Korean Skin Care & Laser Treatments
When it comes to skincare, it can feel difficult to know which products to use and which regimen to follow to achieve glowing, clear, When it comes to skincare, it can feel difficult to know which products to use and which regimen to follow to achieve glowing, clear, glass-skin, which is why so many people are turning to the globally trending Korean beauty skincare routine. Rooted in K-beauty philosophy, the Korean skincare routine is a ten-step regimen featuring products with natural, nourishing ingredients that hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin — such as hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, green tea, and centella asiatica. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, and stubborn dark spots. Hormonal changes and environmental stress can also trigger acne breakouts even in adulthood. Whether you’re building an at-home Korean skincare routine or exploring in-office Korean skin treatments and laser options, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
The 10-step Korean skincare routine, which includes double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser, exfoliation, toner, Essence, targeted serums or ampoules, sheet masks, eye cream, moisturizer, and layered SPFs, can be tailored to any skin type, including oily, dry, and sensitive skin. Beyond at-home K-beauty products, many patients are also turning to Korean-inspired in-office treatments, such as chemical peels, laser toning, and skin booster injections, to improve hyperpigmentation, further address anti-aging concerns, and enhance overall skin texture. With so many Korean beauty products and treatments available, it is best to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, to determine which will work best for you.
Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side, New York City office for more than 25 years. A master of cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, Dr. Green is highly skilled at creating customized skincare plans and in-office treatment protocols for each patient. Through her proprietary skincare line, MGSKINLABS, Dr. Green provides patients with the highest-quality creams, serums, and sunscreens to complement any Korean skincare routine. Her expertise in moisturization and skin barrier support helps patients maintain results long after treatment. Well known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been named one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by publications such as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What is Korean Skincare?
Across the world, attention is increasingly focused on the Korean skincare routine and K-beauty products as a way to achieve smooth, clear, bright, glass-like skin. The Korean skincare regimen involves a 10-step process of cleansing the skin of debris such as makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and dead skin cells; infusing the skin with active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide; treating specific concerns such as acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation; and finishing with a sheet mask, moisturizer, and SPF. Many Korean beauty products are available online, though the routine does not require products shipped directly from Korea to be effective.
How to have a Korean Skincare routine
The standard Korean skincare routine follows a 10-step process for cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, resulting in smooth, bright, and clear skin. While the full regimen can be simplified to five or seven steps, the full treatment regimen is as follows:
1. Cleanser – oil-based
The first step in the Korean skincare routine is to use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and sebum buildup. The oil-based cleanser, which contains ingredients such as macadamia oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil, is the first step in the double cleanse that is foundational to the K-beauty skincare routine. Both in the morning and at night, a cleansing oil should be gently applied to the skin, then followed by warm water to help the product emulsify before being rinsed off.
2. Cleanser – water-based
The second step in the double cleanse is to use a water-based cleanser with active ingredients such as green tea extract, rice extract, and pearl extract to remove dirt and sweat from the skin’s surface. The water-based cleanser is essential for removing the skin impurities that the oil-based cleanser missed, helping prevent breakouts and clear the pores. After the oil-based cleanser, apply the water-based cleanser to a damp face, massage it in, and rinse with warm water.
3. Exfoliating
Exfoliate the skin one to two times a week to remove dead skin cells, promote skin cell turnover, and clear pores. Two types of exfoliation can be performed: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliation involves applying a solution containing ingredients such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, which react with dead skin cells and debris, causing them to slough off and leaving the skin bright and clear. Physical exfoliation involves applying an abrasive ingredient, such as biodegradable beads or sugar. Physical exfoliation is highly effective but can cause skin irritation, so consult your dermatologist to determine which method is best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin.
4. Toner
Typically containing ingredients such as aloe, citric acid, and licorice, the toner step is important for removing any residual cleanser and preparing the skin barrier for the moisturizing step. Toner helps balance the skin’s pH and improves the absorption of moisturizing products, such as hyaluronic acid. Toner should be gently patted into the skin after cleansing.
5. Essence for Skin Hydration
Applying essence, such as the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence, helps hydrate the skin and improve skin cell turnover. The Essence is typically lightweight and helps provide patients with bright, evenly textured, hydrated skin. It can be applied in the morning and lightly applied to the skin’s surface.
6. Treatment with Boosters, Serums, and Ampoules
The treatment step allows patients to address specific skin conditions such as acne breakouts, blemishes, dark spots, dry skin, or oily skin. In this step, a wide variety of products is available to suit your needs. For acne-prone skin, look for products containing ingredients such as retinol, propolis extract, and niacinamide, such as the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. When addressing dark spots or hyperpigmentation, a Vita C serum containing Centella Asiatica (Cica), green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid can be an effective and non-irritating solution. When addressing specific skin conditions, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to determine which product will work best for you.
