

A fantastic option to add to your Korean skincare for winter is the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Pads. They’re not only convenient but also incredibly effective at delivering a boost of hydration. Plus, they can double as a mini sheet mask on days when your skin needs extra TLC. Simply place them on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Essence

While a toner offers a quick hit of hydration, essences deliver a deeper level of nourishment. These lightweight powerhouses are potent with essential nutrients that target specific skin concerns like skin texture, dullness, and overall health.

For your Korean skincare routine in winter, look for Korean essences with ingredients like fermented extracts, vitamin C, and snail mucin. Fermented ingredients are rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, which nourish and rejuvenate dull skin, while vitamin C will bring back that radiant glow. Snail mucin, on the other hand, is hydrating and healing, making it a valuable addition to your Korean winter skincare routine.

A cult favorite and an excellent choice for this step is the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

5. Eye Cream

If your eyes feel dry and irritated because of the dry indoor air, you can only imagine the havoc it wreaks on the delicate skin around them. That’s why adding an eye cream to your Korean winter skincare routine is a must.

Korean eye creams are specially formulated to deliver intense hydration to the eye area, which is often the first place to show signs of dryness and fatigue. They also help to diminish dark circles and puffiness, giving your eyes a more youthful and refreshed look.

A favorite among K-beauty enthusiasts, the Purito Centella Green Level Eye Cream is a perfect addition to your Korean skincare regimen for winter. Its soothing and hydrating formula is also enriched with peptides to counter the aging effects of environmental stressors.

6. Moisturizer

This step seals in all the goodness you've layered on and shields your skin from the harsh elements.

Opt for Korean moisturizers that contain ceramides and occlusive ingredients like shea butter and squalane. Ceramides are lipids that mimic your skin's natural barrier, helping to strengthen and protect it. They are particularly helpful in shielding your skin from cold, drying winds, while occlusives prevent moisture loss.

The Etude Soon Jung 2X Barrier Intensive Cream is an excellent choice for your Korean skincare routine in winter. It contains skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, and shea butter. Madecassoide, which is a derivative of Centella Asiatica, further soothes and calms any irritation.

7. Sunscreen

Finally, never forget your sunscreen, even in winter! Many people underestimate the sun's power during the colder months, but UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows.

Choose a broad-spectrum Korean sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, like the viral Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum, and apply it as the final step in your Korean winter skincare routine. This will provide essential protection against both UVA and UVB rays, shielding your skin from premature aging and other harmful effects of sun exposure.

Bonus Step: Sheet Mask

As a bonus step, consider incorporating a sheet mask into your Korean skincare regimen for winter.

Korean sheet masks provide intensive hydration and nourishment, which is exactly what your parched and depleted skin needs during the colder months. They also deliver a concentrated dose of nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients that can address specific concerns.

Use a mask one to two times a week, depending on the issues you want to target. For example, if you're struggling with dullness and uneven texture, a vitamin C mask like the TONYMOLY Master Lab Real Mask Sheet can work wonders in brightening and revitalizing your complexion.

Shop Korean Skincare Products For Winter at EYURS

And there you have it—a comprehensive and specialized Korean winter skincare routine. Remember, the key to keeping dryness and irritation at bay is to hydrate and protect your skin’s barrier!

EYURS has everything you need to build or enhance your winter skincare routine. Browse our curated selection of authentic Korean skincare online to find the perfect additions to your self-care regimen.