How do people in Korea care for “sensitive, unsettled skin” during seasonal transitions?

The Korean expression “환절기 피부” refers to skin that tends to become unsettled during seasonal transitions. A commonly heard approach is “장벽 케어” (barrier-focused care), and while your skin feels prickly, it’s best to simplify your routine rather than add new ingredients.

In the morning, use lukewarm water or a low-irritation 약산성 클렌저 (mildly acidic cleanser), moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, cleanse gently and use a simple moisturizer containing ceramides or glycerin. If you use retinol, AHA/BHA, scrubs, or similar products and feel irritation, it’s a good idea to reduce how often you use them or take a break for now, then reintroduce them one at a time once your skin has settled. Rather than applying a new product to your whole face at once, try it on a small area to make it easier to spot any changes.

If redness or stinging continues or gets worse, don’t keep switching cosmetics; see a dermatologist. In Korean stores, labels such as “진정” (soothing), “장벽” (barrier), and “무향” (fragrance-free) can help guide your search.