I followed a full Korean skincare routine for 30 days. My skin has never been this softer, clearer, and brighter.

I remember scrolling through Instagram late one evening, looking for quick self-care tips that I could squeeze into my hectic life. My feed was brimming with short clips of glowing faces and elaborate step-by-step skincare regimens.

One theme kept popping up: the Korean skincare routine. At first, I was skeptical. I’m often wary of trends that promise instant miracles, but I was also intrigued by the before-and-after photos shared by enthusiasts.

With my work, family responsibilities, and side projects, it can be hard to find a consistently peaceful moment for myself. Yet, something about these glowing transformations made me think, “What if I actually commit to this?”

I decided to challenge myself by devoting 30 days to a full routine. I made a personal pact to follow each step carefully. I assumed it would be complicated, and I was partially right. It was more detailed than what I was used to, but it also turned out to be deeply rewarding.

Before long, I noticed my skin feeling balanced in a way it never had before. And now that the month has passed, I can’t deny it: my face feels smoother and clearer, and I’ve developed a new appreciation for the power of daily self-care.

How i got started

My motivation for finally jumping on the K-beauty bandwagon was a mix of curiosity and my love for experiments. I’ve always found it fascinating to see how small lifestyle changes can lead to surprising results.

In my work, I help entrepreneurs identify habits that can improve not only their business but also their sense of well-being. So why not apply that same approach to my skin?

I did some preliminary research on Farnam Street, which is known for articles on forming and maintaining good habits. There was a great piece emphasizing the importance of consistency in any new routine.

While they didn’t mention skincare specifically, the principle holds: daily actions compound over time, leading to significant outcomes. That resonated with me. If I wanted a visible difference, I had to stay consistent.

After reading enough success stories, I drafted a routine. There’s the famous 10-step approach (though sometimes it’s 7 or 8, depending on who you ask), and I’ll admit, it sounded overwhelming at first. But I figured that if I was going to do this, I had to do it wholeheartedly.

So I gathered the essentials—an oil cleanser, a water-based cleanser, toner, essence, serum, sheet masks, moisturizer, and sunscreen. The rest, like exfoliators and eye creams, I added as needed.

My daily routine

Morning:

I usually wake up around 6:30 a.m. to get a head start on both work emails and family breakfast duties. As soon as I’d get to the bathroom, I’d begin with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any sweat or oils from the night.

Then came a hydrating toner, which prepped my skin for the essence. Applying essence was a new concept for me—this watery, almost magical solution that promised brighter skin and enhanced absorption of the steps that followed.

After patting in the essence, I’d move on to serum. I specifically chose one that contained Vitamin C because I’d read about its brightening effects. Then came my regular moisturizer, followed by sunscreen.

Honestly, the sunscreen step was the easiest to adopt because I’ve always used it, though not as consistently as I do now. Throughout this process, I tried to appreciate each application instead of rushing through it.

Evening:

At night, I indulged in the double-cleansing method. First, the oil-based cleanser to break down makeup or sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to rinse away any remaining residue.

I admit, this part felt like a mini spa moment. As busy as I am, taking those extra minutes to massage my face with a luxurious oil cleanser made me feel calmer and more mindful.

Next, I’d apply my toner again, followed by my essence and a targeted serum—often something with niacinamide to help with texture. A couple of times a week, I’d add a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells. I also tried to use a sheet mask two or three nights each week.

While waiting for the mask to sit, I’d do other quiet tasks, like planning the next day or reading a few pages of whatever book I had on my nightstand. Finally, I’d seal it all in with a heavier night cream or moisturizer to ensure maximum hydration.

What i noticed halfway through

At around the two-week mark, I realized something interesting about my overall stress levels. Because I was committing to a nightly “ritual,” I found myself unwinding more effectively.

Earlier, I used to flop into bed, quickly skim through some emails, and then close my eyes. Now, I made it a point to end the day with a series of purposeful steps. My mind—constantly juggling responsibilities, ideas for new content, or the needs of my kids—finally had a predictable wind-down sequence.

I also noticed my skin was far less dehydrated during the day. Usually, in the mid-afternoon, I’d see dullness or dry patches, especially around my forehead. But the layering of products—especially the essence and serum combination—started to show results.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but every morning, I woke up thinking, “My skin feels a little better than yesterday.” It’s that slow build that eventually became undeniable.

Around the same time, my husband (who’s usually oblivious to such things) casually mentioned, “Your face looks different—kind of glowing.” That small comment made all my efforts feel worthwhile.

The challenges and how i overcame them

If I make it sound effortless, let me clarify: there were challenges. The biggest one was time. With two kids to get ready for school, plus the demands of my projects, it seemed nearly impossible to tack on extra steps into my routine.

On some days, I genuinely considered skipping half of them. But then I recalled an Adam Grant quote I once came across about investing in your well-being. He said something along the lines of how the best investment is time spent taking care of yourself so you can be better for others. That stuck with me.

So I took a practical approach. While letting certain products absorb, I’d handle minor tasks, like preparing my kids’ lunch boxes or sending quick messages to my assistant. Instead of viewing my routine as a rigid, time-consuming chore, I turned it into something flexible, integrated with my everyday life.

Cost was another factor I had to consider. Skincare can get expensive, but there are more affordable Korean brands on the market than I initially expected. I also looked at it as a shift in priorities: if I cut down on a couple of fancy coffee runs and impulse buys, I could invest that money into products that actually improved my overall well-being.

I should also mention that some products didn’t work out. I tried a certain exfoliating pad that irritated my face. I immediately stopped using it and replaced it with a gentler alternative. It’s all part of the process.

On the psychological side, it was interesting to see how forming a new habit can have a ripple effect. By setting aside 20 extra minutes each evening, I began rethinking how I allocate my hours during the day.

I was more conscious of wasted moments—like mindlessly scrolling social media—and repurposed them for something nourishing, like a brief walk or a quick check-in with a friend.

Ultimately, this 30-day experiment taught me that the real challenge isn’t just about product steps; it’s about prioritizing oneself, even with a jam-packed schedule.

I found parallels with how entrepreneurs must prioritize strategic thinking if they want to grow their businesses. The principle is the same in self-care: if you don’t carve out time, you’ll never see meaningful progress.

Wrapping up

This month-long journey has been about more than just skincare products. Yes, my face feels incredibly smooth, and the mirror shows fewer blemishes.

But I also got something intangible out of it: a renewed perspective on daily rituals and the value of consistency. My complexion is the obvious beneficiary, yet my mindset is equally grateful for these moments of calm and intention each day.

I didn’t expect to become a skincare enthusiast, but I’m thankful I gave this routine a fair shot. It’s a powerful reminder that small steps, repeated regularly, can produce astonishing results—whether we’re talking about launching a new product line, strengthening our relationships, or simply brightening our skin.

My plan is to keep going, making small adjustments along the way and enjoying the built-in moments of peace these steps provide. If you’ve been on the fence about trying something new for your self-care, I suggest taking the leap. After all, the only way to discover real change is to explore it for yourself.