What are the 10 steps to Korean skincare? If you’re like me and want to achieve that coveted glass skin look, you’ve probably heard of the famous Korean skincare routine. But with all the different products and steps involved, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fear not, I’ve done the research and I’m here to break it down for you step by step. Are you ready to achieve that radiant, flawless complexion? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
The first step in the Korean skincare routine is using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities that have accumulated on your skin throughout the day. Oil-based cleansers are great for breaking down stubborn waterproof makeup and sunscreen without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Pro tip: Massage the oil cleanser onto dry skin, focusing on areas with heavy makeup, and slowly emulsify with water before rinsing off.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser
Once you’ve removed the top layer of impurities with an oil-based cleanser, it’s time to cleanse your skin with a water-based cleanser to get rid of any remaining dirt, sweat, and debris. Water-based cleansers help to deeply cleanse your pores and prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Pro tip: Gently massage the water-based cleanser onto damp skin in circular motions and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key step in the Korean skincare routine to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. There are two types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants, which use textured particles to physically scrub away dead skin cells, and chemical exfoliants, which use acids to dissolve dead skin cells.
Pro tip: Use a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliating and damaging your skin barrier.
Step 4: Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to balance and hydrate your skin with a toner. Toners help to restore your skin’s pH balance, tighten pores, and prep your skin to better absorb the following skincare products. Look for toners with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Pro tip: Apply toner by gently patting it into your skin with your hands or using a cotton pad, and avoid toners with alcohol that can be drying.
Step 5: Essence
Essence is a lightweight, hydrating step that targets specific skin concerns and helps boost the hydration and absorption of the following skincare products. Essences are packed with concentrated active ingredients that nourish and revitalize your skin.
Pro tip: Apply essence by gently patting it into your skin to help with absorption and follow up with a serum for added benefits.
Step 6: Serums and Ampoules
Serums and ampoules are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne. These potent formulas deliver active ingredients deep into your skin to address your individual skincare needs.
Pro tip: Layer serums and ampoules based on the consistency, starting with the thinnest formula and finishing with the thickest.
Step 7: Sheet masks
Sheet masks are a staple in Korean skincare and are a fun and relaxing way to give your skin an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. Sheet masks are soaked in serum and are designed to adhere to your face to deliver intensive treatment in just 10-20 minutes.
Pro tip: Use sheet masks 1-3 times a week depending on your skin’s needs, and massage the remaining serum into your skin after removing the mask.
Step 8: Eye cream
The delicate skin around your eyes is prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness, so it’s important to include an eye cream in your skincare routine. Eye creams are formulated with ingredients like peptides and caffeine to target dark circles and minimize the appearance of under-eye bags.
Pro tip: Use your ring finger to gently tap eye cream around your eye area to avoid tugging or pulling on the skin.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizer is essential to seal in all the hydration and active ingredients from the previous steps and to keep your skin nourished and protected throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.
Pro tip: Apply moisturizer evenly onto your face and neck, focusing on areas that tend to get dry or dehydrated.
Step 10: Sunscreen
Last but certainly not least, sunscreen is the most crucial step in the Korean skincare routine to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours if you’re exposed to the sun.
Pro tip: Apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, to ensure your skin is always protected.