I Tried the 7-Step Korean Skincare Routine for a Week — Here’s What Actually Happened

I’ve always been obsessed with glowing skin. No matter how many creams, serums, or overnight masks I tried, something always seemed off. My skin would either feel dry in some areas or oily in others. Then one night, scrolling through TikTok, I fell down the “glass skin” rabbit hole. Everyone was talking about the 7-step Korean skincare routine and how it completely transformed their skin. Skeptical but curious, I decided to try it out for myself—for one week.

Step 1: Double Cleansing

The first step is double cleansing, which is exactly what it sounds like: two cleansers in a row. I started with an oil cleanser to melt away my sunscreen and makeup. The sensation was strangely satisfying—almost like wiping away a day’s stress. Then I followed with a gentle foam cleanser. Even after the first day, my skin felt cleaner than it had in months. My pores seemed to breathe a little easier, and I actually looked forward to washing my face, which is rare for me.

Tip: Don’t skip this step, even if you don’t wear makeup. Sunscreen and pollution residue can clog your pores, and double cleansing removes it gently without over-drying your skin.

Step 2: Exfoliation

By Day 2, I got a little too excited and over-exfoliated. Big mistake. My skin felt tight, and a couple of red patches appeared. Lesson learned: more product doesn’t mean faster results. I scaled back and exfoliated just twice during the week.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, which can make your skin look smoother and more radiant—but it’s easy to go overboard.

Tip: Always follow your exfoliator’s instructions and start slow. Your skin will thank you for it.

Step 3: Toner

Next came toner. Unlike the alcohol-heavy toners I’d used before, this one was lightweight and soothing. I patted it in instead of wiping, which made my face feel fresh and balanced—no dry patches, no shiny oil slick. The toner preps your skin for the next steps, helping it absorb the products more effectively.

Tip: Look for a toner with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Step 4: Essence

Essence was completely new to me, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s somewhere between a serum and a toner, designed to hydrate and repair your skin. After a few uses, I noticed a subtle glow that I hadn’t seen before. It’s like a hydration hug in a bottle.

Tip: Don’t skimp on essence—this step might feel unnecessary at first, but it can make a huge difference in how plump and radiant your skin looks.

Step 5: Serum

For serum, I went with a Vitamin C option to brighten my complexion. After a few days, I started noticing my dark spots looking softer and my skin tone more even. Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, so choosing the right one for your needs is key.

Tip: If you’re new to Vitamin C, start slow to avoid irritation, and always pair it with sunscreen during the day.

Step 6: Moisturizer

Moisturizer was straightforward. I kept it simple with a gel-based option that left my skin plump without feeling greasy. It felt like the perfect combo after all the previous layers of hydration. Moisturizer locks in all the goodness from the previous steps and helps maintain the skin barrier.

Tip: Gel moisturizers are great for combination or oily skin, while creamier textures are ideal for dry skin.

Step 7: Sunscreen

Finally, the step I will never skip again: sunscreen. If you take nothing else from K-beauty, take this. Sunscreen is literally the invisible shield that prevents your glow from turning into sun damage. Even on cloudy days, it’s essential.

Tip: Apply a generous layer of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply if you’re outside for extended periods.

The Results After 7 Days

By the end of the week, I wasn’t expecting a miracle—but I kind of got one. My skin looked smoother, softer, and more radiant. Even my mom asked if I’d changed my foundation. Nope, just a week of consistent skincare and patience.

What surprised me most was how much the routine changed my mindset about skincare. It’s not just about piling on products—it’s about being gentle, consistent, and intentional. I realized that skincare is basically self-care. Slowing down, paying attention, and taking care of your skin actually made me feel calmer and more focused.

Final Thoughts

Would I keep doing all seven steps every single day? Probably not. My routine will likely evolve to suit my lifestyle and skin needs. But I’m definitely keeping the essence and double cleanse—they’re game changers.

The 7-step Korean skincare routine taught me that glowing skin isn’t about buying every product on the shelf. It’s about understanding your skin, respecting its limits, and creating a simple, repeatable routine that works for you. If you’re curious about K-beauty, start small, be consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the process.