7. Sheet Mask
One of the most well-known steps in the Korean skincare routine is the sheet mask – a hydrating mask left on the face for 20-30 minutes to allow the absorption of nutrients and moisture. Sheet masks can be made with various ingredients, including green tea extract and rose; many are available on the market. Apply the sheet mask to a clean, clear face so the revitalizing ingredients can fully absorb into the skin during prolonged contact. A sheet mask is best applied in the evening after the double cleanse, toner, and treatment steps.
8. Eye Cream
The skin under the eyes is often thin and delicate and can show early signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark circles. Applying eye cream under the eyes can help firm the delicate skin and help prevent fine lines, such as crow’s feet, and hyperpigmentation. Look for eye creams that contain hydrating ingredients such as ginseng, honey, and ceramides, and apply them gently by tapping the treatment area rather than rubbing.
9. Moisturizer
To seal in moisture and keep the skin smooth and hydrated, moisturize the skin’s surface every morning and evening as the second-to-last step of the 10-step process. Moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and bamboo help keep skin from drying out overnight and throughout the day, smoothing the skin and helping prevent the development of wrinkles. There are many different forms of moisturizers, including creams, gels, and serums, and depending on your skin type and local environment, the best form of moisturizer can change. You can consult with Dr. Green at her NYC office for advice on which moisturizer to choose.
10. Sunscreen
The final step of the Korean skincare routine, and the most important for long-term skin protection, is applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50. Patients should always apply sunscreen at the start of the day to protect their skin from UV rays, which can cause sunspots and even skin cancer. You can look for a Korean sunscreen, such as the Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF 50, or opt for any sunscreen containing ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Does Korean skincare work?
The 10-step Korean skincare routine can effectively keep skin clean, clear, hydrated, and protected from the sun while addressing concerns such as acne, dry skin, and hyperpigmentation. There is plenty of room to customize the routine to find the products that work best for you, regardless of whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin. When navigating the many Korean beauty products available, it is best to consult an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can examine your skin and recommend the most effective regimen for your specific skin type.
What do Koreans use for their skin?
Many K-beauty products are available for purchase online and can be shipped to the United States from Korea. Some of the most popular Korean beauty brands include Amorepacific, Belif, Beauty of Joseon, Cosrx, Dr. Jart, Laneige, Missha, SKIN1004, Medicube, Dr. Althea, Round Lab, and Anua. These companies produce products for every step of the 10-step Korean skin care routine, including cleansing oils, oil- and water-based cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, ampoules, moisturizers, and sunscreens, many of which are formulated with natural, plant-based active ingredients such as green tea, heartleaf, centella asiatica, snail mucin, ginseng, and PHA exfoliants for deep hydration without irritation.
What are the most common beauty product brands from Korea?
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon, a Korean skincare company, offers a range of products for the 10-step Korean Skincare routine. Two of the most popular products are:
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – A serum created specifically for patients who struggle with acne breakouts. It is formulated with propolis extract and niacinamide to heal irritated skin.
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 – This sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and moisturizes the skin throughout the day. Formulated with rice extract (30% concentration), niacinamide, and ginseng, this sunscreen helps achieve glass skin.
Cosrx
Founded in 2013, Cosrx is a Korean skincare company that ships skincare products to more than 140 countries worldwide. Two of the most highly recommended products are:
Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence – This serum helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, hydrates the skin, and improves skin texture and tone.
Cosrx AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment Serum – A new product from Cosrx, the Blemish Treatment Serum should be used during the treatment step of the Korean skincare routine to address acne blemishes, clear pores, and remove excess sebum.
Dr. Jart
One of the most highly regarded Dr. Jart products is the Dr. Jart Tiger Grass Sleepair Intense Mask, formulated with Centella Asiatica to soothe and moisturize the skin. Suitable for all skin types, the mask can be applied at night and worn while you sleep for intense hydration and repair.
Missha
A highly recommended product from the K-beauty company Missha is also a nighttime mask: the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x. This serum is formulated with various probiotics to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm the skin, and enhance skin texture.
Laneige
Korean-based beauty company Laneige also provides patients with high-quality sheet masks, including the Laneige Water Sleep Mask, which is designed to be applied to the face before bed and left on overnight. The mask is formulated with a probiotic-derived Complex to thoroughly moisturize, brighten, and improve skin texture. Laneige also offers the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, designed to be applied to the lips and left on overnight for smooth, hydrated lips. The product contains vitamin C, coconut oil, and shea.
