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Does a 10-step skincare routine sound extreme to you? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
Even though Korean skincare is a hot topic in the skincare community, many people find their extensive skincare routine very intimidating. Some deem it as time-consuming, while others feel like they don’t need to pay that much attention to their skin.
In this article, you will find out what exactly the 10-step Korean skincare routine entails, and you will learn about the precise details of each and every step. It’s important to have as much information at hand so that, at the end of the day, you can make an informed decision about whether or not this exact skincare routine is worth the try.
As you can probably guess by now, this particular routine has 10 steps to it. Continue reading to find out what each step does for your skin.
The first two steps involve the double cleansing method. In short, the double cleansing method is when you basically use two cleansers in order to remove your makeup and wash your face. Preferably, one of those cleansers should be oil-based, so that the makeup comes off effortlessly.
The very first step of the Korean skincare routine is oil cleansing. Korean skincare puts a great emphasis on the importance of using a suitable oil cleanser. It’s one of the best methods of removing makeup, and it’s quite easy to use once you get the hang of it. You can use a store-bought version of an oil-based cleanser, or you could simply choose a non-comedogenic, organic, cold-pressed version of oils that do wonders for the skin such as jojoba oil and rosehip oil.
As your first step, all you need to do is gently massage the oil on your skin and wash it off. Then, you can follow it up with the second step.
The second step includes using a cleanser which you would normally use. As far as cleansers are concerned, the texture you should go for depends largely on your skin type. If you have oily skin, stick to gel cleansers. If you have dry skin, you should preferably use a cleanser that has a milky texture and resembles a lotion.
As your second step, using a cleanser after you’ve removed your makeup with an oil-based cleanser will ensure that all of the impurities that were sitting on your face are washed off. By doing so, you’re minimizing the chances of having to deal with clogged pores, and, in turn, with any acne or congestion that might arise from that.
If all the makeup, dirt and bacteria isn’t removed by the oil cleanser, this second cleanse will provide you with the reassurance you need in order to feel like your skin is properly cleansed. As a skincare method, it might not be for everyone, so make sure to do your research prior to implementing it.
We generally think of exfoliating as a practice we employ only a couple of times a week. But Korean women do it differently – some do it as much as once per day!
This step is functional because it helps us get rid of clogged pores and dead skin cells which are dangerous for the skin for many different reasons. Not only can your complexion look lifeless and dull, but not exfoliating can also lead to serious skin conditions such as acne.
Exfoliators can be physical and chemical, both designed to help you optimize the appearance of your skin and make it soft and glowing.
However, it’s important to mention that over exfoliation isn’t recommended either, which is the reason why the Korean skincare routine won’t work for everyone. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you try it out, just be aware that over exfoliating the skin can lead to some serious side-effects such as dry and irritated skin and damage to your protective skin layer, which, as the name suggests, works by protecting your skin from any unwanted outside influences. That’s why you should monitor how your skin reacts to this step in particular, if you do decide that the Korean skincare routine is something you want to try.
If you don’t want to exfoliate daily, you can stick to doing it once to two times per week, and you’ll be bound to see good results.
Not everyone understands what toners are made to do for our skin, and that is completely normal. There are so many steps and products in the world of skincare that it’s hard to keep track of all of them. On top of that, it’s very common that products’ functions overlap, or they have a similar formula and appearance.
There are many reasons as to why you should add toners in your daily skincare regimen. Toners are essentially designed to remove the excess of makeup or oil that’s sitting on top of our skin which can lead to breakouts. Not only that, but toners help the skin contain its proper pH balance. For some people, it can even work as a preventative measure against acne.
Toners prep the skin for any products that follow up afterward, such as moisturizers and serums. Your skin will be left smoother and more hydrated because of it.
The best thing about toners is that they’re pretty straight-forward to use. All you need to do is select a good toner for your particular skin type and then use a cotton pad to swipe it all over your face after you’re done with the previous steps.
It’s best to stick to an alcohol-free toner, since alcohol tends to dry out our skin. If you have dry skin, you should pay special attention to the ingredients list of your toner and choose natural and gentle ingredients whenever possible.
Essence is one of the most important steps when it comes to Korean skincare, and truly unique to this part of the world. So, what exactly is it? In short, essence is a lightweight, moisturizing liquid that helps your skin attain all the moisture it needs from the moisturizer that follows it. Think of it as a primer for your moisturizer. On top of that, essence also has the power to speed up cell turnover, which is an incredible benefit if you have any kind of damage on your skin, whether it’s hyperpigmentation or scars.
Essence is quite easy to use. Even if you decide that the 10-step Korean skincare routine isn’t for you, you can still gain many different benefits from using essence, such as hydration. It’s easy to implement in any skincare routine. All you need to do is put a couple of drops on your palms and press it on your face until it’s absorbed into the skin.
There are a lot of essence products on the market, so the one you choose will largely depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, use an essence which function is to moisturize properly. If you have oily skin, use one that’s designed for oily skin, and one that won’t look too greasy on your face. If your complexion needs a little pick-me-up, use a radiance-booster essence that will make your complexion look lively and flawless.
