The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Perhaps the most well-known aspect of K-Beauty and Korean skincare is the infamous 10-step skincare routine.
Perhaps seeming excessive at first glance, Korean skincare routines are viewed as more of a ritual, to be done both morning and night to not only deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin, but to give you time to indulge in some self-care.
The intended results of following the 10-step routine are to leave you with healthy, plump, youthful skin with an eye-catching glow. If this is how the K-pop stars get glass skin, we’re on board.
Read on to dive into deep hydration.
The 10-Step Routine, Explained
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
Gentle on skin but tough on oil-based dirt, this type of cleanser is the first step when beginning to deep clean the skin. The oil binds to impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil on the skin and rinses away easily.
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Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Designed to clear away water-soluble impurities, water-based cleansers. The cleanser emulsifies with the water and lifts residues like dirt and sweat, which rinse away easily with more water. Cleansers like this clean thoroughly and can help to reduce breakouts, as pores are cleaned deeply.
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Step 3: Exfoliator
Unlike the scrub style exfoliators that we find more commonly, more Korean exfoliators are chemical based, liquid formulas. This means the formulas are still fairly gentle, as you cannot over scrub your skin, damaging the barrier, rather allow the dead skin cells to dissolve away and promote cell turnover.
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Step 4: Toner
Finish the cleaning part of the routine with a toner, which balances the skin’s pH and prepares it for the remainder of the products.
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Step 5: Essence
The first step in the hydration section of the routine, an essence is a very lightweight, hydrating liquid that is packed with active ingredients that treat skin concerns. An essence helps to prepare the skin for further absorption, by penetrating deeply with actives and beginning to treat the skin at its cleanest, most vulnerable state.
Step 6: Serums or Ampoules
This is where we truly begin to treat the skin. Whether your skin concerns include ageing, breakouts, or fine lines, use a specially formulated serum or ampoule to add active ingredients into your routine.
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Step 7: Sheet Mask
Add a shot of hydration and further nourishment to the skin with a sheet mask treatment.
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Step 8: Eye Cream
Don’t forget your most delicate skin and address any dark circles or work to prevent fine lines around the eyes.
Step 9: Moisturiser
Finally, deal in moisture and hydrate the skin, creating a barrier between your layered skincare and the environment around you.
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Step 10: Sunscreen
In the mornings, be sure to add SPF before heading out. SPF is essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin and preventing harmful damage from UV rays.
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Browse our entire range of K-Beauty and Korean skincare here, and don't forget to check out our skincare routine builder.
Unsure about any of the ingredients listed above? Read our breakdown of Korean skincare ingredients here.
Our guide to K-beauty is here to help you learn about all things Korean skincare.
Discovering makeup in the 2010's era of full glam was always going to lead me to beauty writing. A lover of pop culture and language, my content is always rooted in modern day trends. My beauty holy grails are the LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balms, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, detox masks for my skin, and any hair product that promises to repair, hydrate, and strengthen!
