The 10-step Korean skincare routine is more than a trend – it’s an approach to skincare. Comprised of Korean-specific products like essences and ampoules and more standard solutions such as cleansers and moisturizers, the routine offers something for every skin type.
Start with an oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based impurities, then follow up with a water-based cleanser to unclog pores.
1. Double Cleanse
No matter the complexity or simplicity of your skin care routine, double cleansing should always be the starting point. This method involves using an oil-based cleanser or balm to gently dissolve makeup, sunscreen, or any other lipid-based residue from your skin’s surface before washing again with a water-based formula to eliminate leftover dirt and debris from the day’s activities.
For those with oily skin, using two gentle cleansers may be ideal for addressing acne-prone areas and avoiding future breakouts. Furthermore, this strategy may even prevent additional breakouts from occurring in the future.
If you want to go the extra step in terms of moisturizing, try applying a soothing water gel or lotion specially formulated for your skin type at nighttime to seal in serum and other products so when you wake up the following morning, you can enjoy soft and smooth skin – plus any heavier occlusive cream, mask or sleeping mask as needed!
2. Exfoliate
Step three of any K-beauty routine typically entails using a gentle physical exfoliant (such as Rare Earth Pore Refining Tonic), which is less harsh than traditional cleansers, 1-2 times every week to help reduce sebum production, minimizes pores, and gives skin a smoother look and feel.
Following up an exfoliator with toner is integral to any skincare routine. Toners contain less alcohol than traditional cleansers and should prepare your skin for its next step.
Gentle and hydrating toners like this one with milk, mineral-rich Amazonian white clay, and allantoin are often the ideal way to balance pH levels, rehydrate skin cells, mattify shiny areas, and mattify shiny patches – making it suitable for oily skin types. After toning, consider adding essence-containing ingredients that balance, nourish, and brighten skin for healthy results.
3. Tone
Toners are an integral component of K-beauty skincare routines because they help prepare the surface of your skin for subsequent steps. While Western toners can often contain harsh and alcohol-filled solutions, Korean ones are designed with gentle ingredients designed to balance out pH levels on the skin (3)
This helps the ingredients found in essences penetrate more effectively into your skin and prevents dead skin cells and other debris from clogging pores and hindering the absorption of their favorite products.
An essence works similarly to a face mist, except it contains active ingredients in a more concentrated form and penetrates more deeply into your skin for maximum hydration and plumping. As a result, your complexion looks visibly plumper and brighter after applying this skincare treatment.
Now, various essences are available for all skin types – oil-based or water-based; regardless of which you select, use it every morning and evening after cleansing and exfoliating to maximize results.
4. Moisturize
Hydrating is the final step in K-beauty routines. Use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to increase moisture retention and achieve plump skin.
Moisturizers provide an ideal foundation for makeup application while simultaneously working to prevent wrinkles!
Tip: Foaming cleansers may tend to strip skin due to their high pH levels and sulfates; therefore, using a gentle, hydrating pH water-based cleanser in combination with an oil-based one may provide your skin with what it needs for deep cleaning without disrupting its protective barrier.
Korean 10-step skin care may seem daunting at first, but it’s a practical and straightforward skincare routine that can be tailored specifically to meet the needs of each skin type and concern. The key is using products specifically formulated to address them while taking time for exfoliation, toning, moisturization, and weekly sheet mask treatments – in other words, taking great care with your daily skincare!
5. Serum
An oil-based cleanser is designed to dissolve all that grime clinging to the skin – including makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum – without stripping it of the natural oils that keep skin soft and supple. Furthermore, it does not disturb the balance between sebum and oil production, which could otherwise lead to breakouts and dryness.
After cleansing, apply a serum designed to address any specific skin concerns. For acne sufferers, look for ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, or niacinamide that soothe inflammation and prevent breakouts; those dealing with discoloration or wrinkles might benefit from brightening serums featuring vitamin C, licorice extract, or niacinamide as brighteners; while for discoloration or wrinkles try brighteners such as vitamin C with licorice extract or niacinamide; while for discoloration or wrinkles try brighteners like vitamin C plus brightening serums made up with vitamin C or licorice extract plus hydrator hyaluronic acid to plump out and retain moisture content within.
Use an essence rich in beneficial ingredients like snail filtrate or sake (Japanese rice wine) for optimal hydration. Furthermore, serum steps can be personalized according to individual preferences.
6. Ampoule
As part of the 10-step Korean skincare philosophy, essences are at the core of their 10-step routines, hydrating your skin from within and providing essential antioxidants and nutrients to bolster and brighten the complexion. We offer fast-absorbing essences, such as our Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence, made with ferulic acid and olive-derived squalane for instant rejuvenation!
Toner is another step that contributes to a double cleanse by extracting oily impurities and balancing the skin’s pH levels. We suggest our Rare Earth Pore Refining Tonic with mineral-rich Amazonian white clay and allantoin for gentle yet non-drying toning; it helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance, mattify shiny areas, and refine pores for healthier-looking skin.
Serums and ampoules are among the most potent products in the K-beauty skincare arsenal. Serums target specific concerns like dryness and wrinkles, while ampoules provide an additional hydration boost. To apply, sprinkle a small amount onto your palm and pat gently over your face.
7. Oil
Oil cleansers are great tools to eliminate makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other impurities that regular facial washes may miss. Oil cleansers are relaxing to use and work like magic for taking off waterproof eye makeup; we love Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil’s silky formula, which emulsifies when mixed with water to form a rich foam that effectively dislodges dirt and grime from pores.
As water flows into a sponge, the skin absorbs all your favorite products better when adequately hydrated. Korean routines start with Essence to ensure all other aspects of their skincare regime shine brightly.
Your moisturizer should act as the final step, helping your skin retain moisture by using humectants (water-binding ingredients) and occlusive agents (to create a barrier). For dry skin types, look for creams with added moisturizing agents like shea butter. Using face oils or sleeping masks as extra hydration layers for a deeper glow can work wonders!
8. Eye Cream
As part of any K-beauty routine, eye cream application should always be the final step. This delicate area needs extra special care to look younger. Furthermore, using non-comedogenic formulas helps avoid clogging pores.
No matter if you embrace or disagree with the Korean 10-step routine, it’s essential to select products that suit both your individual needs and skin type. Oil cleansers such as Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil are excellent at dissolving makeup, even waterproof mascara! After massaging a few drops of cleaner onto your dry face and neck, add lukewarm water to dissolve its cleansing oil and wash away residue. Next up is a toner to balance pH levels before continuing with your routine; an essence of providing maximum hydration so your skin is primed for absorption of other treatments – think of it like prepping a sponge by wetting it beforehand so it absorbs liquid better!
9. Mask
Use this step daily or weekly, Depending on the type of mask you select. Hydrating masks should be utilized daily, while acne control products should only be applied occasionally.
Imagine your skin as a sponge that expands when exposed to moisture; that is why K-beauty regimens use non-astringent properties like toner to prepare skin to absorb more hydrating products such as moisturizer.
Search for a serum packed with skin-friendly antioxidants like this COSRX formula with ferulic acid and olive-derived squalane to lift dirt, boost radiance, and enhance the complexion. Or use sheet masks like this Line-Minimizing Targeted Triangle Mask to make the most out of your regimen.
