Introduction
The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine has gained extreme popularity worldwide with its deep cleaning and hydrating skin care routine. But some have also shown their dislike towards it for its use of multiple products and extremely long and can be overwhelming.
It is basically a 10-step routine, that can be done at day as well as night, and involves steps such as deep cleaning, exfoliating, toning, use of essence and serums, masking, skin moisturizing and treatments and lastly SPF or night cream. It of course is an extremely lengthy and time-consuming process but the results are out worldly.
Most of the products used in the process are generally natural and clean beauty products as Koreans love clean beauty. I honestly do not have it in me do follow a 10-step routine every day – morning and night. But I certainly make it a point to go through this on days when I want to pamper myself as well as on days when I have a full-face makeup.
I feel it essential for makeup days as it cleans out each pore and gives my skin the aftercare it needs. Lets go through the process and also have a look at my favourites in each step:
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The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine
1. Oil-Based Cleansers
Oil based cleansing is the first step in the 10-step Korean skincare routine. They are extremely effective in removing the most stubborn (even waterproof) makeup along with all the other impurities of your skin. The best part is, they are nourishing and do not strip away the natural oils from your skin.
Korean skincare generally prefers the use of natural ingredient-based products; hence they also tend to be extremely healthy and safe for your skin. Balm cleansers are also a part of oil-based cleansers are they are formulated with natural oils.
They also work at removing sebum from your skin, which generally some of the water-based cleansers fail do to. Also, these cleansers are extremely nourishing, hydrating and soothing for your skin.
I prefer balm cleansers over the literal oil-based ones as I feel they clean better and also some oils can cause breakouts and are messier while balms are less messy and also have not caused me any breakouts in general. Here are my favourite picks:
1. MCaffeine Green Tea Face Cleansing Butter.
2. Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm.
2. Water-Based Cleansers
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
The next step in the Korean 10-step skin care routine is to re-cleanse your face, but now with a water-based cleanser. This is an important step and should not be missed (most people skip this as they feel they have already cleansed with the oil-based cleansers).
This step helps remove any left-over makeup residue or dirt from your skin. Water based cleansers are of various kinds – foams, gels, creams, etc. These cleansers help in maintaining the pH balance of your skin and also help you prepare your skin for the further steps of the routine.
I personally love cleansers that are all natural and also ones that are hydrating for my skin and do not cause acne. Here are a few of my favourite water-based cleansers: making it a must buy product among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Biotique Bio Honey Gel Foaming Face Wash.
2. Dot and Key Cica 2% Salicylic Anti-Acne Facewash
3. Kama Ayurveda Mini Anti Acne
3. Exfoliators
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
The third step in the Korean 10-step skin care routine is Exfoliating. Exfoliating is extremely important as it helps rid your skin of all the dead cells and also promote cell regrowth. This step aids in allowing your skin to better absorb all the other products that are to follow.
Exfoliators can sometimes be harsh on your skin and it is extremely important to choose one that suits your skin type and is helpful with your skin concerns. Exfoliators also remove black/white heads from your skin, giving you a cleaner and clearer appearance and can also help with minimizing pores and the appearance of acne.
I love to exfoliate my skin every other day, every day exfoliating becomes harsh for my skin and causes a lot of irritation and redness. Here are a few of my favourite face exfoliators: who have oily skin an absolute top choice among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Face Scrub.
2. Pilgrim Volcanic Lava Ash Face Scrub
3. MCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Face Scrub
4. Toners
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
Toners are the fourth and another extremely important step in the 10-step Korean skincare routine. Toners come in various kinds – water based, milky or even sometimes gel based. I prefer water-based ones, as they are easier and absorb into your skin much faster.
These toners are specially designed with the purpose to hydrate your skin and also to balance pH levels, give your skin a good boost of natural glow. They are extremely hydrating and nourishing for your face with ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and some may have plant extracts to suit your skin concerns.
Toning is a crucial step as it refreshes and soothes your skin after exfoliation. Here are my favourite picks, one of which (Rose Water) I also love to use as a face mist: Making it one of the top picks among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Mamaearth Green Tea Face Toner.
2. PIXI Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner
3. TNW The Natural Wash 100% Steam Distilled
5. Essences
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
Essence is the fifth and the most unique step in the Korean 10-step skincare routine. I had honestly never heard of this before I was introduced to the Korean skincare regime. Essences are generally water based and have a high concentration of skin foods such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide etc. that are extremely hydrating and soothing for the skin.
They are focused on specific skin concerns such as premature ageing, improving skin texture, elasticity, complexion, etc. As they are water based, they are extremely lightweight, fast absorbing and also extremely potent. I have honestly tried only one product in this category, so here it is: Thus, listing it among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Prolixr Jeju Volcanic Essence.
6. Serums
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
The sixth step in the Korean skin care routine is Serums. Serums are like superfoods for your skin. They are highly concentrated with textures that can vary between, watery, creamy and gel like. They are tailored for your specific skin concerns or even for giving your skin the boost of vitamins it needs.
Serums are available for hydration, vitamins, acne and blemish issues, hyperpigmentation and so on. Choose as per your concerns and this is an absolute must even if you do not follow the 10-step routine. These serums are extremely potent and practically start to show the difference in your skin within a few weeks.
I absolutely love serums as they keep my skin healthy and glowing; and use them without fail every morning and night. Here are my favourites: Thus, considering it one among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Dot & Key Vitamin C Face Serum.
2. Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Green Tea
3. Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
7. Masks
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
The seventh and one of the most hydrating and nourishing parts of the Korean 10-step skincare routine is Masks. Masking is a really great way to help nourish and better your skin. Masks come in different kinds – sleeping masks, clay masks, sheet masks, etc., and all of them come with their different share of benefits.
