Routine Overview

Korean Skincare Routine for Sun Damage and Protection- Dry Skin

This routine is designed for dry skin dealing with sun damage (dullness, uneven tone, rough texture, early fine lines) while prioritizing barrier comfort. The strategy is simple and effective: cleanse without stripping, use Vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant support and brighter-looking tone, use retinol at night to support renewal and improve the look of photodamage over time, lock everything in with a barrier-repair cream, and protect daily with a moisturizing sunscreen you will actually wear.

What results to expect (realistic):

• Days 1-10: less tightness after cleansing, smoother feel, healthier “bounce” from better barrier support.
• Weeks 2-4: brighter-looking tone and more even-looking radiance (Vitamin C + consistent SPF).
• Weeks 6-12: gradual improvement in the look of sun-induced unevenness, roughness, and early fine lines (retinol is slow but reliable).
• Non-negotiable truth: if sunscreen is inconsistent, sun damage keeps stacking and results stay mediocre.

Products

1) Cleanser: [Etude House] SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 250ml

A low-pH, comfort-focused cleanser that removes daily buildup without leaving skin tight. Dry skin routines fail when cleansing strips the barrier, because stripped skin looks duller and tolerates treatments poorly.

• Gentle cleansing without the “squeaky clean” tightness.
• Supports a calmer barrier so texture looks smoother.
• Preps skin so Vitamin C and moisturizer apply evenly.

2) Antioxidant + Tone Serum (AM): [Goodal] Green Tangerine VitaC Dark Spot Care Serum 40ml

A mild Vitamin C (derivative) serum designed to brighten the look of dull, sun-stressed skin over time. Vitamin C in the morning supports radiance and pairs well with sunscreen for daytime defense.

• Helps improve the look of sun-related dullness and uneven tone.
• Supports a clearer, more radiant overall finish with consistent use.
• Better tolerated for daily use than very high-strength Vitamin C formulas.

3) Repair Treatment (PM): [Innisfree] Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 50 ml

Retinol is one of the most proven ingredients for improving the appearance of photoaging (texture, early fine lines, unevenness). This option is designed to be more comfort-friendly, which matters because dry skin needs retinol you can actually stick with.

• Supports skin renewal for smoother-looking texture over time.
• Helps improve the appearance of early fine lines gradually.
• Works best when introduced slowly and paired with strong moisturization.

4) Barrier Moisturizer (AM/PM): [Aestura] Atobarrier 365 Cream Plus 90ml

This is the “make everything tolerable and effective” step. Dry skin looks more damaged when the barrier is weak. This cream supports barrier lipids and reduces moisture loss so the skin looks healthier and more even.

• Helps reduce flaking and tightness that make skin look rough and dull.
• Improves comfort and tolerance while using Vitamin C and retinol.
• Supports a plumper, smoother look so radiance is more visible.

5) Sunscreen (AM): [Beauty Of Joseon] Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics 50ml

This is the protection step that decides whether the routine works. Daily sunscreen prevents new damage and helps existing sun damage fade more effectively over time. This one wears like a light moisturizing cream, which is ideal for dry skin consistency.

• Helps prevent new uneven tone, dullness, and photoaging signs.
• Moist finish supports dry-skin comfort for daily wear and reapplication.
• Protects your progress so results can build week over week.

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse for 30-45 seconds with lukewarm water. Pat dry (do not rub).
2. Vitamin C Serum: Apply a thin layer of the Goodal serum. Let it absorb for 30-60 seconds.
3. Moisturizer: Apply Aestura Cream Plus (thin layer, add a touch more on drier zones).
4. Sunscreen: Apply BOJ Relief Sun generously to face and neck as the last step.
5. Reapply: Reapply sunscreen when outdoors, sweating, or after wiping the face.

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse thoroughly to remove sunscreen and the day’s buildup.
2. Moisturizer (buffer): If you’re new to retinol or feel dryness easily, apply a thin layer of Aestura first.
3. Retinol Ampoule: Apply 1 pump on fully dry skin. Start 2-3 nights/week for 2 weeks, then increase only if comfortable.
4. Moisturizer (seal): Apply Aestura again to lock in hydration and reduce flaking risk.
5. Simple rule: If irritation shows up, reduce retinol frequency first (do not reduce sunscreen the next morning).