This Korean Skincare Routine Is Perfect For Winter Season

You take very good care of your skin all-round the year, do everything right, have a lit glow, and then comes the party pooper - winter season. No matter what your skin type, this chilly weather can make your skin look dull, stretchy and dry. But this year and henceforth, you have us! This Korean skincare routine is curated keeping in mind all skin types, which will save your skin and give you a cheeky glow. 

6 step Korean skincare routine for winters 

Step 1: Don’t skip on double cleansing

We think it’s ideal to follow this step, no matter what season you are in. Double cleansing helps breakdown dirt, makeup, sunscreen and grime that take residence on your face. Your skin will especially love this step in winters, as the oil-based cleansing balms are rich in natural oils and keep skin hydrated and soft. Our Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm is infused with moringa seed oil and neem extracts that prevent moisture loss, whereas salicylic acid gently sloughs off dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Post this, you can use any mild cleanser for a deeper cleanse. Use a foam-based cleanser if you have oily, acne-prone or combination skin; gel-based cleansers suit all skin types, and cream-based cleansers work best for dry and sensitive skin. Explore all our cleansers here. 

Step 2: Exfoliate wisely 

Dead skin builds up pretty easily in winters, and the quickest way to get rid of them is through exfoliation. Although, in winters, you got to be careful to not over-exfoliate your skin or use a concentrated chemical exfoliant as it might end up irritating your skin. Using a cream-based exfoliator or micro-dosing (using a very mild chemical exfoliant 2-3 times per week) should be your go-to. 

Our Mesmerice Ultra Nourishing Cream Mask has rice powder that buffs away all baddies while leaving your skin soft and supple. This is ideal if your skin is dry and sensitive. Use this cream mask 1-2 times per week. For all other skin types, we recommend using our Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads which is infused with glycolic acid that reduces excess oil, clears pores and boosts skin radiance. You can use these peel pads 2-3 times every week.  

Step 3: Essence is essential 

More hydrating than toners and thinner than serums, essences can drench your skin in water. They are quite refreshing and do an excellent job at protecting and nourishing skin at the same time. They also contain peak amounts of skin-loving ingredients and/or actives that repair skin. Our Mon Cherry Intense Brightening Essence has glycerin, licorice, cherry blossom and pearl extracts, which brighten and moisturize skin. It also has grapefruit extracts (a natural form of salicylic acid) that helps lighten dark spots and blemishes. If you want to do it the Korean way, add roughly 5-7 layers (allow the previous layer to be absorbed before moving onto the next) of essence for looking like a glazed donut. 

Step 4: Make a run for serum

There cannot be a routine without a serum. The powerhouse of benefits, you can target your skin concerns, moisturize and protect your skin at the same time. With just 3 drops of this elixir, you’ll be waking up to better and healthier skin every morning. Use a serum based on your skin woes, and apply it everyday in your morning and night routine. Here’s a quick rundown of our Korean serums. 

Mesmerice Intense Repair Serum – heals damaged skin, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and adds glow. Ideal for people with mature and acne-prone skin. 

Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum – targets dark spots, intensely hydrates and plumps skin. Suits all skin types, especially if you have pigmentation.   

Birch Please Skin Soothing Clarifying Serum – gently exfoliates, lightens dark spots and hydrates skin. Perfect for all skin types. 

Chialeader Zit Fix Serum – controls acne, reduces sebum, calms damaged skin. Beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. 

Step 5: Moisturizer is a must

You obviously know you need a moisturizer. What you might not know is that your skin needs a double moisturizer. During winters, just one layer of moisture may not hit the mark and entirely switching to a heavy moisturizer might not suit your skin type and can leave you looking greasy. Here’s a tip – use a lightweight moisturizer, the one you normally use, and simply layer it twice. If you have extremely dry skin, you can even layer a creamy moisturizer. Doing this does not weigh your skin down and responds to your skin’s cry for hydration. Our Mon Cherry Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel is the perfect fit. It’s quick absorbing and delivers tons of hydration. 

Step 6: Protect & Nourish

AM: SPF

It’s okay if the weather is cozy and the sun is in hiding, you must not step out without using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UV rays are still doing their job of damaging your skin, and you need to be protected. Our Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel has UV filters that block harmful rays and infrared waves. It also blends in easily without leaving behind any white cast. 

PM: Sleeping Mask

As for the PM, seal in all the goodness in your skin by using a skin-rejuvenating sleeping mask. Dry, winter skin will love our Birch Please Intense Hydration Water Sleeping Mask. It has a smooth gel-like consistency, and smells amazing! Ingredients like birch juice, damask rose, honeysuckle, and sea buckthorn repair and hydrate your skin while you catch some shut eye. 

Additional Steps

• Tackle dry and chapped lips by using an overnight lip mask. Our Mon Cherry Lip Nourishing Sleeping Mask has grapefruit extracts that dissolve dead skin cells, whereas squalane glycerin adds tons of moisture
• Don’t forget your hands! Use a nourishing hand cream to get rid of rough and scaly hands and keep them baby soft all day long. Explore our hands creams here

This winter, take the K-beauty route and say hello to dewy fresh, hydrated skin!