The 10-step Korean skincare routine is more than a routine
It's a lifestyle that has become a global phenomenon, founded on Korea's cultural obsession with healthy skin and decades of scientific study.
It's not about having more skin care products than you can count, but rather about having the right products that treat the right things and of course using them in the right order.
In Korean skin care, the steps are carefully predetermined for your skin to achieve the very best results. This does NOT mean that you should use all the listed steps every day, it is also fine to choose the skin care products you like best.
- Step 1 – Use an oil-based cleanser
The first step in 10-step Korean skin care begins with using an oil-based cleanser to eliminate both makeup and dirt.
How does this help?
Using oil-based cleansers is less irritating than a regular cleanser for your skin. They tend to break down oil-based makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum more easily.
How to use oil based cleaner?
Start by taking a small amount of the cleanser and gently rub it in circular motions on your face. Using circular movements also increases blood flow, which is important for healthy skin and allows the cells to perform their functions smoothly. This also helps in keeping your skin bright and healthy. Clean for about 2-3 minutes and then rinse off the product with lukewarm water.
- Step 2 – Water based cleaning
The first step in this skincare routine is to cleanse away all oil-based impurities. This step, on the other hand, involves using a foaming/water-based cleanser to get rid of all the accumulated sweat and dirt.
How to use water-based cleaning?
Take a dab or two of the water-based cleanser and massage it gently into the skin. In this step, it's important to use a pH-balancing cleanser to prevent it from eroding your skin barrier. Water-based cleansing is recommended to be used both in the evening and in the morning.
- Step 3 – Exfoliate your skin
A gentle peeling adapted to your skin type will do wonders for your skin at this stage. Exfoliating the skin means removing your dead skin cells on your skin, which will help your complexion to become more shiny and smooth. This step also ensures an overall improvement in skin texture and tone.
How to use peeling?
Take a small amount of the product on your palm and gently rub in a circular motion over your face. Then wait 1-2 minutes to rinse off the peeling.
- Step 4 – Apply toner
Using toner helps to balance the pH value of your skin. When the pH is balanced, your subsequent products with their key ingredients can work more optimally.
How to use toner?
Take a few drops of toner on your fingers and gently pat this into the skin. You can also use a cotton ball in this step, if you prefer.
- Step 5 – Essence before serum
Essence is a relatively new product that you use before your serum to give your skin an extra moisture boost and for your skin care products to be absorbed even better. Essence, also known as lotion or booster, is a light-flowing serum with a high concentration of caring ingredients that can be described as a mixture of facial toner and classic serum.
How to use essence?
Take a few drops of Essence on your fingers and gently pat this into the skin.
- Step 6 – Serum
In this step, your skin is now clean and ready to effectively absorb the more important ingredients. A serum is a slightly more concentrated and heavier version of an essence. Essentially, it contains active ingredients to treat more specific skin problems such as wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots.
How to use serum?
Sprinkle a small amount of serum on the palm of your hand and gently pat it into your skin.
- Step 7 – Put on a face mask
Face masks are drenched in serum and are filled with healthy vitamins and minerals that take extra care of your skin. By applying the mask, care is taken to prevent the serum from evaporating so that your skin has time to pick up all the serum it might need.
How to use a face mask?
Most face masks usually come in a standard size, which means they fit all face shapes and sizes. Start by applying the mask to the face while gently stroking or massaging it in around the eyes and mouth. Then leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes before removing.
- Step 8 – Use eye cream
Our most sensitive area of the face is the skin under and around the eyes. Therefore, it is important to use an eye cream that moisturizes, protects and minimizes the risk of lines and dark circles under the eyes.
How to use eye cream?
Take a pea-sized drop of the cream and apply by gently patting in with your fingers. Begin by starting under the eye, the outermost part right where the eye bone sits and a bit up right towards the eye. Then you apply the eye cream for the upper part of your eye, under the eyebrow, along and a bit down on the eyeball. And then apply from the inside out towards the outer part of your eye.
- Step 9 – Face cream
For step 9 of the Korean 10-step method, it's important to lock in the previous layers of skin care products by slathering in face cream. If you have oily skin, you'd be wise to use a light lotion-based moisturizer. If, on the other hand, your skin is dry, a strong cream-based face cream is preferable, which prevents your skin from becoming irritated.
How to use face cream?
Take a small amount of face cream/day cream and gently rub into the skin. Massage your skin in circular motions for about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 10 – SPF sun protection
SPF sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays. A broad spectrum sunscreen is recommended to protect against both UVA & UVB rays from damaging your skin.
If you have oily skin, it is recommended to use a physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen to avoid clogged pores. Sun protection is available in various forms adapted to your skin and other preferences.
How to use sunscreen?
Gently apply the sunscreen to your face. Make sure to also lubricate the neck and jaw area.
