As the sun blazes and temperatures rise, your skin begins to respond differently. Increased heat, humidity, and UV exposure can lead to excess oil, enlarged pores, breakouts, and unwanted shine. While we all want that coveted K-beauty glow, no one wants to look like a melting candle. That’s why transitioning to a lightweight, hydrating summer skincare routine is essential.

The Korean skincare philosophy is rooted in hydration, prevention, and layering light products that work synergistically. This summer, skip the heaviness and embrace a radiantly fresh look with this 5-step Korean routine designed to keep your skin glowing—without the greasy aftermath.

5 Steps to Glowing Skin

Step 1: Double Cleanse with Refreshing Formulas

Summer is the season of sweat, SPF, and pollutants. Double cleansing—an iconic Korean method—ensures your skin is completely clean, without being stripped.

Start with an oil cleanser to gently melt away sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum. Look for non-comedogenic formulas with lightweight oils like sunflower seed or rice bran. These remove impurities without clogging pores.

Follow up with a water-based gel cleanser containing natural extracts such as green tea, centella asiatica, or tea tree. These ingredients cleanse deeply while soothing irritation and reducing inflammation.

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh foaming cleansers that can dehydrate your skin and lead to rebound oiliness.

Step 2: Tone and Balance Without Overloading

Toners in Korean skincare serve to hydrate, calm, and prep the skin—not to strip it. During summer, skip the heavy, alcohol-based toners and opt for light, watery formulas that instantly refresh.

Look for ingredients like:

• Cucumber or bamboo water – for instant cooling

• Licorice root extract – for brightening

• Hyaluronic acid or panthenol – for long-lasting moisture without weight

Toning helps to balance the skin’s pH and enhances absorption of the next products in your routine.

Optional Step: Apply toner using the “7-skin method” by patting it in with your hands, layer by layer, to increase hydration without heaviness.

Step 3: Hydrating Essence or Serum for a Radiant Boost

Essences and serums are the heart of Korean skincare—and summer doesn’t mean skipping them. Choose a product that addresses your skin’s current concerns while delivering deep hydration without oiliness.

Recommended ingredients for summer serums:

• Niacinamide: Reduces oil production, evens skin tone, and tightens pores.

• Snail mucin: Calms redness, smooths skin texture, and hydrates.

• Centella asiatica extract: Excellent for calming inflamed or sun-exposed skin.

• Ferments: Promote cell turnover and healthy skin flora.

Avoid: Thick serums with heavy oils or occlusives like shea butter. Instead, choose gel-textured or water-based serums.

Step 4: Lightweight Gel Moisturizer for Lasting Hydration

One of the biggest summer skincare mistakes is skipping moisturizer in fear of looking oily. In reality, dehydrated skin often produces more oil to compensate. The key is to use a gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Key features to look for:

• Oil-free or low-oil content

• Non-clogging humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid

• Soothing botanicals such as aloe vera or lotus extract

These moisturizers absorb quickly, lock in hydration, and maintain skin elasticity without leaving a greasy film.

Tip: Keep your moisturizer in the fridge for a refreshing morning application that calms puffiness and redness.

Step 5: Daily Sun Protection with a Matte Finish

SPF is your non-negotiable, 365-days-a-year step—but especially in summer. Korean sunscreens have revolutionized the market with lightweight, cosmetically elegant textures that don’t leave white casts or feel sticky.

For oily or combination skin, choose:

• Chemical sunscreens with ingredients like Uvinul A Plus or Tinosorb S

• Matte or semi-matte finishes that blur pores

• SPF 50+ PA++++ for maximum protection

Many Korean sunscreens also contain skin-loving ingredients, like centella, niacinamide, and even probiotics, making them a hybrid of skincare and suncare.

Bonus: Look for SPF sticks or cushion compacts for easy touch-ups during the day—essential for long hours outdoors.

Additional Tips for a Grease-Free Glow

• Use blotting papers or mattifying powders mid-day, especially around the T-zone.

• Add clay masks once or twice a week to control sebum and detoxify.

• Drink plenty of water and load your diet with antioxidant-rich foods—because glowing skin starts within.

Conclusion: Summer Radiance, the Korean Way

Achieving glowing, glass-like skin in summer doesn’t mean battling oil or embracing sticky textures. Korean skincare focuses on gentle, hydrating, and skin-supporting ingredients that help your skin thrive—even in the heat. By following these five steps, you’ll be able to control excess oil, protect your skin barrier, and enjoy a balanced, luminous complexion that feels just as good as it looks.

If you’re a business owner, beauty professional, or retailer looking to offer authentic Korean skincare products to your customers this season, partnering with a Korean skincare wholesale exporter ensures that you’re delivering top-tier formulas, innovation, and the summer radiance your clients are craving.