Skincare is no longer just a beauty product or a trend; it has become an essential part of a lifestyle. Many people are beginning to realize that having healthy skin is more than just an aesthetic but also a true reflection of their skin health condition.
Thus, brands from around the world are competing to produce the best skincare products. Among the various skincare products, the Korean skincare products have become one of the most well-known and praised.
Why Is Skincare Important?
Skincare aims to cleanse, moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin from external factors that can damage its condition, such as pollution, sunlight, and premature aging.
Therefore, using proper skincare can help prevent various skin problems, such as acne, wrinkles, dark circles, and dry skin.
The Reasons Behind Korean Well-Known Skincare
Korean skincare is widely recognized for its holistic approach, emphasizing deep hydration, strengthening the skin barrier, and the principle that “prevention is better than treatment.”
Some of the reasons why Korean skincare is so popular worldwide are:
- Product innovation: Korea is renowned for its advanced technology in skincare, utilizing natural ingredients and producing lightweight formulas.
- Proven Results: Many individuals who use Korean skincare products report significant improvements, including glowing, supple, and acne-free skin.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Many Korean products are formulated without alcohol, fragrance, and irritants, making them ideal for even sensitive skin.
- Hallyu Wave: The rising popularity of K-pop and K-drama has fueled the popularity of Korean skincare products and routines.
Brands such as Innisfree, Laneige, COSRX, Sulwhasoo, Beauty of Joseon, and Etude House are examples of Korean brands that have gained worldwide recognition for their high-quality skincare products.
What is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine?
The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine is a facial care method designed to cleanse, nourish, and protect the skin optimally.
This routine doesn’t have to be done every day, but can be adjusted to suit your skin’s needs. Initially, these routines are often used by Koreans as they are well known for their cultural obsession with healthy skin
Here’s the 10-step Korean skincare routine you need to know:
- Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
This first step is crucial for removing all oil-based impurities from the skin, such as makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution. The principle is “oil dissolves oil,” making this type of cleanser more effective at cleansing pores without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Example products: Banila Co Clean It Zero, Heimish All Clean Balm.
- Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
After cleansing your face with an oil-based cleanser, you need to remove any remaining water-based impurities, such as sweat, dust, and residue from oil cleansers, by using a water-based cleanser. This double cleansing process is a hallmark of Korean skincare, ensuring a flawless complexion.
Example product: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
- Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne or dull skin. Exfoliation also helps subsequent skincare products absorb more effectively. However, make sure to use it only once or twice a week.
Example product: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner.
- Step 4: Toner
You need to provide initial hydration to restore your skin’s pH after all the cleansing. Korean toners are typically light and alcohol-free; thus, it is good to moisturize and prepare the skin for subsequent products.
Example product: Klairs Supple Preparation Toner.
- Step 5: Essence
Essence is the heart of Korean skincare. Essence products are usually rich in active ingredients that help hydrate, balance, and improve skin texture. Even though the texture is light, almost like water, it works very effectively.
Example product: Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence.
- Step 6: Serum/Ampoule
If you want to address more specific skin concerns such as acne, dark spots, scars, wrinkles, or dullness, then don’t miss this step. Serums are highly concentrated and thicker in texture than essence, while ampoules are typically more intense than serums.
Example products: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid.
- Step 7: Sheet Mask
Made from essence-soaked paper sheets, it’s perfect for use when your skin feels tired or needs extra care since it provides a hydration and nutrient boost to the skin. You can use it 2–3 times a week.
Example product: Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask.
- Step 8: Eye Cream
The eye area is fragile and sensitive, so it requires special care. Eye cream helps reduce dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness.
Example products: Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream, Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask.
- Step 9: Moisturizer
Locking in all the moisture and nutrients from the previous step to prevent evaporation, moisturizer also maintains elasticity and strengthens the skin barrier, which helps your skin to stay healthy.
Product example: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
- Step 10: Sunscreen
The final step is crucial: make sure to wear sunscreen in the morning. Sunscreen protects skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, which can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.
Example products: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
The Effect of the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
If done consistently, the 10-step Korean skincare routine can provide various benefits, such as more moisturized and supple skin, an even and radiant skin tone, reduced acne and scars, prevention of signs of premature aging, and a cleaner, fresher, and healthier-looking complexion.
Dr. Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist from New York, stated that the Korean skincare philosophy of prioritizing moisture is an excellent approach to maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
“Hydration is key to healthy skin, and the multi-layered approach of K-beauty is effective in delivering that,” she said.
However, she also cautioned that not everyone needs to follow all 10 steps every day; we can adjust them according to our skin condition and make sure to be consistent.
The Korean 10-step skincare routine isn’t mandatory, but it can be a highly effective option if you want to take a holistic approach to caring for your skin. Don’t rush to buy all the products at once – you can start slowly with 3-4 basic steps, then adjust over time.
The most important things are consistency, understanding your skin’s needs, and selecting the right products.
