How My 9-5 Routine Made Me Rethink Skincare: Korean Beauty for Rosacea and Anti-Aging

Korean skincare is a game-changer for anti-aging and sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle, hydration-focused approach. Now that I’m working a 9-5 and wearing makeup daily, I’ve noticed my rosacea and overall skin issues more than ever. I use prescriptions for rosacea and have long relied on exfoliants like retinols, BHAs, and AHAs—but my skin has become dull, dry, and prematurely aged. While I don’t have wrinkles, the lack of radiance makes me look older. K-beauty’s emphasis on soothing, nourishing ingredients is exactly what my skin needs to restore its glow and resilience.

Korean Skincare: The Step-by-Step Routine for Hydrated, Youthful, and Calm Skin

The Korean skincare routine follows a multi-step approach designed to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. It typically includes a double cleanse (oil-based followed by water-based), gentle exfoliation, and layers of lightweight hydration through toners, essences, and serums. Soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin help calm rosacea-prone skin, while moisturizers and SPF lock in hydration and shield against aging. This method prioritizes skin barrier health, making it perfect for sensitive skin types needing both anti-aging benefits and redness relief.

My Favourite Products

I absolutely love the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule because it’s incredibly soothing and hydrating for my rosacea-prone skin. The combination of Centella Asiatica  and hyaluronic acid calms redness, reduces irritation, and deeply hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. Unlike harsher treatments I’ve used in the past, this ampoule strengthens my skin barrier while keeping my complexion plump and refreshed. It’s the perfect first step after cleansing to restore balance and keep my skin looking healthy and radiant.

The TirTir Milk Skin Toner is a game-changer for my dry, rosacea-prone skin. Its milky, nourishing formula provides an instant boost of hydration while soothing irritation and strengthening my skin barrier. Using a toner like this helps prep my skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively, ensuring deeper hydration and longer-lasting moisture. Unlike traditional toners that can be drying or astringent, this one leaves my skin soft, plump, and calm—perfect for reducing redness and preventing that tight, dehydrated feeling.

 

* There is also a light version of the TirTir Milk Skin Toner for extra sensitive skin!

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine

Antioxidant: Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine, Phytosphingosine, Ornithine

Skin brightening: Niacinamide

Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramide, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Glycine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP

Soothing: Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

The cleansing oil step is essential in a Korean skincare routine because it gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin. Unlike harsh cleansers, oil-based formulas break down impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier—perfect for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. This step also helps prevent clogged pores and preps the skin for a second cleanse. One of my favorites is the Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil, which is packed with 14 nourishing plant derived oils that cleanse thoroughly while keeping my skin soft, calm, and hydrated.

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Antioxidant: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol Skin-identical ingredient: Squalane Soothing: Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

An ampoule is like a super-concentrated version of a serum, packed with active ingredients that work quickly and give you noticeable results. While serums are great for specific skin concerns, ampoules are even more potent and are meant to give your skin a little extra boost. I love the Centella Asiatica in this serum because it’s amazing for calming my rosacea. It helps reduce redness and irritation, making it perfect for my sensitive skin that needs some extra soothing and care.

Skin1004 has 4 different types of Centella Ampoules with the addition of targeted ingredients for specific skin concerns. 

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine Exfoliant: Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Skin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP Soothing: Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/​Stem Extract

Favourite Serum and Ampoules

The VT COSMETICS CICA Reedle Shot 100 is a night serum that helps repair and refresh your skin while you sleep. It uses exosomes, which are tiny spicule like particles that help boost skin cell regeneration and repair by delivering active ingredients directly into the skin. Think of them as a gentler version of microneedling—they help stimulate your skin’s natural healing process without the discomfort. Combined with CICA, which calms irritation, this serum improves skin texture, reduces redness, and gives your skin a healthier glow. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but still works wonders overnight.

The Reedle Shot Serum is used after cleansing, but before any other skin products as it helps boost absorption of all of your other active ingredient’s. 

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Antioxidant: Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Cysteine Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, AdenosineSkin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside

The Cosrx 6 Peptide Serum is a hydrating and anti-aging serum packed with six peptides that work together to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and smooth out fine lines. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, leaving your skin feeling plump, firm, and nourished. Perfect for those looking to target signs of aging while keeping skin hydrated and healthy-looking.

Key Ingredients Via Incidecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Antioxidant: Copper Tripeptide-1, TocopherolCell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Adenosine Skin brightening: Niacinamide, Oligopeptide-68, Acetyl GlucosamineSkin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Threonine, Arginine, Proline, Sodium PCA, Pca Soothing: Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Allantoin

The TirTir Ceramic Milk Serum is a nourishing serum with a creamy, smooth texture that hydrates and strengthens your skin. It’s packed with ingredients like ceramide, peptides, and panthenol, which help restore the skin barrier, calm irritation, and lock in moisture. Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, it leaves your face feeling soft, plump, and balanced, giving you that healthy, glowing complexion.

Key Ingredients Via Incidecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine Antioxidant: Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine, Phytosphingosine, Ornithine Skin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramide, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Glycine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP Soothing: Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Since introducing these Korean skincare products to nourish my skin alongside my rosacea prescriptions, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my skin’s appearance and how my makeup applies. My skin tone is more even, less inflamed, and incredibly hydrated. I can already see the beginnings of that coveted ‘glass-skin’ glow! If you’re interested in trying any of these products for yourself, you can click the links to purchase them on Amazon.

