Level 0: Skincare Basics
Learn the basic routine in the order of cleanse → hydrate → protect.
Cleanse (Cleanser)
Gently remove dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup from your skin.
- You need this both morning and evening. In the evening, wash away sunscreen, makeup, and oil buildup from the day. In the morning, remove oil and dead skin cells from overnight.
- Use lukewarm water (32–36°C) and gently massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Hot water can weaken your skin barrier.
- If your skin doesn't feel tight 30 minutes after cleansing, your cleanser strength is right. If it does, consider a gentler formula.
Here's How It Changes
- · When your skin surface is clean, hydration and sunscreen often work better.
- · Severe tightness after cleansing may mean your cleanser is too strong or you need more hydration.
- · Consistent cleansing is the foundation for managing breakouts and oil balance.
Try This
- · If you wear makeup or sunscreen in the evening, consider double cleansing.
- · Moving to hydration (toner, moisturizer) within 3 minutes of cleansing often reduces tightness.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't cleanse more than 3 times a day or use scrubs and exfoliants daily.
- · If your skin feels 'squeaky clean' after cleansing, your cleanser may be too strong.
Usage Methods by Product
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Hydrate (Moisturize)
Add water right after cleansing, then seal it with lotion or moisturizer to support the skin barrier.
- A basic hydration flow is cleanse → toner → essence/serum (optional) → lotion or moisturizer. In Step 0, 'hydrate' means this whole moisture step.
- Toner quickly softens post-cleanse tightness, while essence or serum is an optional way to add targeted ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
- Apply water-binding products like hyaluronic acid while skin is slightly damp, then finish with lotion or moisturizer so the water does not evaporate quickly.
- Use more moisturizer on dry cheeks and around the mouth, and less on the oily T-zone if needed. Amount control matters even with the same product.
- AHA/BHA is not a moisturizer; it is an exfoliating active. Use it at low frequency at night only after your basic routine feels stable.
Here's How It Changes
- · Stable hydration can reduce post-cleanse tightness, roughness, and visible flaking.
- · Finishing with moisturizer often helps base makeup and sunscreen sit more smoothly.
- · As the skin barrier stabilizes, reactions to new products or weather changes often decrease.
- · Hydration is the central skincare step to stabilize before actives, brightening, or breakout care.
Try This
- · Start with toner or light hydration within 3 minutes after cleansing.
- · If your skin still feels tight, check whether your lotion or moisturizer finish is enough before adding more toner or serum.
- · Before makeup, apply hydration thinly and wait 2-3 minutes to reduce pilling or sliding.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Do not skip hydration and apply only sunscreen.
- · Do not start toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and AHA all at once.
- · Do not keep using AHA or strong serums every day if they sting.
Usage Methods by Product
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Protect (Sunscreen)
The final step to protect your skin from UV damage.
- UVA can pass through glass indoors and during commutes, so applying sunscreen daily after morning hydration is a good habit.
- Use SPF 30+ and PA+++ as a baseline. Apply about one finger-tip amount (1–2g) evenly to your face, neck, and ears. Reapply every 2–3 hours for best protection.
- In the evening, cleanse thoroughly with a cleanser. Sunscreen residue can clog pores.
Here's How It Changes
- · Can help prevent tanning, hyperpigmentation, and photo-aging.
- · With consistent use, you may slow down existing spots from worsening.
- · Sunscreen habits are foundational for managing skin tone and breakouts.
Try This
- · Wait 1–2 minutes after hydration before applying sunscreen.
- · Reapply after going outside, exercising, or swimming.
It's Better to Avoid
- · Don't skip hydration and apply only sunscreen.
- · Don't rely only on high SPF numbers while neglecting proper amount and reapplication.
Usage Methods by Product
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