All of us have different skin issues to deal with. This next step is all about the treatments. So, what are they? Treatments come in a few shapes and sizes, the most notable of which are serums, ampoules and boosters. By using these, you’re targeting specific problems on your skin, which are unique to your own complexion.
The important thing is that these tackle any sort of problem, whether it’s aging or acne. Whatever kind of problem you’re facing, chances are you’ll be able to find a treatment for it. It might take longer for you to see the results, but the process in itself is totally worth it.
All the above-mentioned treatments are packed with ingredients which are beneficial for your skin, such as tea tree and vitamin C.
Do you know what the perfect addition to a pamper day is? A good old sheet mask. Sheet masks are not only designed to be fun to play with, but they’re also packed with good ingredients that will do wonders for your skin. Not only that, but they’re easy to use and find.
Some people prefer to use sheet masks two to three times a week. However, Korean women like to pamper themselves on a daily basis, which is why a mask is a daily occurrence for them. Especially if you have dry skin, you might be able to get away with doing them more often.
By applying a mask that’s sitting on your skin for a longer period of time, you’re forcing your skin to absorb all the goodness from it. The best part is that step 7 is one of the easiest on the list. Each sheet mask comes with a particular instruction – all you need to do is apply it directly on top of your skin and let it sit for around 15 to 20 minutes. When you remove the mask, pat the remaining product on your face for some extra nourishment. And after those 20 minutes are done, your skin will look softer and brighter than ever! There are so many sheet masks to choose from on the market that it can be quite overwhelming if you’re new to skincare. The basic rule of thumb is – stick to the ones who are designed for your particular skin type. And don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
One important note regarding sheet masks is that they can be quite time-consuming. Which is why some people who are interested in the Korean skincare routine often skip this step. One thing is for sure – daily masks aren’t for everyone. Whether this step works with your schedule and your particular skin type is up to you to decide.
Why is applying eye cream important? Wouldn’t a regular moisturizer suffice? The answer is no. The skin around your eyes is very delicate and vulnerable, so it needs special attention. By applying a moisturizing eye cream under your eyes and on your eyelids, you’re not only hydrating the area and helping the makeup you put on look better, but you’re also protecting your skin from premature wrinkles and fine lines.
The eye cream you choose will depend on what you want to achieve. If you only want to hydrate the skin, you can choose any eye cream designed for that purpose. If you want to treat under eye circles and bags, there are creams which target those specific problems.
You apply eye cream by gently dabbing it under your eyes and on your lids, using the ring finger. Avoid getting any eye cream in your eyes.
All of us already incorporate this step in our routine, in one way or another. Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin is not an easy task, and if you want some help in that department, feel free to check out this article.
Ideally, a moisturizer should hydrate your skin without making it feel or appear greasy. What we all hope to achieve is that dewy, healthy finish.
If you’re wondering why this step is among the last, it’s because a moisturizer forms a thicker layer on the skin than all the other products mentioned previously. The idea is to gradually increase the thickness of the products you use on your skin.
The most important thing to remember is – you should always adjust the moisturizer to your skin type. Even people who have oily skin should include this step in their day-to-day skincare. If, by any chance, you want to treat signs of aging, our best-selling wrinkle-free moisturizer is an incredible option!
How many times have you heard about the importance of incorporating sunscreen in your skincare regimen?
The sun is extremely damaging for the skin, and unprotected sun exposure can lead to all kinds of skin problems such as hyperpigmentation and premature signs of aging. Not to mention, it’s also been linked to skin cancer.
To avoid all of this, include an SPF that protects from both UVB and UVA rays in your skincare routine. Make it the last step in your routine, and feel free to follow it up with makeup or BB cream.
Even if you’re going out in the sun for just a couple of minutes, make applying sunscreen a habit. If you’re out and about for a longer period of time, you should reapply sun protection every 20 to 30 minutes, especially if you’re in and out of water.
Every skin is different. There is no way to determine if your skin will agree with this extensive list of products that are supposed to be used on a daily basis.
One thing is certain – the 10-step Korean skincare routine contains some crucial steps that should be involved in everyone’s daily routine, such as moisturizer and SPF. We do encourage you to try it out for yourself and see how your skin reacts to it. Some people swear by it, and you may be one of them in the future. Start small, by just incorporating half of the steps in the routine, and then gradually work your way up.
If you don’t like to experiment, it’s a good idea to stick to the basics like a good cleanser, moisturizer and an SPF. After all, some people prefer the simplicity and convenience of not having to purchase and spend time on an in-depth skincare routine, which is completely normal.
Since it involves so many products, the 10-step Korean skincare routine can be quite expensive for some people. However, you are in control of which products you use and how often. So don’t let the amount of products you have to use discourage you from trying it out because you can always go for the cheaper alternatives of the products mentioned.
The 10-step Korean skincare routine may sound like an overkill for some, but many people really swear by it, so there must be a reason behind its sudden spike in popularity.
If you think about it, this particular routine contains all the basics of any skincare – exfoliating, moisturizing, cleansing and using sun protection. What might make it seem as tedious and extensive is the fact that, if you do decide to try it out, you have to follow every step to a T, twice a day.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case and you shouldn’t let it discourage you from trying any of the steps mentioned. Make up your own rules as you go along.
Will you be trying the 10-step Korean skincare routine?
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
