7 Step Skincare Routine: A Complete Guide for Healthy Skin

Glowing, healthy skin is not reserved for models on your television set. A structured regimen, followed consistently, can yield miraculous results. Introducing the 7 step skincare routine—a thorough yet more than manageable approach to glowing skin.

Whether you're an enthusiast or just entering the world of skincare, this guide breaks down each step. You’ll learn how to customise your skincare routine to suit your skin type and lifestyle. Ready to unveil healthy, supple skin? Let’s dive in.

What is the 7 Step Skin Care Routine?

The 7-step facial routine is a methodical approach to healthy, glowing skin that addresses different needs at each stage. Born from Korean beauty philosophy, it focuses on gentle layering rather than harsh treatments—think of it as skin feeding, that goes beyond cleansing.

Unlike quick wipe-and-go routines, this method ensures every product works effectively by prepping the skin properly first. It combines cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting in a way that’s customisable for all skin types—be the challenge dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity.

The trick lies in the order: each step either removes impurities, delivers active ingredients, or locks in moisture, creating a solid foundation for improved skin over time. It’s ultimately a matter of technique, consistency, and the use of clinically proven products, like those at CodeSkin. 

Think of it like building a house: cleanse the foundation, treat the structure, and seal it all in with protection. Skip a step, and the results won’t be as strong.

The 7 Steps in a Skin Care Routine

Here are the essential and transformative 7 skin care steps:

1. Cleanse: Kick things off with a gentle cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. This essential first step preps your face for the rest of your routine, helping the products to follow sink in better.
   
   

2. Tone: A toner helps restore your skin’s pH balance, provides an extra boost of hydration, and preps for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. Choose a formula suited to your skin type for optimal benefits.
   
   

3. Exfoliate (2–3 times a week): Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and improves overall skin texture. Opt for a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs for a gentle yet effective approach.
   
   

4. Purify: Detoxifying treatments like clay masks or charcoal-based products help pull out impurities, reduce excess oil, and contract enlarged pores. All of these help by giving your skin a refreshed and clearer appearance.
   
   

5. Hydrate: Lock in moisture with a deeply hydrating serum. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides help keep your skin plump, smooth, and resilient throughout the day.
   
   

6. Repair: At night, use targeted treatments such as retinol, peptides, or vitamin C to replenish and rejuvenate your skin. These ingredients help address concerns like fine lines and dark spots.
   
   

7. Sun Protect (AM routine only): The sun is not kind to the skin, especially with prolonged exposure, making sunscreen indispensable. A broad-spectrum SPF 40+ or higher shields your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature ageing and damage.

How to Customize Your 7 Step Face Routine for Your Skin Type

People are unique, and so are their skin types and each type’s needs, making tailoring your routine worth the effort as it can maximise benefits. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a foaming cleanser and a lightweight niacinamide serum to regulate oil production. Dry skin thrives on a creamy cleanser, a hyaluronic acid-infused toner, and a rich ceramide-based moisturiser. 

Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free formulas and calming ingredients like chamomile. CodeSkin’s FaceWash Sensi is a great option for a gentle cleanse. Combination skin requires a balanced routine—gel-based hydration for oily areas and nourishing creams for drier zones. No matter your dermatological type, exfoliation should be gentle, with AHAs for dry skin and BHAs for oily skin. 

To boost hydration, CodeSkin’s Hyaluronic 7+ Serum works well across all classifications. Lastly, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. By selecting the right ingredients, you can create a skincare routine that truly works for you.

FAQs on the 7 Step Skincare Routine

1. Do I need to follow all 7 steps every day?

Following all 7 steps daily is ill-advised, as excess exfoliation can cause irritation and worsen the texture of your skin. Similarly, purification products are also best used once a week. The rest of the steps should ideally form part of your daily routine.

2. How long does a 7 step skincare routine take?

The 7-step skincare routine typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on product absorption time.

3. Can beginners follow the 7 step face routine?

Absolutely! There is no expertise required to follow the 7 step routine, only patience and consistency. However, we would suggest seeking direction of use with specific products.