SKIN1004
SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand best known for its Madagascar Centella Asiatica line, which soothes and hydrates sensitive or acne-prone skin. One of the most popular products is:
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule – Formulated with a high concentration of centella asiatica, this lightweight ampoule calms redness and irritation while supporting the skin barrier, making it a favorite for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Medicube
Medicube offers both skincare products and at-home beauty devices designed to support deep hydration and a smoother complexion. One of its most recognized products is:
Medicube Collagen Deep Wrinkle Care Cream – This moisturizer combines peptides and collagen-supporting ingredients with deep hydration to help soften the look of fine lines and improve overall skin texture.
Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea specializes in gentle, dermatologist-inspired formulas featuring active ingredients such as niacinamide and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and support moisturization. One of its most popular products is:
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream – This barrier-repairing moisturizer is formulated with ceramides and centella asiatica to calm irritation and lock in hydration, making it well suited for dry or sensitive skin types.
Round Lab
Round Lab is celebrated for its nature-derived active ingredients, including birch juice and mugwort. One of its most highly recommended products is:
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen – This lightweight, hydrating sunscreen combines SPF protection with birch juice to hydrate the skin while guarding against UV damage, making it a popular final step in the 10-step Korean skincare routine.
Anua
Anua has built a loyal following for its heartleaf-based products, which calm irritation and balance sebum production in oily and combination skin types. One of its most popular products is:
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – This toner is formulated with a high concentration of heartleaf extract to soothe redness and irritation while balancing sebum production, making it a cult favorite for oily and combination skin types.
Where to buy Korean skincare products
These Korean beauty brands are available online through their respective websites and typically ship worldwide. Many Korean products rely on natural, plant-based active ingredients, which is part of why they are coveted globally. However, patients need not use exclusively Korean products to follow the 10-step Korean skincare routine. For personalized recommendations on which skincare products will work best for your skin type, schedule a consultation with dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Frequently Asked Questions about Korean Skin Care & Laser Treatments
What is Korean skincare known for?
Korean skincare is best known for its multi-step approach to achieving hydrated, luminous glass skin through gentle layering of active ingredients rather than a single, aggressive product. The philosophy emphasizes double cleansing, consistent hydration, and daily SPF, alongside innovative ingredients such as snail mucin, centella asiatica, and fermented extracts. Korean skincare is also known for pioneering popular product categories such as Essence, ampoule, and sheet mask, which have since been adopted by skincare brands worldwide.
What’s the difference between Korean and Western skincare treatments?
Korean skincare treatments tend to emphasize prevention, hydration, and a multi-step routine with layered serums, essences, and sheet masks. In contrast, Western skincare treatments have traditionally favored fewer, more concentrated products and greater reliance on in-office procedures. Korean beauty culture also popularized double cleansing and gentle PHA and BHA exfoliants, whereas Western routines have often relied on stronger AHAs or retinol as a single active step. Dr. Green combines the best of both approaches, integrating gentle Korean-inspired skincare ingredients with proven Western dermatologic treatments, such as chemical peels and laser toning, for optimal results.
What ingredients are common in Korean skin treatments?
Korean skin treatments and skincare products commonly feature active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration and skin barrier support, niacinamide and vitamin C for brightening, and retinol to promote anti-aging skin cell turnover. Soothing ingredients like centella asiatica (cica), green tea, heartleaf, and snail mucin help reduce inflammation. At the same time, PDRN and peptides are increasingly used in advanced in-office skin booster treatments to stimulate collagen production. Dr. Green can help determine which active ingredients are best suited to your skin type.
Are Korean skin treatments effective for anti-aging?
Korean skin treatments can be quite effective for anti-aging (also written as anti aging or antiaging) when used consistently as part of a comprehensive routine. Ingredients like retinols, peptides, and vitamin C stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, while in-office treatments such as laser toning and skin booster injections can further reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. Combining a Korean-inspired skincare routine with professional anti-aging treatments from Dr. Green offers patients a more comprehensive approach to youthful, radiant skin.
Is Korean skincare good for sensitive skin?
Yes, many Korean skincare products are formulated with gentle, soothing active ingredients such as centella asiatica, heartleaf, and green tea, making the routine well-suited for sensitive skin. However, patients with sensitive or reactive skin should still introduce new products slowly, one at a time, to monitor for irritation and consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, before combining potent actives such as retinol, AHAs, or BHAs.
What are the best Korean skin treatments?
The best Korean skin treatments depend on your specific skin concerns and skin type. For overall hydration and glow, a consistent Korean skincare routine featuring essences, ampoules, and sheet masks is highly effective. For more targeted concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or signs of aging, in-office treatments such as chemical peels, laser toning, and skin boosters can deliver more dramatic, longer-lasting results. Dr. Green can recommend the ideal combination of at-home Korean skincare products and in-office treatments to meet your goals.
