The Korean 10 step skincare routine has somewhat of a cult following amongst beauty influencers and bloggers. It’s a lifestyle change and commitment to your skin every morning and night. And whilst that may seem like a lot of work to put in, it’s no different to exercising and eating healthy, you only get one skin, so look after it!
Korea has always been a forerunner in the skin industry, and it’s no surprise that many people look towards them for inspiration. Koreans believe that layering products allows the skin to breathe and avoids clogging the pores, and whilst 10 steps may seem daunting, once you have the right products and understand the right order in which you need to apply them, it’s a very quick and easy thing to implement.
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So what are the steps?
- Cleanse with an oil based remover
- Cleanse with a water based cleanser
- Exfoliate
- Toner
- Essence
- Serum
- Face mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- SPF
The first 2 steps are to wash your face twice, once with an oil based cleanser, and then once with a foaming water-based cleanser. This is actually extremely effective against oil-based impurities like SPF, sebum, and pollutants, something that is very important whilst living in a city where pollution is often very high, whilst the second cleanse helps against sweat and dirt.
- Oil cleanse to remove makeup
- THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil 150ml $82 YESSTYLE
- DHC Cleansing Oil 200ml $128 BONJOUR
- Sulwhasoo Gentle cleaning Oil 200ml $314 YESSTYLE
- Water based cleanser
- Perfect Whip 120g $32 SASA
- Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water 200ml $59 YESSTYLE
- IOPE -Derma Repair pH Balancing Cleansing Water 500ml $220 YESSTYLE
- Exfoliater
Next up is exfoliating the skin. This step does not need to be done daily, especially if you have very sensitive skin. However it is important to remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal new healthier skin underneath, which is why skin often feels soft and smooth and looks brighter after exfoliation.
- Tonymoly Floria Brightening Peeling Gel 150ml $61 YESSTYLE
- CURE Natural Aqua Gel 250ml $270 SASA
- G Brightening Peeling Gel 120g $110 YESSTYLE
- Toner
Toners can help to shrink pores, restore ph. balance and add a layer of protection to your skin. Korean toners tend to include active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and botanical, essential oils which can help against aging, acne damage and fine lines and also add a boost of moisture to your skin. This step is to further prepare your face to better absorb the next steps in your routine.
- Mamonde Rose Water Toner 250ml $100 YESSTYLE
- Fresh Rose Toner 250ml $340 FRESH
- Etude House, Moistfull Collagen Facial Toner 200ml $98 iHerb
- Essence
Essence is a lightweight hydrating liquid that adds a second layer of moisture to your skin. It is typically thinner in texture and less concentrated than a serum. If you think of your skin like a sponge, once cleaned and dried, it cannot absorb more moisture unless it is a little damp. So essence is designed to penetrate the skin and add more moisture and make the most of the serum and creams that are to come.
- HADA LABO Goku-jyun Light Lotion 170ml $135 SASA
- MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx 250ml $175 YESSTYLE
- Saturday Skin Press Pause Moisturizing Beauty Essence 50ml $400 Sephora
- Serum
A serum contains a few key active ingredients to address specific issues like brightening, dark spots, wrinkles, loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation and so on. They are a bit thicker in consistency and can be almost oil-like. It’s important to read the ingredients and choose a serum that will target areas that you feel your skin needs addressing. For example, drier skin may benefit from hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. For oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to consider serums that contain soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Goodal/Green Tangerine dark spot vitamin-c serum 1oz$170 Amazon
- Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule $420
- Fresh Tea Age delay firming serum 50ml $840 Sephora
- The masks
Sheet masks have become so popular now that they’re easy to find just about anywhere. They usually take 15-20 minutes and can be done as frequently or infrequently as you like. They are typically soaked in serum, and packed full of ingredients that target specific areas, like brightening, whitening, firmness etc. The best ones stay moist for the full wear time, and any excess liquid can be sued on your neck, and arms! Pat your face after use to let your skin absorb more, and whatever you do don’t wash your face after removing all that goodness.
- innisfree – My Real Squeeze Mask 18 Types $16 YESSTYLE
- Jart+ masks 5pieces $98 SASA
- TONYMOLY Bio EX Cell Toning Ampoule Mask $135 YESSTYLE
- Eye cream
Eye creams are designed to moisturize the ultra-thin skin around your eyes where crow’s feet, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness typically appears. The skin around the eyes is really sensitive so use your ring or pinkie finger to pat in the cream as it will use less pressure. Again, eye creams tend to target specific areas of concern, and also maybe targeted to different age ranges, so do your research and look for one that best suits your needs.
- Mizon snail repair eye cream 25ml $73 YESSTYLE
- Milkydress Wrinkle & Whitening Eye Cream 15ml $39 YESSTYLE
- Swanicoco Peptide Eye Cream 30ml $410 YESSTYLE
- Moisturiser
Moisturiser is not exclusive to the Korean 10 step routine. They come in a variety of textures and thicknesses, and you need to find the right one for your skin type. A thin layer is all you need to lock in all the previous steps, and to also lock in all that moisture you have already helped to create, and as we’ve learnt through this process skin hydration is very important!
- Tonymoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream 60ml $95 YESSTYLE
- LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Cream EX 50ml $203 YESSTYLE
- SPF
Unfortunately none of us were taught from a young age to use sunscreen every day. Most of us typically only apply when we are in the sun and at the beach; however it is really important to use a good SPF every single day. There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens are mineral-based and tend to leave a white cast behind. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and work to suck up UV radiation so it doesn’t damage your skin and protect from UVA rays. One isn’t better than the other, it just depends which you prefer.
- G – Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml $151 YESSTYLE
- BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50 90ml $85 Sasa
- Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion $335 Sephora
Some Korean skincare brands to keep an eye out for
Missha, Mizon, Cosrx, Skinfood, Iope, Sulwhasoo, DR Jart, Innisfree, AFC
Expert Tips to Maximize the Benefits of the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
- Take a few minutes to massage your face which will help to stimulate the surface of the skin, preparing it for the products you’re about to apply. It also drains lymphatic glands in your face and neck that can cause puffiness.
- Use lukewarm water
- Use a muslin cloth to wipe the face as it can be softer on the skin
- Koreans believe that layering products allow the skin to breathe and avoids clogging the pores
- Apply essence with your hands, and tap into your face. The heat of your hands and gentle facial pressure can help the product to penetrate the skin, whilst boosting circulation.
- Sheet masks are great for using when travelling on planes, after a day in the sun or before a special event.
- Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.
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