Korean skincare regimes are aimed at glowing, youthful, well-aging glass skin. The most viral skincare routine from Korea is the 10-step skincare regime. While there are ten steps, one can do only some, especially with a busy routine.
Over time, beauty enthusiasts have customized their beauty regimens, including five-step and seven-step skincare. We demystify the 10-step Korean routine that includes cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, and other good things for your skin.
Breaking down the 10-step Korean skincare regime
Having a routine involves making conscious choices for your skin. Like anything else in the body, the skin also loses its vitality over time. You can always combine two steps if a product serves two functions rather than one. Here is the breakdown:
1. Oil or balm cleanser
The 10-step Korean skincare routine starts with an oil cleanser. A balm or oil cleanser removes all the accumulated dirt or makeup on the face. It also removes any excessive oil on the skin. It is recommended to massage the balm on the skin and remove it with lukewarm water.
2. Water-based cleanser
The next step in the routine is to use a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities or debris from the day. While cleaning your skin with two products may seem inconvenient, double cleansing is a hallmark of the Korean skincare routine. It also ensures no oil is left from the previous step.
3. Exfoliator
Exfoliation helps to remove dead cells and open the pores of the face. This also helps to remove any oil or makeup buildup in the skin. However, as one may imagine, daily exfoliation may cause irritation or even dry the skin.
4. Toner
Korean skincare would be incomplete without using a toner. As the name suggests, toners help to soothe the skin and restore hydration. You can gently tap the toner on your skin to help balance the pH level.
5. Essence
Essence adds to the hydration of your skin. If you notice that your skin feels hydrated enough, you can also skip this step. While the effects of essence and toner may seem the same, they differ in concentration and after-effects.
6. Serum
A viral trend in the Korean skincare routine has been incorporating snail mucin. The serum not only hydrates the skin but also has anti-aging effects. This additional step allows you to achieve smooth, clear, and luminous skin. It is essential to choose a product that meets your skin requirements.
7. Sheet Mask
Perhaps an all-time favorite, sheet masks can be used twice or thrice weekly. Depending on the ingredients, each sheet mask can have a unique benefit. Think of adding sheets as a fun component in your Korean skincare routine.
8. Eye Cream
Eyes often get neglected but require sensitive and targeted care. According to Vogue Beauty, running a patch test before finalizing your eye product is essential. Eye creams hydrate and protect the delicate area around the eyes.
9. Moisturizer
A moisturizer is a product that can't be missed in any skincare routine. These lock in the goodness of hydration and cleansing. Whether you have oily, sensitive, or dry skin, a moisturizer protects the skin barrier and draws water into the skin.
10. Sun Screen
Available for various skin types, SPF is an essential while going out. They protect the skin from harmful UV rays and slow its aging process. Refer to our guide on the best Korean sunscreens for this year.
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More than the number of steps in a Korean skincare routine, choosing skincare that suits your skin type is important. Taking time to take care of your skin daily increases its chances of being hydrated and smooth in the long run.
Which steps would you add to your Korean skincare routine? Tell us in the comments below.
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