After thoroughly cleansing your face with a double cleanser —first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a foam cleanser—you’ve created the perfect foundation for the next steps in your skincare routine. But to truly unlock the full benefits of the Korean 8-step method, you need to introduce gentle exfoliation and calming hydration. This is where Steps 3 and 4 come in, guiding your skin from clean to radiant with precision and care.
Why Gentle Exfoliation Matters After Cleansing
Even after a deep cleanse, your skin still retains dead cells that can dull your complexion and block other skincare products from absorbing. Exfoliation is the key to removing that layer and allowing your skin to breathe. In Korean skincare, this step is never aggressive—instead, it focuses on refining texture, minimizing breakouts, and maintaining balance. By incorporating a gentle exfoliator 2–3 times a week, you help prevent clogged pores while giving your skin a healthy, lit-from-within glow.
Importantly, exfoliating at this stage ensures that your hydrating products—like toners, essences, and serums—can penetrate more deeply. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regular exfoliation also supports natural cell turnover, which contributes to smoother and more even-toned skin.
Step 3: Reset and Refine with Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
Once your skin is clean and prepped, reach for the Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad. This K-beauty favorite delivers gentle exfoliation through pads soaked in heartleaf extract, a botanical powerhouse known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike harsh scrubs, these pads help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells without stripping moisture.
Perfect for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, the Anua pads are designed to refine texture, reduce excess sebum, and prep your skin for hydration. Use 2–3 times per week after cleansing by swiping one pad gently across your face, focusing on problem areas like the T-zone or chin. No rinsing required—just follow up with a toner pad.
Step 4: Calm and Hydrate with SKIN1004 Centella Toner Pads
After exfoliating, it’s time to restore calm and hydration with SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pads. These toner pads are soaked in Centella Asiatica extract, offering skin barrier support and deep hydration. They help reduce redness, soothe sensitivity, and balance the pH of your skin—an essential follow-up after exfoliating.
You can use them daily by gently swiping a pad over your entire face, or apply them like a mask to target specific areas needing extra care. Their lightweight, non-sticky finish makes them ideal for layering with essences or ampoules in the following steps.
Especially beneficial after sun exposure or shaving, these toner pads are a versatile must-have in your skincare toolkit.
Why These Steps Complete Your Base Routine
Steps 1–4 now create a powerhouse base for your Korean skincare regimen. The double cleanse clears out all the impurities, the exfoliator resets your skin texture, and the toner pad replenishes hydration and calm. Together, these steps form a synergistic ritual that ensures your skin is clean, smooth, and ready to receive deeper treatments.
This gentle progression is the secret to avoiding over-exfoliation or irritation—especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Instead of attacking your skin, you’re working with it. Over time, you’ll notice better product absorption, fewer breakouts, and an undeniable radiance.
What's Next: Serums, Essences & More
Now that you’ve laid the foundation with the first four steps, you’re ready to explore the hydrating and treatment-focused steps of your skincare journey. Consider adding serums enriched with niacinamide for brightening or hyaluronic acid essences for deep moisture. These ingredients pair beautifully with the calming effects of Centella and the clarifying benefits of Heartleaf.
Want to take it a step further? Sheet masks, ampoules, and sleeping packs await as your next skincare adventure. But remember—every great routine starts with clean, exfoliated, and well-toned skin.