Sheet masks are filled with multiple serums that work their magic on your skin. These are the most popular kinds of masks as they are extremely easy to use and extremely nourishing as well. Clay masks help clean out your skin and remove all the impurities and excess oils, leaving your pores clean and fresh.
Sleeping masks, as the name suggests, are left on overnight and they provide your skin with nourishment and hydration, and also heal your skin. Different masks provide different benefits and you can pick which you prefer most.
I am not truly a fan of sleeping masks, so here are the ones I truly use and enjoy: Thus, making it to the list of 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Dot & Key Anti-Acne Salicylic Green Clay.
2. Pilgrim 24K Gold Facial Mask
8. Under Eye Creams
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
The skin under our eyes is extremely delicate and sensitive and taking care of it is of utmost importance. And hence, Under Eye Creams are an important part of the Korean 10-step skincare regime and is the eighth step. Eyes take the burden of all our stress, long working hours, sleepless nights, over strain with longer screen times, etc.
And all the effect directly shows on the under eyes. They become puffy, with dark circles and look very unpleasant. Under Eye Creams are packed with nutrients and vitamins, also ingredients such as niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, retinol, squalane and so many more ingredients.
These help with cooling the skin under our eyes as well as reducing puffiness and dark circles. Some come with a built-in applicator to massage the product in while some you apply with your fingers. An absolute must try product among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
These are a few of my favourites:
1. Pilgrim Squalane Under Eye Cream.
2. Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Under Eye
3. MCaffeine Coffee Under Eye Cream
9. Moisturizers
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
Moisturizers, as we all know are what keep our skin hydrated and healthy. They are a must, everyday use product, even if you do not follow the 10-step routine. In this pollution filled, harsh atmospheres, our skin tends to damage and dry out very easily and it is our duty to keep it well hydrated.
Not using a moisturizer and leaving your skin feeling dry and prickly can also lead to premature ageing, pigmentation and so many other issues. Hence, it is an extremely important step. Moisturizers come in different forms – water based, gel, lightweight creamy, ultra thick and creams, etc.
I personally prefer moisturizers that are lightweight and fast absorbing, and those that do not leave behind and grease or residue. Moisturizers can be tricks for people with acne prone skin as our skin already generates excess oils and adding a heavy moisturizer can tend to clog our pores and lead to more acne.
So always do a patch test or get those that are suitable for acne prone skin in general. Here are my favourites: Making it an easy to carry product among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
1. Dot & Key 72Hr Hydrating Gel + Probiotics.
2. Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow
3. Plum Green Tea Oil Free Moisturize
10. SPF / Night Cream
“10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine”
Depending on the time of the day, using an SPF or a Night Cream is an extremely crucial step. This is the last step of the routine and one that must not be missed. As important SPF is for our skin, so are night creams.
SPF give us the sun protection throughout the day while night creams help replenish and repair our skin from all the damage done to our skin because of various factors. Both are extremely essential for us to have good, healthy skin.
SPF is something I use daily, even reapply at times if I am out in the sun. Night creams, I apply right at the end of cleansing, etc., and let my skin soak in all the goodness throughout the night.
Night creams are also made keeping in mind your skin concerns while SPF you get in different variants – for oily, sensitive, normal, dry skin. Here are my favourite SPF as well as night cream options: Thus, being one among the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine.
- Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen
- Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen
- Pilgrim Red Vine Night Gel Crème
- Dot & Key Cica Niacinamide Night Gel
Conclusion - 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine
In conclusion, the 10 step Korean skin care routine is a comprehensive approach to achieving healthy, radiant skin. Its emphasis on hydration, exfoliation, and protection from sun damage has been proven effective by many Koreans who have been using this regimen for years.
Adapting this routine may take some time, effort, and cost, but the results are definitely worth it. Remember that every skin type is different, and it’s essential to choose the right products and adjust the steps according to your skin’s needs.
Consistency is also key when it comes to skin care, so make sure to stick to your new routine religiously to achieve optimal results. With dedication, patience, and the right products, you can achieve that coveted glass skin look, feel confident in your own skin, and exude natural beauty from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions - Faq's
1. What is the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine?
Answer: The 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine is a comprehensive skin care regimen that involves 10 specific steps designed to provide optimal care and nourishment for your skin.
2. What are the 10 steps?
Answer: The 10 steps include oil-based cleanser, foam cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum, sheet mask, eye cream, moisturizer, and sun protection.
3. Is it necessary to perform all 10 steps every day?
Answer: Not necessarily. You can customize the routine based on your skin type and needs. However, it is recommended to perform at least the first 3 steps (cleansing, toning, and moisturizing) every day.
4. How long does the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine take to complete?
Answer: The routine can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you choose to allocate for each step.
5. Is the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine suitable for all skin types?
Answer: Yes, the routine is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin.
6. Can men do the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine?
Answer: Absolutely. The routine is not gender-specific and can be enjoyed by both men and women.
7. Do I need to purchase expensive products for the routine to work?
Answer: Not necessarily. While some Korean skin care products can be expensive, there are also budget-friendly options that are effective. It’s important to choose products that work well with your skin type.
8. How soon can I expect to see results from the routine?
Answer: Results may vary, but many people report seeing noticeable improvements in their skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance within a few weeks to a month.
9. Can I mix and match products from different brands?
Answer: Yes, you can mix and match different products from different brands as long as they are compatible and work well with your skin.
10. Is the 10 Step Korean Skin Care routine worth the time and effort investment?
Answer: Many people who have tried the routine swear by its effectiveness and transformative results, but ultimately, the decision is up to you and what works best for your skin care needs and lifestyle.