Here’s my easy 5-step Korean skincare routine for dry skin that I follow every day to achieve a healthy and glowing complexion.

Welcome to my latest blog post, where I’ll be sharing my current easy 5-step Korean skincare routine for dry skin. I’ve included a breakdown of the products that I use and love right now.
And for those who want a more in-depth routine, I’ve previously shared my 10-step Korean skincare routine for dry skin as well.
I believe in the effectiveness of simple skincare routines that are easy to stick to, which is why I prefer to use fewer products but layer them several times for optimal results.
As the seasons change or as I finish products, I like to rotate and switch things up to incorporate new items into my routine. While some of the products you may have seen before on my blog, there are also some new additions.
To give you a little context, my skin type is normal to dry, with occasional breakouts when my skin is dehydrated.
My main concerns are removing dryness, improving skin texture, and maintaining clear skin. Although I have a few acne scars, they have faded over time and aren’t too noticeable.
Above all, I prioritize hydration and soothing properties in my skincare routine.
By following this easy 5-step Korean skincare routine for dry skin, I’m able to prioritize hydration and soothing properties.
This helps me achieve my goal of improving skin texture and maintaining clear, healthy-looking skin.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the easy 5-step Korean skin care routine for dry skin.
My Top Picks for 5 Step Korean Skincare Routine
Here are my top favorites for a 5 step Korean skincare routine, consisting of essential products that have transformed my dry skin into a healthy and glowing complexion.
- Oil Cleanser: Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil ($17 at YesStyle, $9 at Style Korean, $13 at Jolse)
- Water Cleanser: Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser ($9 at Style Korean)
- Toner/Essence: Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X ($37 at Missha USA, $37 at YesStyle, $28 at Style Korean)
- Ampoule: COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule ($17 at YesStyle, $15 at Style Korean, $21 at Amazon)
- Moisturize: AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream ($31 at Amazon)
- SPF: Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mild Sun ($12 at Style Korean, $18 at Jolse)
What Are the 5-Steps of Korean Skin Care?
If you’re new to the world of Korean skincare, you might be wondering about the 5 step routine and how it compares to the 10 step routine.
Well, let me break it down for you in a way that’s super simple and easy to understand.
Basically, the 5 step routine is a more streamlined version of the 10 step routine and includes the most essential steps you need to follow daily.
It involves using a cleanser to wash away dirt and impurities, applying toner to balance your skin’s pH levels, using a treatment product to tackle any specific skin concerns, moisturizing your skin to keep it hydrated, and applying sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
By following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthy, glowing complexion that’ll turn heads.
And the best part? It’s easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Trust me, these essential five steps are a great starting point for beginners, and once you get the hang of it, you can always add more steps to your routine if you want.
How to Start a Korean Skin Care Routine
Starting a Korean skin care routine may seem daunting, it’s not as complicated as it may seem.
With just 5 simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful and radiant complexion that’ll leave you feeling confident and beautiful.
The key to the 5 step routine is to know the correct order to apply your skin care products and to learn more about your skin through the ritual.
And don’t worry if you don’t have time for all 5 steps every day or if you want to skip some steps based on your lifestyle, skin type, and skin concerns.
It’s totally okay to personalize the routine to fit your needs!
Easy 5-Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
Now that you know the basics of Korean skincare, it’s time to dive into an easy 5 step routine specifically designed for dry skin.
These simple steps will help nourish and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and glowing.
Step 1: Cleanse

- Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil ($17 at YesStyle, $9 at Style Korean, $13 at Jolse)
- Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser ($9 at Style Korean)
- Banila Co Clean it Zero ($18 at YesStyle, $19 at Style Korean, $24 at Amazon)
Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. And it’s important to find a gentle yet effective product that works for your skin.
I prefer to use different cleansers in the morning and at night to suit my skin’s needs.
In the morning, I love using the Innisfree Blueberry Cleanser, which is really gentle and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.
At night, I double cleanse with an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser to remove all traces of makeup, SPF, and impurities.
For my oil cleanser, I swear by the Celimax Jojoba Oil, which is really gentle and doesn’t strip my skin of its natural oils.
And when I’m wearing waterproof makeup, I reach for the Banila Co Cleansing Zero, which effortlessly removes even the most stubborn mascara and eyeliner.
Remember, the correct order of cleansing is to start with an oil-based cleanser (like a cleansing balm) to remove oil-based impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and debris.
This two-step process ensures that your skin is thoroughly cleansed without being stripped of its natural oils.
Step 2: Toner

- Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X ($37 at Missha USA, $37 at YesStyle, $28 at Style Korean)
After cleansing, I always apply toner to balance and hydrate my skin, making sure it’s not left feeling dry after using a face wash.
It’s also an important step to help prep the skin to better absorb other skincare products.
One of my favorite toners is the Missha Time Revolution First Essence.
It’s a great hydrating toner that helps to moisturize and smooth out dehydrated skin, leaving it feeling dewy and healthy.
The lightweight water-like texture blends flawlessly into the skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves a soft finish that still feels moisturized without being heavy.
I love using it as a base layer under my serum, ampoule, and moisturizer.
Step 3: Treat


- COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule ($17 at YesStyle, $15 at Style Korean, $21 at Amazon)
- Torriden Dive-In Low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($15 at YesStyle, $21 at Style Korean, $24 at Amazon)
In this step, I get to give my skin the extra TLC it needs!
I like to use essences, serums, or ampoules that are packed with powerful ingredients to target specific skin concerns like dark spots, wrinkles, dullness, and hydration.
Since my skin tends to be on the drier side and occasionally breaks out when it’s dehydrated, I opt for treatments that both hydrate and soothe.

One of my all-time favorite deep hydration treatments is the COSRX Light Ampoule.
It’s perfect for nighttime use, especially during the colder seasons, and I find that applying it once or layering it on gives me the best results.

For a lighter, more easily absorbed serum, I turn to the Torriden Dive-In Low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
It’s super hydrating and works great under foundation. I simply apply a few drops to my face and gently pat it in until it fully absorbs.
Step 4: Moisturize


- AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream ($31 at Amazon)
- Dr.G Red Blemish Soothing Cream ($29 at Style Korean, $19 at Stylevana, $25 at Amazon)
This step is all about keeping your skin hydrated and plump.
I like to switch between a few moisturizers depending on the season and my skin’s needs.

My current favorite is the Aestura Atobarrier 365 cream, which has a light formula and is packed with nourishing ingredients.
I’ve been using it for years, and it’s perfect for dry skin during the colder months.
The smooth texture with tiny white capsule beads melts into my skin, giving it an extra moisturizing layer without feeling heavy or greasy.
Plus, it’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.

For a lightweight moisturizer that’s great during warmer seasons, I reach for the Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream.
It has a super light gel-type texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky feeling.
Step 5: SPF

- Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mild Sun ($12 at Style Korean, $18 at Jolse)
Last but not least, applying sunscreen is a crucial step in my morning skincare routine.
I’ve tried out various Korean sunscreens this year from brands such as Missha, Etude House, COSRX, and Neogen.
However, I found myself loving mineral-based sunscreens the most as they tend to be gentler on my skin and less irritating.
Although some mineral-based sunscreens can be tricky to apply evenly, many of them I’ve tried have been easy to use.

I currently have two favorite mineral-based sunscreens: Dr.G Green Mild Sun Up+ and Dr.Jart + Every Sun Day Mild Sun.
Both have a lightweight texture that’s perfect for wearing under makeup, and they leave almost no white cast. At the end of the day, they’re also easy to remove.
I’ve mentioned Dr.G Green Mild Sun Up+ on my blog multiple times before, so you can find some articles.

As for Dr.Jart + Every Sun Day Mild Sun, it’s my recent favorite.
While it’s not as fluid or thin as Dr.G’s sunscreen, it has a slightly citrusy scent that’s not irritating.
It does leave a very slight white cast, but it blends well on the skin and has a soft matte finish like Dr.G’s sunscreen.
Wrap Up
Incorporating a Korean skincare routine into your daily regimen can make a significant difference in achieving healthy, glowing skin.
By following the five-step process of double cleansing, toning, treating, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen, you can transform your skin and achieve a complexion that you will love.
Through my personal experience with Korean skincare products, I have found that they truly work wonders for the skin.
Not only are they effective in treating various skin concerns, but they are also formulated with high-quality ingredients that are gentle on the skin.
So why not give it a try?
Start by incorporating one or two Korean skincare products into your routine and see the difference it can make. Your skin will thank you for it!
Further reading on KbeautyAddiciton.com: Want more glowing, healthy skin?
If you want to pamper your skin even more, check out these other Korean skincare trends!
- 12 Ultimate Korean Skin Care Products You Need to Try
- 9 Best Korean Skincare Brands to Achieve Flawless and Radiant Skin
- 5 Best Korean Sheet Masks to Hydrate and Refresh Your Skin
Last Updated on 06/18/2023 by Elle Kim