The Full 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine for Day and Night
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Learn the 10 step Korean skincare routine for day and night to achieve glass skin. Check out this guide where I share the best Korean skincare products to use for every step of the Korean skincare routine.
Let’s dive into the 10 step Korean skincare routine, breaking it down into four easy phases: cleansing (steps 1-3), prepping (step 4), nourishing (steps 5-8), and protecting (steps 9-10).
Join me on this journey to achieve glowing, healthy skin effortlessly! Understanding your skin type is crucial as it helps in selecting the most suitable products, ensuring effective results, and preventing potential skin irritations or issues.
Not sure which skin type you are?
What is the 10 step Korean skincare routine?
Step 1: oil cleanser
The first step in the renowned Korean skincare routine involves oil cleansers, an essential initial cleansing step that gently dissolves makeup, SPF, and excess oil. This step paves the way for a thorough purification process, setting the stage for subsequent skincare routines.
Benefits
These cleansers effortlessly remove impurities, unclog pores, and maintain skin hydration for a refreshed complexion.
How To (Morning & Night)
In the morning, apply a small amount, massage onto a dry face, and rinse. At night, follow with a water-based cleanser.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Step 2 focuses on the use of water-based cleansers in the Korean skincare routine. These cleansers, crucial in removing residual impurities without stripping natural moisture, serve as a gentle yet effective daily purification method.
Benefits
Balances skin pH, deeply cleanses, and primes skin for better absorption of subsequent skincare.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Apply a small amount, lather with water, massage onto the face, and rinse thoroughly for a refreshed complexion.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Step 3 introduces the exfoliation process in the Korean skincare routine, a pivotal weekly treatment aimed at renewing skin. This phase targets the removal of dead skin cells, refining texture, and promoting a revitalized complexion.
Benefits
Enhances skin texture, unclogs pores, and boosts absorption of subsequent skincare products.
How-to (Morning or Night)
Use 1-2 times weekly, gently massage exfoliant onto damp skin, then rinse thoroughly for revitalized, refreshed skin.
Step 4: Toner
Step 4 introduces toners, a fundamental element in the Korean skincare routine. These watery solutions play a pivotal role in balancing the skin’s pH levels, prepping it to better absorb subsequent skincare products, and providing essential hydration.
Benefits
Balances pH, hydrates, and primes skin for better absorption of following treatments.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Pour onto hands or cotton pad, gently pat onto face, then proceed with the next skincare steps.
Step 5: Essence
Step 5 introduces essences, a quintessential part of the Korean skincare regimen. These lightweight, nutrient-rich liquids aid in cell turnover, hydration, and revitalization, enhancing the overall skin texture and appearance.”
Benefits
Promotes cell renewal, hydrates, and improves skin texture for a radiant complexion.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Pour into palms, gently press onto face and neck, and allow absorption before applying subsequent skincare products.
Step 6: Serum or Ampoule
Step 6 involves the application of serums or ampoules, a concentrated treatment in the Korean skincare routine. These potent formulas target specific skin concerns such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging, delivering intensive care for noticeable improvements.
Benefits
Targets specific concerns, provides intensive care, and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent skincare products.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Apply a small amount onto the face, gently pat, and allow absorption before proceeding with moisturizer or sunscreen.
Related: 15 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums You Should Try
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Step 7 introduces sheet masks, a rejuvenating component of the Korean skincare routine. These pre-soaked masks, enriched with potent serums, provide an intense surge of hydration, nourishment, and targeted benefits for a revitalized complexion.
Benefits
Provides intense hydration, nourishment, and targeted benefits for a refreshed, glowing complexion.
How-to (Morning or Night)
Apply the sheet mask onto cleansed skin, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then gently massage the remaining serum into the skin.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Step 8 focuses on eye cream application, an essential element in the Korean skincare regimen. This specialized treatment targets the delicate eye area, addressing concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines for a rejuvenated appearance.
Benefits
Reduces dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines for a refreshed, youthful eye area.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Apply a small amount using gentle tapping motions around the eye area after serum and before moisturizer.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Step 9 emphasizes the significance of moisturizers in the Korean skincare routine. These hydrating formulas lock in moisture, creating a protective barrier to keep the skin supple, nourished, and balanced.
Benefits
Locks in moisture, maintains skin balance, and keeps the skin supple and nourished.
How-to (Morning & Night)
Apply an adequate amount onto face and neck, gently massage until fully absorbed for optimal hydration.
Step 10: Sunscreen (Daytime)
Step 10 stresses the importance of sunscreen in the daytime Korean skincare routine. Sunscreen acts as a shield against harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, dark spots, and skin damage.
Benefits
Protects from UV rays, prevents premature aging, and maintains skin health and appearance.
How-to (Morning)
Apply liberally on face and exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours.
The 10 step Korean skincare routine paves the way for achieving radiant, healthy skin with its comprehensive approach. It emphasizes not only the products used but also the ritualistic self-care, fostering a mindful skincare regimen for a luminous complexion.
Step up your Korean skincare game by integrating the best Korean retinol and the best Korean hyaluronic acid serum into your Korean skincare routine.
