Face routine
Skincare routine order for your face
The basic rule: cleanse first, then apply products from the thinnest (watery toners and serums) to the thickest (creams), and finish with sunscreen in the morning. You don't need every step. A cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen are the essentials; add the rest only if they help your skin.
Routines by skin type
Pick your skin type for a routine, the ingredients that help, and what to avoid.
Dry skin
Feels tight, rough, or flaky, with few visible pores. Needs gentle cleansing and rich moisture.
Oily skin
Shiny, with visible pores and makeup that slides. Needs balance, not stripping.
Combination skin
Oily T-zone, normal or dry cheeks. Needs a balanced routine you can adjust by area.
Normal skin
Balanced, comfortable, rarely reactive. Keep it simple and protect it.
Sensitive skin
Stings, burns, or turns red with many products. Needs fewer, gentler, fragrance-free products.
Acne-prone skin
Regular blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Needs gentle care and consistent treatment.
Mature skin
Drier, thinner, with fine lines and uneven tone. Needs protection, hydration, and repair.
The golden rules
- 1
Thinnest to thickest
Watery products go first so they can absorb; creams and oils go last to seal everything in.
- 2
Sunscreen last
In the morning, sunscreen is the final skincare step, before makeup.
- 3
Actives at night
Exfoliants and treatments like retinol go in your night routine, and not on the same night.
- 4
Less can be more
Too many products can irritate skin. Add one new product at a time and patch-test it first.
Morning routine
In the morning, the goal is to cleanse gently, hydrate, and protect your skin from the sun.
1Cleanser
Washes off oil and sweat from the night so the rest of your products can absorb.
How: Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser and lukewarm water. If your skin is dry, a splash of water is enough in the morning.
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2OptionalToner
Adds a first layer of hydration and preps skin for the next steps.
How: Pat a few drops into your skin with your hands, or swipe with a cotton pad.
Pregnant or TTC: Some toners contain BHA (salicylic acid or betaine salicylate), which Jouaxia rates Use caution. Check the label.
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3OptionalEssence
A lightweight, watery layer that hydrates and helps skin feel plump. A K-beauty favorite.
How: Press it into your skin with your palms.
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4Serum or ampoule
Concentrated treatment for a specific concern, like dark spots, dullness, or dehydration.
How: Use 2–3 drops. In the morning, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are popular choices.
Wait: Give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
Pregnant or TTC: Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid aren't on Jouaxia's pregnancy flag list.
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5OptionalEye cream
A gentler formula for the thin skin around your eyes.
How: Tap a small amount along the orbital bone with your ring finger.
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6Moisturizer
Locks in the hydration from earlier steps and supports your skin barrier.
How: Use a lighter gel or lotion in the morning if your skin is oily, a richer cream if it's dry.
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7Sunscreen
Protects against sun damage and dark spots. It's the last skincare step, before makeup.
How: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, about two finger-lengths for your face and neck. Reapply every two hours outdoors.
Pregnant or TTC: Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are a lower-absorption choice. Jouaxia rates oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and avobenzone Use caution.
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Night routine
At night, the goal is to remove sunscreen and makeup, treat, and repair while you sleep. No sunscreen needed.
Essential step Optional
1OptionalOil cleanser or cleansing balm
Melts away sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil. The first half of a K-beauty double cleanse.
How: Massage onto dry skin, add a little water to emulsify, then rinse.
Shop cleansing oils and balms →- 2
Water-based cleanser
Washes away what's left so your skin is clean for treatments.
How: Use a gentle foam or gel cleanser with lukewarm water, and pat dry.
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3OptionalExfoliant (1–3 times a week)
Removes dead skin cells for smoother texture. Not an everyday step.
How: Use a chemical exfoliant (AHA, BHA, or PHA) a few nights a week, not every night, and not on the same night as retinol.
Pregnant or TTC: ACOG lists glycolic acid (an AHA) among options that may be used in pregnancy. Salicylic acid (BHA) is rated Use caution: OTC products may be used if needed, but avoid high-strength peels.
Shop toners and pads →- 4Optional
Toner and essence
Rehydrates skin after cleansing.
How: Pat in a hydrating toner, then an essence if you use one.
Shop toners → - 5
Treatment serum
Night is the time for active treatments, such as retinol for fine lines or azelaic acid for redness and dark spots.
How: Apply a thin layer to dry skin. Start slowly with strong actives, a few nights a week.
Wait: Wait a minute or two before moisturizer.
Pregnant or TTC: Skip retinol, retinal, and other retinoids if you're pregnant or trying to conceive; Jouaxia rates them Avoid. Azelaic acid is an option ACOG lists for pregnancy.
Shop pregnancy-safe serums → - 6Optional
Eye cream
Hydrates the delicate under-eye area overnight.
How: Tap gently with your ring finger.
Shop eye care → - 7
Moisturizer or sleeping mask
Seals everything in. A richer cream or a K-beauty sleeping mask works well at night.
How: Apply a slightly thicker layer than in the morning.
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8Optional
The K-beauty 10-step routine
The famous Korean routine layers many light products. It's a menu, not a rule: most people use a few of these steps, and adding more products can irritate sensitive skin.
Essential step Optional
- 1
- 2
- 3Optional
- 4
- 5
- 6
7Optional- 8
- 9
- 10
Common questions
- What order should I apply skincare products in?
- Cleanser first, then toner, essence, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer, going from the thinnest to the thickest texture. In the morning, finish with sunscreen as the last skincare step before makeup.
- Do I need all 10 steps of a K-beauty routine?
- No. The 10-step routine is a menu, not a rule. A gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are the essentials; add a toner, essence, or serum only if they help your skin.
- Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?
- After. Sunscreen is the last step of your morning skincare routine, applied after moisturizer and before makeup.
- Can I use retinol in my night routine while trying to conceive?
- Jouaxia rates retinoids, including retinol and retinal, Avoid for pregnancy, and many people stop them while trying to conceive. Azelaic acid is one alternative ACOG lists for pregnancy. Check your routine with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
Sources
- ACOG — Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
- MotherToBaby — Topical Acne Treatments
- American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologists' tips to relieve dry skin
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a skin or scalp condition, check your routine with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.