During our recent visit to Areuke Spa in Seoul, we experienced firsthand the precision and care that Korean skincare professionals are famous for. We rated this experience as the highlight of our 4 day Seoul Itinerary, and you can find all the top things to do in Seoul here.
At the spa, we underwent a comprehensive facial skin analysis, where the technicians assessed multiple key skin metrics: Oily vs Dry, Resistant vs Sensitive, Non-Pigmented vs Pigmented, and Tight vs Wrinkled. Based on these insights, a personalized skincare plan was formulated to nourish and protect our skin after travel and environmental stress.
One of the highlights of our Seoul skincare haul from Olive Young was the addition of face masks and eye masks, including collagen and cica-infused masks and a hyaluronic acid serum. These products provide an intensive boost of hydration, reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and support overall skin health. According to the spa technicians, cica, collagen, peptides, anti-wrinkle ingredients, and hyaluronic acid are particularly effective for restoring skin resilience, improving hydration, and maintaining a radiant complexion.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of our routine, including the strategic use of masks and serums, explaining the purpose behind every product for inspiration for your own skin journey. We highly recommend it as a top thing to do when visiting Seoul, an ever lasting reminder of a replenishing experience.
Facial Analysis Experience
We arrived 30 minutes late for our appointment (navigating through Seoul using NAVER map for the first time wasn’t so easy!). Upon arrival, we quickly got our faces scanned to determine our skin profile. My skin profile is DRNT (Dry, Resistant, Non-Pigmented, Tight), while Sherry’s is DRNW (Dry, Resistant, Non-Pigmented, Wrinkled). We received a detailed report and a customized 7 step routine, with slight adjustments for morning vs evening needs. It is ideal to have a skin profile trendy on the first classification in each category – the higher percentage the better.
The usual procedure would be for the technician to walk you through and explain the results. However, as we had arrived late, we couldn’t do this at the time. Instead, they prepared the products that were going to be applied in our facial massage, based on our skin profiles. We were then directed upstairs and into the massage room where we received our relaxing facials. It was so wonderful, I could be heard snoring whimsically as the ointments were thoroughly applied.
As part of the appointment, we were provided 3 days worth of sachets to apply day and night. This included face washes, serums, recovery creams and sun creams. Afterwards, we were able to speak to a technician who kindly sat down with us to explain our results and which ingredients we should look out for in the skin care products we buy. We appreciated the fact they weren’t trying to sell us their products, and were very forthcoming with their advice. They then explained the ideal step by step routine for our skin profiles. We felt so enlightened that we finally knew what all those ingredients were and what we should be looking for in our skincare shopping!
Step-by-Step Skincare Routine After Visiting Seoul
Pro Tips from Seoul Technicians:
- Incorporate cica (especially for sensitive skin), collagen, peptides, anti-wrinkle compounds, and hyaluronic acid into your serums, repair creams, and masks.
- Face masks serve as an intensive booster 2–3 times per week, enhancing hydration, elasticity, and barrier repair.
- Eye masks target delicate areas for hydration, anti-aging, and reducing puffiness.
- Use hyaluronic acid serum to calm redness and maintain a hydrated, plump complexion.
- Apply anti-aging eye cream on your forehead as well to reduce those wrinkles!
- As listed as a precaution on each product, if your skin gets an adverse reaction to any ingredients, stop using it
- Apply products in upward motion and do not wash your face in the shower since the water from the shower can penetrate the skin downwards.
- Use a gentle exfoliator containing ingredients such as LHA / PHA once or two times a week.
- If you have a dry skin profile like us then only use water to wash your face in the mornings without any facial wash.
Morning Routine
Cleanse (Water Only for Dry Skin)
Gently removes sweat and debris without stripping natural oils, maintaining hydration for dry skin.
Toner
Balances pH, hydrates, and preps skin for serum absorption. Look for soothing ingredients like cica to calm redness.
Serum
Provides deep hydration, helps reduce redness, and supports the skin’s barrier function. This lightweight serum is perfect for morning application under makeup or sunscreen.
Eye Cream (Applied to Eye Area and T-Zone)
Hydrates delicate areas prone to dryness or early signs of aging. Peptide-rich formulas help strengthen thin skin.
Repair Cream
Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces sensitivity, and locks in hydration.
Moisturizer
Seals in all previous steps and maintains skin hydration throughout the day.
Sunscreen (Reapply Every Few Hours)
Protects against UV damage and premature aging. Hydrating formulas prevent dryness for DRNT/DRNW skin types.
Night Routine
Cleanse (Oil-Based or Milk Cleanser)
Removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping oils—essential for dry skin profiles.
Toner
Preps the skin for actives, replenishes hydration, and calms post-cleansing.
Face Mask / Eye Mask (2–3 Times per Week)
Sheet masks or eye masks deliver concentrated active ingredients. Collagen masks enhance elasticity and repair, while cica masks soothe irritation and support the skin barrier. Eye masks target puffiness, dryness, and fine lines.
Serum
Deeply hydrates, reduces redness, and helps skin recover overnight.
Eye Cream (Applied to Eye Area and T-Zone)
Hydrates delicate areas and helps prevent fine lines while you sleep.
Repair Cream
Strengthens the skin barrier and locks in all previous layers.
Moisturizer
Seals in hydration and ensures skin remains supple and nourished throughout the night.
Our time in Seoul taught us that Korean skincare isn’t about trends or perfection — it’s about listening to your skin and building a routine that truly works for you. Whether you simplify your steps or add a few K-beauty favorites to your shelf, the goal is healthy, happy skin long after the trip ends. Consider this your post-Seoul glow, no flight required 😉
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