How My 9-5 Routine Made Me Rethink Skincare: Korean Beauty for Rosacea and Anti-Aging

Korean skincare is a game-changer for anti-aging and sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle, hydration-focused approach. Now that I’m working a 9-5 and wearing makeup daily, I’ve noticed my rosacea and overall skin issues more than ever. I use prescriptions for rosacea and have long relied on exfoliants like retinols, BHAs, and AHAs—but my skin has become dull, dry, and prematurely aged. While I don’t have wrinkles, the lack of radiance makes me look older. K-beauty’s emphasis on soothing, nourishing ingredients is exactly what my skin needs to restore its glow and resilience.

Korean Skincare: The Step-by-Step Routine for Hydrated, Youthful, and Calm Skin

The Korean skincare routine follows a multi-step approach designed to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. It typically includes a double cleanse (oil-based followed by water-based), gentle exfoliation, and layers of lightweight hydration through toners, essences, and serums. Soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin help calm rosacea-prone skin, while moisturizers and SPF lock in hydration and shield against aging. This method prioritizes skin barrier health, making it perfect for sensitive skin types needing both anti-aging benefits and redness relief.

My Favourite Products

I absolutely love the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule because it’s incredibly soothing and hydrating for my rosacea-prone skin. The combination of Centella Asiatica  and hyaluronic acid calms redness, reduces irritation, and deeply hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. Unlike harsher treatments I’ve used in the past, this ampoule strengthens my skin barrier while keeping my complexion plump and refreshed. It’s the perfect first step after cleansing to restore balance and keep my skin looking healthy and radiant.

The TirTir Milk Skin Toner is a game-changer for my dry, rosacea-prone skin. Its milky, nourishing formula provides an instant boost of hydration while soothing irritation and strengthening my skin barrier. Using a toner like this helps prep my skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively, ensuring deeper hydration and longer-lasting moisture. Unlike traditional toners that can be drying or astringent, this one leaves my skin soft, plump, and calm—perfect for reducing redness and preventing that tight, dehydrated feeling.

 

* There is also a light version of the TirTir Milk Skin Toner for extra sensitive skin!

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine

Antioxidant: Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine, Phytosphingosine, Ornithine

Skin brightening: Niacinamide

Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramide, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Glycine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP

Soothing: Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

The cleansing oil step is essential in a Korean skincare routine because it gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin. Unlike harsh cleansers, oil-based formulas break down impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier—perfect for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. This step also helps prevent clogged pores and preps the skin for a second cleanse. One of my favorites is the Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil, which is packed with 14 nourishing plant derived oils that cleanse thoroughly while keeping my skin soft, calm, and hydrated.

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Antioxidant: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol Skin-identical ingredient: Squalane Soothing: Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

An ampoule is like a super-concentrated version of a serum, packed with active ingredients that work quickly and give you noticeable results. While serums are great for specific skin concerns, ampoules are even more potent and are meant to give your skin a little extra boost. I love the Centella Asiatica in this serum because it’s amazing for calming my rosacea. It helps reduce redness and irritation, making it perfect for my sensitive skin that needs some extra soothing and care.

Skin1004 has 4 different types of Centella Ampoules with the addition of targeted ingredients for specific skin concerns. 

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine Exfoliant: Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Skin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP Soothing: Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/​Stem Extract

Favourite Serum and Ampoules

The VT COSMETICS CICA Reedle Shot 100 is a night serum that helps repair and refresh your skin while you sleep. It uses exosomes, which are tiny spicule like particles that help boost skin cell regeneration and repair by delivering active ingredients directly into the skin. Think of them as a gentler version of microneedling—they help stimulate your skin’s natural healing process without the discomfort. Combined with CICA, which calms irritation, this serum improves skin texture, reduces redness, and gives your skin a healthier glow. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but still works wonders overnight.

The Reedle Shot Serum is used after cleansing, but before any other skin products as it helps boost absorption of all of your other active ingredient’s. 

Key Ingredients Via InciDecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Antioxidant: Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Cysteine Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, AdenosineSkin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside

The Cosrx 6 Peptide Serum is a hydrating and anti-aging serum packed with six peptides that work together to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and smooth out fine lines. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, leaving your skin feeling plump, firm, and nourished. Perfect for those looking to target signs of aging while keeping skin hydrated and healthy-looking.

Key Ingredients Via Incidecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide Antioxidant: Copper Tripeptide-1, TocopherolCell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Adenosine Skin brightening: Niacinamide, Oligopeptide-68, Acetyl GlucosamineSkin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Threonine, Arginine, Proline, Sodium PCA, Pca Soothing: Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Allantoin

The TirTir Ceramic Milk Serum is a nourishing serum with a creamy, smooth texture that hydrates and strengthens your skin. It’s packed with ingredients like ceramide, peptides, and panthenol, which help restore the skin barrier, calm irritation, and lock in moisture. Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, it leaves your face feeling soft, plump, and balanced, giving you that healthy, glowing complexion.

Key Ingredients Via Incidecoder

Anti-acne: Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine Antioxidant: Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Cell-communicating ingredient: Niacinamide, Adenosine, Phytosphingosine, Ornithine Skin brightening: Niacinamide Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramide, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Glycine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP Soothing: Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Since introducing these Korean skincare products to nourish my skin alongside my rosacea prescriptions, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my skin’s appearance and how my makeup applies. My skin tone is more even, less inflamed, and incredibly hydrated. I can already see the beginnings of that coveted ‘glass-skin’ glow! If you’re interested in trying any of these products for yourself, you can click the links to purchase them on Amazon.