10 -Step Korean Skin Care Routine: Explained

When we noticed through dramas, magazine covers, and random pics how Koreans have this sort of “glass” skin, we probably got hyped up, obsessed, and wished to attain the same level of clear and glowing skin like them. I mean, who doesn’t want to look fresh each waking day, right?

Some say that Koreans just got so lucky with their genes or their country’s cold weather which makes their skin attain this superior level of beauty. The thing is, genes or weather should not take all the praises here, but rather it is the way Koreans take care of their skin through their extensive and unique regimen. Commonly known as the “10-steps routine”, this K-way of skin pampering is not an exaggeration or some kind of a joke. This is the kind of lifestyle that Koreans have long been practicing since “who knows when” and is backed up by scientific advancements. Just look at them. They are the living proof of how someone can still look like a teenager even with an age of 40!

Having to undergo 10 steps everyday just to achieve a youthful skin seems daunting and time consuming. Fret not! You can always customize the steps to fit your lifestyle or needs. Also, we are here to help you from start to finish – until you achieve a beautiful glowing skin.

Step 1: Makeup remover and Oil-based cleanser

Koreans use what is known as “double cleansing”. Basically, they believe that getting rid of skin impurities and dirt cannot be solved by just cleansing once. The base for their beauty routine starts off with an oil-based cleanser which acts as their makeup and sunscreen remover.

Oil-based cleansers are known to be more gentle and does not affect the skin’s pH balance. Further, oil-based cleansers can take away deep seated dirt without the need for tugging your skin. Apply the product directly on your face and massage in circular motions. Then, add a bit of water to your face and massage again for a deeper absorption.

Step 2: Water-based cleanser

After getting rid of the gunk in your face, it is time to cleanse again but this time with a water-based cleanser. Water-based cleansers remove any dirt and sweat that your oil-based cleanser might have missed out.

The ideal water-based cleanser one should use is gentle and contains ingredients such as green tea extract, rice extract, and pearl extract to achieve that supple skin. Apply your favorite water-based cleanser morning and night and rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Exfoliator

Although cleansing does the work in keeping your face dirt free, some debris from makeup and pollution likes to settle on our pores thus making it clogged. Exfoliation removes all unwanted deep seated debris in our pores while at the same time saying goodbye to your dead skin cells.

In addition, exfoliating one’s skin helps in cell turnover, allows other skin care products to get absorbed and work better, and promotes younger looking skin. Take note that this third step should not be done everyday as it can result to really dry skin. It is suggested to exfoliate once or twice a week by massaging the product gently to your face focusing on your cheeks and nose area where pores are more visible.

Step 4: Toner

Toner brings our skin to its balanced pH level while at the same time keeping it moisturized and hydrated. Our skin has a tendency to be acidic whenever we are exposed to various kind of facial products and makeup. This is the reason why we should include toner in our daily beauty routine to keep our face from being too dry.

When applying toner, you can use a cotton pad to apply the product in the entire face and neck area. Koreans however suggest to use your hands instead when doing this step. Pour an ample amount to your palms and gently pat your face and neck area. This second way of application will let you get the most of your toner’s ingredients.

Step 5: Essence

Essence is a concentrated formula from the combination of serum and toner. Compared to serum, essence is more lightweight and more fluid like. This skin care product is made with ingredients such as rice extract, birch juice, Hyaluronic acid, and yeast which aids in hydration, cell turnover, anti-aging, and pH balance of one’s skin.

The main purpose of using an essence is to keep your skin moisturize enough to allow the serum to take effect more efficiently. When using essence, sprinkle just enough amount into your hands and pat into face and neck.

Step 6: Serums and Ampoules

When addressing a certain skin problem, serums and ampoules are the holy grail. Whether you are have an acne prone skin, an uneven skin tone, visible wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other issues, these treatments will get your face looking and feeling better.

Serums can be used daily whereas ampoules are used as long as the skin problem is present. These products are produced specifically to have stronger and effective ingredients to combat skin problems. Also, the treatments you can avail can be adjusted depending on the complexity and turn-out you want to achieve. Remember to let the products absorb in your skin a few minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 7: Sheet Masks

Just like an exfoliator, sheet masks are not necessarily used every single day (although it really depends on your mood). Sheet masks are sheet fabrics soaked in serum which are individually packed and can be used once only. These products also comes in various “flavors” which can suit your taste and depends on what you want your skin to absorb (Is it green tea? Lemon? Ginger?) .

The key to using sheet masks is to let all the nutritious ingredients be absorbed in your face. This means that the longer you keep your sheet mask on your face (as long as it is still wet), the better it is for your skin. Furthermore, sheet masks are best used whenever you feel like relaxing while lying on your bed.

Step 8: Eye Cream

For our usual routines, we don’t even know what an eye cream is and what it does. However, for Korean beauty regimen, eye cream is an essential part of achieving a flawless and radiant skin. Since the skin in our eye area is considered to be the thinnest and most delicate part of our face, taking care of it should be a priority as well.

When used religiously, eye creams can reduce the puffiness and dark circles in our eye area. It can also promote a brighter and healthier look. Who knows you might be able to skip the concealer part next time around!

Step 9: Moisturizer

We cannot stress how important this step is. Moisturizer is the key to everything you just undergo through. From step 1 to step 8, none of it will stay in your skin for a good amount of time if you don’t apply moisturizer. This product locks in all the nourishment from the ingredients you applied to your face.

Yes, it makes your skin softer and brighter but moisturizer makes sure that all your efforts will not be put to waste. This skin care product comes in various forms such as emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, and even sleeping masks which makes it accessible and flexible for all kind of users out there.

Step 10: Sunscreen

We are down to our last step, the sunscreen. Applying sunscreen to your face is not just a Korean way of doing things, this is actually recommended even from licensed dermatologists. The UV rays from the sun causes our skin to age faster and makes our spots even darker than they already are.

Therefore, using sunscreen should never be skipped whether you are staying indoors or outdoors. It is also suggested to look for a sunscreen with SPF15 or higher to have more protection from harmful UV rays.

While all these steps are important, you still have the choice to choose what parts to skip and what parts to be done 2x more. No matter what you choose, remember that skin products can only enhance what is already present within us and that is we are all beautiful in our own ways.