Your guide to 10-step Korean skincare routine

The glorious and famous 10 step skincare routine that all Koreans follow is a reason why they have such fabulous glowing skin!

It not about the more product, the better. But it's using the right products for your skin in the right order to maximise absorption.

Here are the 10 steps you should follow and don't worry if you think you don't have the time in the world for this! You don't need to follow this every single day! Plus there are some products that combines some steps into one, which gives you the best of both!

Step 1 - Oil Cleanser

This is the first step of double cleansing and serves as a foundation of the skincare routine. Like dissolves like, meaning oil based cleansers will remove any oil based products like excess sebum, makeup and sunscreen. Oil cleansers typically comes in two forms, a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm. Both are great to use, so why not try both and see which one you like more!

Step 2 - Water Cleanser

Second step of double cleansing is using a water based cleanser. This step helps remove water based impurities that can cause breakouts as well as dirt and sweat that an oil based cleanser didn't remove. Water cleanser usually comes in two forms, gel and foam.

Step 3 - Exfoliation

Physical and chemical exfoliation can help clean pores and remove any dead skin cells for a brighter and smoother skin. Regular exfoliation can also help your other skincare products absorb better.

Certain exfoliators are diluted enough to be used daily but it's always good to start off once a week and slowly build on. Chemical exfoliators like AHA, BHA and PHA make the skin more sensitive to sunlight so don't forget to use sunscreen!

Exfoliators can come in the form of toner pads or scrub. Both works well so choose one that works best for you!

Step 4 - Toner

 

Toners help balance moisture, restore your skin's PH levels and repair your skin's barrier after cleansing. It also removes any leftover impurities and help your skin absorb other products that come after it more effectively.

Most Korean toners don't contain alcohol that dries out your skin but instead, they soothe, hydrate and are less irritating for the skin.

Toners can be applied using a cotton pad or patting it on with your hands. Patting it on with your hands can prevent wastage of product.

Step 5 - Essence

 

Essences are water based treatments that are lightweight and packed with moisturising, protecting, and anti-aging ingredients. They are concentrated formulas that contains active ingredients and optimizes the skin's natural turnover rate. Essences treats skin on a cellular level and keep skin hydrated, healthy and balanced.

Step 6 - Serums/Ampoules

Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that address specific skin issues like hyperpigmentation, acne and fine lines. Ampoules are even more concentrated and potent than serums. Ampoules are also known as super serums. Serums can be used daily whereas ampoules are usually used once a week.

Step 7 - Face Mask

 

Face masks are the heart of Korean skincare! There are typically three types of face masks. Sheet masks, wash-off masks and sleeping masks.

Sheet masks are packed with all the goodness and infuses your skin with concentrated serums. When your skin is in prolonged contact with the sheet mask, it allows the skin to fully absorb the nutrients and moisture. It is best to leave on the sheet mask for 15 - 20 minutes maximum, otherwise it will reabsorb the nutrients and moisture from your skin!

Wash off masks help remove deeply rooted impurities while also exfoliates the skin. Sleeping masks adds an extra layer of moisture while you sleep and that's when the skin does the work of repairing and rejuvenating itself!

Step 8 - Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes are the thinnest, most sensitive and most delicate on your face. Eye creams are formulated to be extra gentle that can hydrate and target concerns like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines

Step 9 - Moisturiser

 

Moisturiser are available in different forms like gel, cream, lotion and oil. Some moisturiser even contain sun protection. Moisturiser is to help seal in moisture, plump up your skin and smooth fine lines.

Step 10 - Sunscreen

The last step is the most important of all - suncreen! UV rays can damage our skin and our barrier so always remember to wear sunscreen even if you are indoors most of the time. Sunscreen is also an effective way to prevent premature aging and of course, skin cancer.