You’ve seen the 10-step Korean skincare routine. You’ve heard influencers swear by a five-step ritual. And then there are dermatologists who say you only need three. So… who’s right?
Let’s clear it up: glowing skin doesn’t come from how many products you use, it comes from using the right ones, consistently, and in the right order.
In this article, we’ll break down what actually goes into a glow-boosting routine, how to simplify without sacrificing results, and what steps you truly need (plus which ones you can skip).
Why the number of steps matters less than you think
It’s tempting to think more products mean better skin. But in reality:
- Too many layers can lead to ingredient overload or irritation.
- You might accidentally cancel out benefits by mixing actives wrong.
- Complex routines are harder to maintain.
That’s why the best routine is the one that works for you, your skin type, your schedule, and your goals.
The 3 non-negotiable steps
At a bare minimum, every effective skincare routine should include:
- Cleanser: to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
- Hydration/Treatment: like a serum, mask, or essence targeting your specific concern.
- Moisturizer: to seal everything in and protect your barrier.
Want glowing skin? Make sure step 2 includes a brightening or hydrating product, like a sheet mask with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
Step-by-step: building a custom routine
Let’s break down all the steps you could use and whether they’re necessary for glowing skin.
Step 1: Cleanser (necessary)
Use once or twice daily depending on your skin type. A clean face is essential for any other product to work.
Step 2: Toner (optional)
Toners can balance pH and remove leftover debris. But unless you love them, they’re not essential.
Step 3: Exfoliant (1-3x per week)
Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic or glycolic acid) to remove dull skin cells and boost glow.
Step 4: Treatment (necessary)
This could be a vitamin C serum, a collagen-boosting mask, or any brightening treatment.
Step 5: Sheet mask (2-3x per week)
Great for a hydration and glow boost. Momisa’s trio (collagen, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid) gives you targeted benefits without a huge time commitment.
Step 6: Eye cream (optional)
Helpful if you have dark circles or puffiness, but not essential for an all-over glow.
Step 7: Moisturizer (necessary)
Always lock in your treatment with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Step 8: SPF (Necessary for morning routines)
You need sun protection daily if you want to maintain a healthy glow and prevent pigmentation.
Sample routines for different skin goals
Here’s how many steps really work depending on your goal:
| Skin Goal | # of Steps | Sample Routine |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Glow | 4 | Cleanser → Vitamin C serum → Sheet Mask → Moisturizer |
| Hydration Boost | 3 | Cleanser → Hyaluronic Acid mask → Moisturizer |
| Full Radiance | 5-6 | Cleanser → Exfoliant (2x/week) → Vitamin C mask → Moisturizer → SPF (AM only) |
| Sensitive Skin | 3 | Gentle Cleanser → Calming mask → Barrier moisturizer |
| Mature Skin | 4-5 | Cleanser → Collagen mask → Peptide serum → Night Cream |
Final thoughts
The perfect skincare routine doesn’t need to take up your whole morning, or your whole shelf. Glowing skin comes from using a few high-quality products consistently, rather than layering on every buzzy ingredient.
📌 Related Reads: