You might have seen videos on YouTube about the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine, or maybe you saw an article about this on Buzzfeed, or maybe your friend mentioned it the other day. But you might wonder, what exactly is the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
When you think of South Koreans you probably associate them with the baby-like, angelic skin. They might be 40 years old but they look like they just hit 20. Partially that’s thanks to their genetics but you can’t rely only on Mother Nature. Korean women (and men!) spend a lot of money on skincare products and this is not abnormal. Flawless skin is popular not only in East Asia but also in the West. The only difference is that here we usually spend lots of money on makeup products, while in South Korea they spend it on toners, cleansers, face masks, etc. Also, your skin will look and feel healthy and you won’t need to hide anything under that high coverage foundation. ;)
So put away your brushes and beauty blenders, and take out a notebook and a pen. Here’s what you need to create your own Korean Skincare Routine.
Before we begin, I’d like to note that I’m not a professional skincare expert – just a fan who wants to share her passion with others.
(Source: https://www.getthegloss.com/article/double-cleansing-should-you-be-doing-it)
Step 1 + 2 Double cleanse
This is essential in any Korean Skincare Routine. Double cleaning makes sure that after a long day, or night, your skin is perfectly clean and refreshed. Even if you don’t wear makeup you still should double cleanse, as there are oils and bacteria all around your face (I know, gross, but don’t worry – it’s natural).
Double cleansing is based on two parts: oil-based cleanser and water-based cleanser. You need both, despite your skin type. Oily, dry, combination, sensitive – every skin can be double cleansed. All you need to do is find right product for your skin. I recommend checking out SokoGlam.com to find the best product. They also offer a FREE consultation with an expert over the phone. So even if you’re still lost and have no idea what to do, just make an appointment.
What I use:
- Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity (oil-based)
- Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser (water-based)
(Source: http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1081122/why-exfoliate)
Step 3 Exfoliator
Now, let me introduce to you the angel and the devil of this skincare routine. An exfoliator can be a blessing to your skin, or can make you hate the entire experience and just give up. An exfoliator is a strong face mask that cleans your skin from all old cells and helps your skin “breath”. But if you use it too often your skin will freak out and try to protect itself without any resources. Over-exfoliation won’t have a permanent effect on your skin, so don’t worry! You might look like you’re having an allergic reaction for the next few weeks so be careful with your exfoliator! I made that mistake and trust me, I definetly didn’t get that baby-like skin.
What I use:
- Skinfood Black Sugar Strawberry Mask Wash Off
(Source: TonyMoly.us)
Step 4 Sheet Mask
Call me a sheet-mask-shopaholic cause I can never get enough of those. Sheet masks is the cheapest and one of the best ways to take care of your skin. You can literally buy a good sheet mask at Forever 21 for only $1.90 (although if you have a sensitive skin like me I’d read the label before you buy any sheet mask from there). I used different sheet masks, from different places, and at different price points. I do have a favorite one but I think it’s a lot of fun to go around and try out new sheet masks. I recently discovered that Urban Outfitters also has a good selection of sheet masks and I’m excited to try some of them out!
My favorite:
- MANEFIT Bling Bling Hydrogel Mask – Whitening Platinum
(Source: https://sokoglam.com/products/missha-time-revolution-toner)
Step 5 Toner
Toners moisturize your skin and balance your pH level. It’s also an extra cleaning step to make sure everything is gone after cleansing. It’s easy to forget to use your toner but try your best to use it at least once a day.
What I use:
- RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad
(Source: https://www.peachandlily.com/blogs/news/116770245-find-the-best-korean-e…)
Step 6 Essence
Essence is the best thing ever! I love my essence product as much as I love my dog (okay, maybe not that much but you know what I mean). These products will feel light and refreshing on your skin but they are packed with ingredients that will slow down the “wrinkle process” and will hydrate your skin.
I feel so happy after I use this product. I feel like someone blessed by skin.
What I use:
- MISSHA Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist
(Source: pinterest.com)
Step 7 Serum
Serum is the thing that will make you feel that you’re doing something right. Seriously.
Just like essence, they are packed with amazing ingredients but they are more concentrated on treating your skin from any “problem areas”, like intense dryness. Personally, I’m always excited to try a new serum. There’s so many to choose from and they have amazing qualities.
What I use:
- MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule
(Source: https://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/budget-eye-creams/)
Step 8 Eye Cream
‘Do I really need that? I’m not 40 yet.’
You might not be but what’s the harm in using some eye cream? Don’t associate this product with older, classy ladies who are trying to decrease the amount of their aging beauty. You can start using an eye cream in your 20s, or even earlier. I might even say you should start using it early on!
The job of eye cream is to soften your laugh wrinkles and any other beauty marks that come as we get older. They also brighten up your eyes, which brings up the famous youthful look.
What I use:
- GOODAL Moisture Barrier Eye Cream
(Source:http://www.garnierusa.com/articles-tips/skincare/skin-care-routine/4-way…)
Step 9 Moisturizer
Even if you don’t want to have a Korean Skincare Routine, just moisturizing your skin can be helpful. Moisturizers make sure that all products you used earlier stick together and are set on your skin. It also makes your skin feel firm and protected. This is an important step to achieve the glowing skin effect.
This would be your last step for your night time routine but if you’re doing a morning routine, there’s one more thing you can’t forget!
What I use:
- BENTON Snail Bee High Content Lotion
(Source: https://sokoglam.com/products/dr-g-brightening-up-sun-spf42-pa)
Step 10 Sunscreen
Even if it’s a cloudy day, even if it’s winter and you want to cover yourself with five blankets, you need to put sunscreen on. I don’t want to sound like your mother but seriously, put that sunscreen on. You can wear it under your makeup and a good sunscreen should affect your skin tone. It will help you achieve that smooth look and will prevent from any redness and unwanted wrinkles. Plus, it’s so easy and quick to apply. It’s a win-win!
What I use:
- MY SKIN MENTOR DR. G Brightening Up Sun SPF 42/PA+++
I know this is a lot of products, which means it costs a lot of money. You don’t need to buy all 10 products right away. Actually, I recommend that you should buy only 5 essential items and start adding these products to your routine slowly.
Here are 5 essential items to start your Korean Skincare Routine:
- Oil-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser
- Toner
- Essence
- Moisturizer
I hope this article helped you understand a little bit more about the famous skincare routine and maybe even try it out!
(Thumbnail Source: wengie.com/beauty/korean-makeup-and-skincare-monthly/)