Here’s a Korean skincare routine for you based on your combination skin, oily T-zone, concerns about dark spots and anti aging.
Morning Routine
1. Cleanser: Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser to remove excess oil and keep your T-zone balanced.
[COSRX] Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or
https://k-beauty.ca/products/cosrx-morning-gel-cleanser?_pos=1&_sid=a32cb050c&_ss=r
[Etude House] Soonjung pH 5.5 Facial Cleanser
2. Toner: A hydrating and refreshing formula helps to plump and smooth the skin, improving elasticity and creating a radiant, dewy complexion.
[Haruharu Wonder] Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
https://k-beauty.ca/products/black-rice-hyaluronic-toner-1?_pos=9&_sid=3d4b767f8&_ss=r
[Torriden] DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Toner
3. Serum: Use a brightening serum like vitamin C serum for brightening and fading dark spots.
[Dr.Althea] Vitamin C Boosting Serum
https://k-beauty.ca/products/dr-althea-vitamin-c-boosting-serum-30ml?_pos=2&_sid=b7b016719&_ss=r
[Jumiso] All day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum
4. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer to hydrate without clogging pores.
[PURITO SEOUL] Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream
[Dr.G] Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
https://k-beauty.ca/products/red-blemish-clear-soothing-cream
5. SPF: Always finish with a lightweight SPF for sun protection and a dewy glow.
[SKIN1004] Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
[Round Lab] Birch Juice Moisturizing SPF
Evening Routine
1. Oil based Cleanser: Start with an oil-based cleanser or Clean Balm to remove makeup and SPF.
[Haruharu Wonder] Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
https://k-beauty.ca/products/haruharu-wonder-black-rice-moisture-deep-cleansing-oil-150ml
[Banila co] Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm Original
2. Water-Based Cleanser: Follow with a foaming cleanser for a deep cleanse.
[Round Lab] 1025 Dokdo Cleanser
https://k-beauty.ca/products/1025-dokdo-cleanser?_pos=1&_sid=ce43aab3b&_ss=r
[Ma:nyo] Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam
https://k-beauty.ca/products/manyo-pure-cleansing-oil-copy?_pos=2&_sid=629768e6e&_ss=r
3. Exfoliation (2-3x per week): Use a chemical exfoliant to target dark spots and improve skin texture. (REALLY IMPORTANT to not get clogged pores or acne !)
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
https://k-beauty.ca/products/aha-bha-pha-30-days-miracle-toner?_pos=14&_sid=d5bbc22d6&_ss=r
[ANUA] BHA 2% GENTLE EXFOLIATING TONER 150ml
https://k-beauty.ca/products/anua-bha-2-gentle-exfoliating-toner-150ml?_pos=1&_sid=cdae8cfe6&_ss=r
Or you can use toner pads instead
[ANUA] Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad (70pcs)
[Medicube] Zero Pore Pad 2.0
https://k-beauty.ca/products/medicube-zero-pore-pad-2-0-70pcs?_pos=2&_sid=23ee5eacf&_ss=r
4. Toner: You can use the same hydrating toner as morning
5. Serum: Use a retinol product to target anti-aging and dark spots.(1-2x per week to start and increase if you can handle)
[SOME BY MI] Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
https://k-beauty.ca/products/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum?_pos=1&_sid=35bcef48f&_ss=r
[COSRX] The Retinol 0.1
https://k-beauty.ca/products/cosrx-the-retinol-0-1-copy?_pos=2&_sid=35bcef48f&_ss=r
6. Moisturizer: Apply soothing cream designed to restore and protect the skin barrier, providing long-lasting hydration and comfort. (Something thicker than morning moisturizer)
[AESTURA] Atobarrier 365 Lotion
https://k-beauty.ca/products/aestura-atobarrier-365-cream-80ml?_pos=1&_sid=5c48ec75a&_ss=r
[S.NATURE] Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream
7. Pimple Patches: Use Acne Pimple Patch for active breakouts to prevent further irritation and promote healing.
[CARE PLUS] Pimple patches
https://k-beauty.ca/products/pimple-patches-102pcs?_pos=3&_sid=c480248a3&_ss=r
[CARE PLUS] Pimple patches Calming (this one is with Teatree)
https://k-beauty.ca/products/pimple-patches-102pcs-copy?_pos=4&_sid=c480248a3&_ss=r
Targeted Treatments & Weekly Add-Ons
• Dark Spots: Incorporate a niacinamide-based product like Txa serum (Nineless, Anua) to help even skin tone and control oil. (When you are not using retinol at night)
• Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Use Tocobo eye cream if you are prone to Milia, or beauty of Joseon eye serum for night time
Additional Notes
• Glow/Dewy Finish: Products like the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) or Tirtir ampoule(night time) can add an extra layer of radiance.
• Use pimple patches as a protective layer.
• Stay consistent with SPF to prevent dark spots from worsening.