What are popular Korean skin treatments for glass skin?
Popular Korean skin treatments for achieving glass skin include hydrating facials, gentle chemical peels, and skin booster injections that infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid and PDRN to deliver deep hydration and radiance. At home, a consistent 10-step Korean skincare routine featuring toners, essences, and lightweight moisturizers helps maintain a smooth, luminous look between in-office treatments.
What is a Korean glass skin facial?
A Korean glass skin facial typically combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and intensive hydration to achieve the smooth, poreless, luminous complexion associated with glass skin. These facials often include hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, or vitamin C-infused serums, along with light massage to boost circulation and product absorption, leaving the skin dewy and refreshed.
What is a Korean HydraFacial or water treatment?
A Korean-style hydra facial, or water treatment, uses a vortex device to cleanse, exfoliate, and infuse the skin with hydrating serums in a single session. This treatment helps remove dead skin cells and excess sebum from pores while delivering deep hydration, making it a popular option for patients seeking brighter, more even-toned skin without downtime.
What is a Korean chemical peel, and how is it different?
A Korean chemical peel typically uses gentler formulations and lower concentrations of AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs than traditional Western peels, emphasizing brightening and strengthening the skin barrier rather than aggressive exfoliation. These peels are often layered with soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica to minimize irritation, making them a good option for patients with sensitive skin or those new to chemical exfoliation.
What is a Korean laser toning treatment?
Korean laser toning is a low-energy laser treatment that uses repeated, gentle passes to target melanin in the skin, helping reduce hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone over a series of sessions. The treatment is popular for its minimal downtime and gradual, natural-looking improvement in overall skin tone.
What is a Korean skin booster treatment (like Rejuran)?
Korean skin booster treatments, such as Rejuran, involve injecting PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) or peptides into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and provide deep hydration from within. These treatments are popular for improving overall skin texture, reducing fine lines, and addressing dullness, and are often used alongside a consistent skincare routine for long-lasting results.
What are the best Korean skin treatments for acne scars?
For acne scars, Korean-inspired treatments that pair gentle chemical peels with AHAs or BHAs, plus microneedling or laser resurfacing, are often most effective. At-home Korean skincare products featuring niacinamide, centella asiatica, and retinol can also help fade post-acne discoloration and support the skin barrier between in-office sessions.
What are the best Korean skin whitening treatments?
Korean skin whitening, or brightening, treatments typically focus on reducing hyperpigmentation with active ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract. They may also include in-office options, such as chemical peels or laser toning, for more stubborn dark spots. Dr. Green can recommend a customized brightening plan that safely addresses hyperpigmentation for your specific skin tone and type.
What is the Korean 10-step skincare routine?
The Korean 10-step skincare routine includes an oil-based cleanser, a water-based cleanser, an exfoliator, a toner, an essence, a treatment serum or ampoule, a sheet mask, an eye cream, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen, applied in that order both morning and night. Each step builds on the last, gradually cleansing, treating, and hydrating the skin for a smooth, glowing complexion. For a full breakdown of each step, see the routine outlined earlier in this article.
How much do Korean skin treatments cost?
The cost of Korean skin treatments varies widely depending on whether you are purchasing at-home K-beauty products or scheduling in-office procedures such as chemical peels, laser toning, or skin boosters. At-home Korean skincare products are generally affordable, whereas professional treatments are priced based on the specific procedure, the number of sessions needed, and the treatment area. During a consultation, Dr. Green can provide a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate tailored to your goals.
Can you get Korean skin treatments outside of Korea?
Yes, many Korean-inspired skin treatments and K-beauty products are widely available outside Korea, including in the United States. Board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Green offer in-office treatments inspired by Korean techniques, such as gentle chemical peels, laser toning, and skin boosters. She can also recommend Korean beauty products to complement your at-home routine.
Schedule a Consultation for Korean Skin Care & Laser Treatments Today with Dr. Green
Korean skincare and Korean-inspired laser treatments offer a comprehensive approach to achieving smooth, hydrated, glowing glass skin, whether through a consistent at-home 10-step routine or advanced in-office procedures such as chemical peels, laser toning, and skin boosters. From double cleansing and layering essences and ampoules to addressing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and signs of aging with targeted treatments, there are options suited to every skin type and concern. Determining which combination of Korean beauty products and professional treatments will work best for your skin is easiest with the guidance of an experienced, board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing the best non-invasive treatments and specially formulated skincare to some of the world’s most discerning men and women at her Upper East Side, Manhattan, office. She is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and clinical expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to develop a customized Korean-inspired skincare routine and treatment plan tailored to your skin type and specific concerns. To get started, please call 212-535-3088 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green today.
