The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine is all about following a series of skincare steps to achieve clear and glowing complexion. First, you need to acquire the basic skin knowledge like understanding your skin type. This will help address your skin concerns and ultimately guide you to use all the products in the right order. However, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process of taking care of your skin and turn it into a consistent routine! If you’re a beginner, read on to get started!
A simplified guide to the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Oil- Based Cleansers
Using an oil-based cleanser (liquid or balm form) helps remove oil-based impurities easily like makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. This is the first step of the Double Cleanse process. Koreans prefer oil-based cleansers to makeup removers because an oil-based cleanser won’t strip your skin dry and helps to keep your skin healthy and sebum production balanced. Apply gently on dry face and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Products we recommend:
Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil
Water- Based Cleansers
Follow with the second step of the Double Cleanse – with foam/cream cleanser. Use gentle circular motions to remove any residual sweat and dirt from the skin. Choose a gentle, hydrating and low pH water-based cleanser to remove any residue left from the oil-based cleanser. The two steps combined thoroughly cleanse the skin.
Products we recommend:
Heimish pH 5.5 All Clean Green Foam
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Exfoliate
If you want healthy, glowing skin, incorporate an exfoliation step (Physical or Chemical Exfoliators) to your skincare regimen. Exfoliating once or twice a week can help slough off dead skin cells, promote skin cell turnover and repair sun damaged, ageing or skin discoloration. Always make sure to follow up with sun protection after exfoliating.
Products we recommend:
Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence
Dear Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Scrub
Toner
After cleansing and exfoliation, treat your skin to a toner. This will restore pH level, hydrates and allow other products to be more easily absorbed into the skin. Pat in with fingers or cotton pad. You could also try the 7-Skin method for plump, dewy glowy skin.
Products we recommend:
Essence
Considered the heart of Korean skincare, Essences are watery liquids flooded with incredible ingredients which instantly absorbs into your skin. Choose an essence to suit your skin type. Apply it by pouring it into your palms and patting gently on your face and neck.
Products we recommend:
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Essence
Treatments
Whatever your skin problem is, there is a serum, ampule or booster with an active ingredient to address your concern. These are highly-concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients to address acne, wrinkles, redness, large pores, pigmentation.
Products we recommend:
SomeByMi Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Serum
Isntree C- Niacin Toning Ampoule
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are essences/serum soaked and packed with great ingredients. They are also easy to use, affordable and super relaxing.
Products we recommend:
Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask
By Wishtrend Natural Vitamin 21.5 Enhancing Sheet Mask
Eye Cream
A key product for age prevention, eye cream is designed specifically to moisturize the delicate eye area, where fine lines might appear. Make sure you apply gently, using the ring finger.
Products we recommend:
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream
Moisturizer
Also referred to as the occlusive layer which seals in all the previous layers of skincare products. Apply it by patting it gently in the face and neck to seal in all the wonderful ingredients.
Products we recommend:
Dear Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream
SPF
Sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and slowing down the skin ageing process. Ensure that SPF skin protection is a daily addition to your routine.
Products we recommend:
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+PA++
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 PA++++
Have you tested the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine? Share your thoughts on K-Beauty!
Not sure about the difference between skin type and skin concern? Go here to read all about it.
