As the obsession for healthy glowing skin continues to make waves across the globe, it’s no surprise that the 10-step Korean skincare routine has become a worldwide phenomenon. Unlike any other beauty trend, Korean skincare emphasizes the value in promoting a lifestyle that’s deeply rooted in the appreciation for self-care and using innovative K-beauty products to achieve naturally radiant skin.

Step by step

Step 1. Makeup remover and oil cleanser

The 10-step skincare routine begins with a double cleanse. Begin your double cleanse by using an oil-based cleanser to remove all makeup and any other impurities from the surface of skin, such as sebum and SPF. Not removing your makeup properly can contribute to acne or breakouts, or even fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 2. Water-based cleanser

The second step in the double cleanse is to use a water-based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse skin. This ensures that there isn’t any makeup left behind and it helps to dissolve any other impurities from the surface of skin, such as dirt and sweat.

Step 3. Exfoliator (Face scrubs and peels)

No matter your skin type, regular exfoliation is a key aspect in any skincare routine – but don’t overdo it! When it comes to exfoliation, you have the option between physical and chemical exfoliation. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, along with any dirt or debris inside the pores.

Step 4. Toner

Toner works great for clearing away any lingering residue on the surface of skin, whether it’s from your makeup or your cleanser. It also restores moisture to the skin’s barrier, which helps facilitate better absorption of other skincare products.

Step 5. Essence

Known for their thin and lightweight consistency, essences contain a highly concentrated blend of nourishing ingredients to provide ultra-hydrating or anti-aging benefits to skin.

Step 6. Treatment

(Serum Booster Ampoule)

Also known as serum, booster, or ampoule, treatments are potent formulations that contain key ingredients to tackle specific skin concerns, such as blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 7. Sheet mask

Sheet masks are beneficial for all skin types – giving skin an extra boost of hydration and essential nutrients. These masks are soaked in a highly concentrated serum, and the mask itself acts as a physical barrier to lock in the moisture and enhance absorption.

Step 8. Eye cream

Eye cream helps reduce or diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and any sort of puffiness around the eyes. Because the area around the eyes is extremely delicate, the best eye creams are formulated with non-irritating and gentle ingredients.

Step 9. Moisturizer (Face cream)

The best skincare routines involve moisturizer – day and night. It comes in many different forms, from face cream and lotion to gel formulas (it all depends on what works best for your skin type). Keep in mind that dehydrated skin makes skin more susceptible to common skin problems, along with making fine lines and wrinkles appear more obvious. Moisturizer nourishes skin while acting as a barrier to seal in the rest of your products.

Step 10. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a complete non-negotiable – rain or shine. SPF is vital for protecting skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure, which includes visible signs of premature aging and skin cancer. Applying sunscreen in the morning is huge in Korean skincare, since the best sunscreen products are formulated with skin-supporting ingredients.

The main benefits of the 10 step routine

Committing to a 10-step skincare routine can seem daunting at first – but it’s really not that bad once you understand the value in each step. The entire K-beauty routine emphasizes the importance of cleansing, nutrition, hydration, and SPF.

Step 1-4: Cleanse

The first four steps of the 10-step skincare routine focuses on cleansing skin properly to set up the perfect foundation for the remaining steps. Removing all traces of makeup and clearing away other impurities ensures that our skin is in the best state to receive the benefits of all our skincare products.

Step 5-9: Nourish

A key aspect of the Korean skin care routine is to achieve naturally radiant skin through maintaining the harmony between oil and moisture. Dehydrated skin is the leading factor in the most common skin problems, such as excessive oil production and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity. Step 5-9 focuses on improving the condition of skin through nourishing and replenishing moisture.

Step 10: Protect

Applying sunscreen in the morning is one of the most important steps in K-beauty skincare. It protects our skin from the negative effects of sun exposure while providing additional benefits to support healthy, glowing skin from within. In addition to sunscreen, incorporating regular face yoga practices can help improve circulation and promote a more youthful appearance.

FAQs about Korean skin care routine – answered!

Q. Do I need to do the entire 10-step routine every day?

A. No, you don’t need to do the entire 10-step routine every day! The number of steps you complete will depend on your skin type and what time of day it is. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to focus on cleansing and exfoliating more often than someone with dry skin. And if you’re doing your skincare routine at night, you may want to skip sunscreen since you won’t be exposed to sunlight.

Q. What order should I apply my skincare products in?

A. The general rule of thumb is to apply products from lightest to heaviest. For example, you would apply toner before essence, essence before serum, and serum before moisturizer. This allows each product to be properly absorbed by your skin for maximum efficacy.

Q. Can I use my regular cleanser in place of a Korean double cleanse?

A. While you can technically use your regular cleanser in place of the first step in a double cleanse, we don’t recommend it! The point of double cleansing is to thoroughly remove all traces of makeup and impurities from your skin, which requires two different types of cleansers.

Q. What are some good Korean skin care products for beginners?

A. If you’re just starting with Korean skincare, we recommend products like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser, and Mamonde Rose Water Toner. These products are gentle yet effective, and they’re perfect for normal to dry skin types.

Q. Do I need to use all 10 steps in the Korean skincare routine?

A. No, you don’t need to use all 10 steps in the Korean skincare routine! The number of steps you complete will depend on your skin type and what time of day it is. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to focus on cleansing and exfoliating more often than someone with dry skin. And if you’re doing your skincare routine at night, you may want to skip sunscreen since you won’t be exposed to sunlight.

Q. I don’t have time for a 10-step skincare routine. What should I do?

A. If you don’t have time for a 10-step skincare routine, don’t worry! You can still reap the benefits of Korean skincare by focusing on the most important steps. For example, cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are key to any good skincare routine, so make sure you’re doing those on a daily basis. You can also add other steps as needed or desired.

Q. How to incorporate Korean skincare into your daily beauty routine

The best way to incorporate Korean skincare into your daily beauty routine is to start with the basics and work your way up. If you’re new to the world of K-beauty, begin by introducing a double cleanse, essence, and moisturizer into your regimen. Once your skin has adjusted, you can add in other steps as needed or desired.

Remember – less is more when it comes to layering skincare products if this is your first time trying out this routine. When in doubt, always consult with a dermatologist or esthetician to get tailored recommendations for your specific skin type!

While the 10-step Korean skincare routine may seem daunting at first, it’s definitely worth a try if you want to achieve healthy and luminous skin. By following this guide, you can customize the steps to fit your own skincare needs while enjoying all of the benefits that come with incorporating K-beauty into your daily routine. Have you tried the 10-step Korean skincare routine?