I have always struggled with relatively severe acne. My mom used to reassure me that my skin would clear up as I got older, but unfortunately, that never happened. Earlier this year, when TikTok shut down, I assumed the only thing that would change was how bored I felt. Instead, that moment led me to discover RedNote, and my entire skincare journey transformed because of it. RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, quickly became my go-to platform. It’s filled with genuine skincare advice, product reviews, and practical hacks shared by everyday users, which made it feel more authentic and informative than anything I’d seen on TikTok. You don’t need RedNote to figure out your perfect skincare routine; all you really need is patience, consistency, and a little self-awareness. Here’s how you can start building a routine that truly works for you:
- Identify Your Skin Type
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The first step in creating a skincare routine that works for you is understanding your skin. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you. Start by observing how your skin behaves throughout the day.
Oily: Your skin feels shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), and may be prone to breakouts.
Dry: Your skin feels tight, flaky, or rough and may have red or irritated patches.
Combination: You have a mix of oily and dry areas, typically, an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.
Sensitive: Your skin reacts easily to new products, showing redness, itching, or burning.
Normal: Your skin feels balanced, not too oily or dry, and rarely breaks out.
Understanding your skin type helps you choose cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments that match your needs. It’s the foundation for a routine that actually works.
- Start Simple
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Once you know your skin type, the next step is to build a simple foundation. Focus on the essentials first, before adding extras.
Cleanser: Choose a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type. Oily skin benefits from foaming cleansers, dry skin does better with cream or hydrating cleansers, and sensitive skin needs fragrance-free, soothing formulas. Wash your face twice a day to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs hydration. Pick a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily or combination skin and richer creams for dry skin. Moisturizing keeps your skin barrier healthy and prevents irritation.
- Be Consistent
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Consistency is the single most important factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin. Even the best products won’t work if they’re used irregularly or inconsistently. A reliable skincare routine builds results over time, strengthens your skin’s barrier and prevents setbacks like breakouts, dryness, or irritation.
Regular use reinforces healthy skin habits and helps maintain hydration, balance, and protection against environmental stressors like sun and pollution.
Consistent application reduces the risk of irritation. Introducing multiple products sporadically can overwhelm your skin, making it harder to identify what’s actually effective.
- Look for Deals
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Maintaining a skincare routine doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little attention, you can find ways to save while still trying high-quality Korean products. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Seasonal Sales: Check official brand websites for regular discounts or limited-time bundles.
Authorized Retailers: Stores often have flash sales, promo codes, or special offers.
Holiday Shopping: Take advantage of events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Lunar New Year for bigger markdowns.
Social Media & Newsletters: Following brands or signing up for updates alerts you to exclusive deals.
Price Comparison: Always compare prices across stores to make sure you’re getting the best value.
- Listen to Your Skin
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Your skin is your best guide. Paying attention to how it reacts to products helps you make informed decisions and avoid irritation. Instead of following trends blindly, observing your skin’s needs ensures that your routine is tailored just for you.
Notice Reactions: Look for redness, dryness, itching, or breakouts when introducing new products.
Track Changes: Keep a simple journal or take photos to see improvements over time.
Adjust Accordingly: If a product causes irritation, stop using it or reduce frequency.
Respond to Needs: Your skin may need extra hydration, gentle cleansing, or sun protection depending on the season or lifestyle.
Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good. When your skin is happy, you glow with confidence, inside and out. A little care each day goes a long way toward keeping you radiant, refreshed, and ready to take on anything.
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