Jenovia Daun Jung
25-Apr-2025
It’s time to simplify your skincare routine!
Jenovia Daun Jung, Co-founder, KorinMi
For years, the 10-step Korean skincare routine has been hailed as the gold standard of beauty—layered, thorough, and deeply indulgent. But as we step into the heart of summer, more and more Korean skincare enthusiasts, including those in my own circle of clients, are simplifying their routines—not out of rebellion, but out of respect for what their skin truly needs in warmer months.
Summer changes everything. The heat, humidity, increased sun exposure, and frequent shifts between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat put the skin under tremendous stress. And while a long, layered routine might work beautifully in winter, in summer it can quickly become too much. Skin feels heavy, clogged, and overwhelmed—sometimes even irritated. That’s where minimalist K-beauty comes in.
Minimalism in K-beauty isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about choosing products and treatments that do more with less—and giving your skin space to breathe, repair, and regulate on its own. The focus shifts from layering for the sake of routine to listening to your skin and giving it only what it needs when it needs it.
At KorinMi, I’ve seen this shift firsthand. Clients who once followed an elaborate skincare plan are now gravitating toward customised, season-specific routines. For summer, I often recommend reducing the number of products used daily and instead focusing on three core pillars: hydration, barrier support, and sun protection.
Let’s start with cleansing. One gentle, non-stripping cleanser used twice a day is enough. There's no need for double cleansing unless you've been wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen. Your skin’s natural oils actually help maintain moisture balance—and stripping them away too often can cause more harm than good.
Next is hydration, but the key here is smart layering—not over-layering. I often suggest my clients use a lightweight essence like our AA Hydro Essence, which contains amino acids and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate without overwhelming the skin. This one product can replace the need for multiple serums and ampoules in the summer months.
Moisturiser becomes optional for some, especially those with oily or combination skin. Instead of rich creams, lighter gel-based formulations or even a nourishing sunscreen can serve a dual purpose. The goal is to lock in hydration without feeling greasy or sticky.
Of course, sun protection remains non-negotiable. In the summer, I recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF with minimal white cast and lightweight texture that blends easily and encourages reapplication. Sunscreen is not just a final step—it’s a protective barrier that prevents pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and inflammation.
But even with a minimalist daily routine, seasonal treatments play a vital role. Our K Glow Glass Skin Treatment has become a go-to during summer because it’s tailored, lightweight, and incredibly effective at refreshing tired, sun-exposed skin. Instead of multiple home products doing half the job, one professionally designed treatment every few weeks can help the skin stay clear, hydrated, and radiant—without effort.
Minimalism, in this sense, is about efficiency and effectiveness. When skin is supported through smart treatments and strategic product use, it can regulate itself better. You won’t need 10 steps when three well-chosen ones do the job beautifully.
Most importantly, summer is a time to simplify—not just for your skin, but for your overall wellbeing. A minimalist K-beauty routine leaves room for mindfulness, intention, and enjoyment of your ritual. Skincare should never feel like a chore. It should feel like a pause—a moment to care for yourself in the way your skin truly deserves.
So if you’re feeling weighed down by your routine this summer, it might be time to step back. Give your skin space. Support it with only what it needs. You may just find that less is not just more—it’s better.
Cover Credits: Instagram @skuukzky
