Have you spent your hard-earned money on useless skincare products in your pursuit of achieving the flawless skin of Korean girls? And now you’re seeking ways to get Korean glass skin at home and an authentic Korean skincare routine? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
You’ll find the daytime and nighttime Korean skincare routine details here, which differs slightly from the usual skincare routine.
The Ultimate 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Why is everyone going insane for a Korean skincare routine?
The Korean beauty industry has gained much attention recently due to the widespread broadcasting of Korean music, TV shows, movies, and dramas on various platforms.
Many people are drawn to the seemingly perfect, radiant complexions of K-pop idols and Korean actresses, which has increased interest in achieving glossy, healthy, glass-like, clear, and delicate skin among women and men.
As a result, Korean beauty products are flying off the shelves.
The idea underlying Korean skincare practices
The Korean skincare regime is based on the mantra of prevention and protection rather than cure. Because Koreans think loving and respecting your skin is preferable to trying to repair damage.
Some believe that K-beauty’s luminous “glass skin” results from genetics. However, this is not true; it is the precise technique of the Korean skincare routine.
Besides, most Koreans avoid using chemical-based skin care products. They rely heavily on natural and gentle products. Rice is the main component in their natural skincare and beauty products.
5, 7, 10 Steps are a guide, not a rule!”
The 10-step Korean skincare routine is a common reference point; the Korean skincare routine is far more adaptable. Its core philosophy is gentle, multi-step care for long-term results.
The cornerstone of this approach is the double cleanse, a fundamental step in most Korean routines. Ultimately, the key is personalization. Feel free to adjust the number of steps based on your unique skin needs and preferences.
Whether you start with 10 steps or fewer, remember that the ultimate purpose is to create a symphony of harmonious products leading to healthy, radiant skin.
The 10-step Korean skincare routine goes beyond basic washing and moisturizing, focusing on layering lightweight, hydrating products to obtain a balanced, healthy appearance.
You can carry out these steps with the best Korean skincare products or natural ingredients at home. These steps are as follows:
Korean skincare routine, day and night
Korean skincare routine 10-step (Day)
Oil-based cleansing
The cornerstone of the Korean skincare regimen is the K-Beauty double cleanse. Makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum are the oil-based impurities that are the prime targets of these cleansers.
Use any oil-based cleanser (balm or liquid) to cleanse. Always do double cleansing to gain the desired results, as it will free your skin from dirt and oil in the first step. Additionally, the skin will be able to breathe and heal.
Water-based Cleaning
Dermatologists and skin beauty experts recommend double cleansing, as it helps to cleanse the skin and prevent breakouts. After using an oil-based cleanser, follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining sweat, dirt, and impurities.
It would help if you chose a formula that suits your skin type; a gel-based cleanser is suitable for oily skin, while a creamy cleanser is suitable for dry skin.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is vital to revealing brighter, smoother skin in a Korean skincare routine. For a gentle yet efficient way to buff away the dead skin cells, use chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs).
Koreans exfoliate their skin using a skincare product that contains premium glandular material. Glandular material removes explicit blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. Cleansing and exfoliation improve blood circulation, promoting a natural glow for glass skin.
Keep in mind that less is more, so do not go overboard! Use exfoliators only twice a week.
Application of toner
As the name indicates, toners tone the skin. The denotation of tone is to harmonize or go well with the situation. The primary purpose of a toner is to balance or adjust the skin’s PH.
Korean toner formulations prioritize hydration and balancing your skin’s pH, whereas traditional toners are harsh. Toners offer an extra layer of hydration and prepare your skin for the next steps. Before buying a toner, please do your homework, as toners with alcohol in them dehydrate the skin.
Pro tip: You can also prepare a high-quality and effective toner at home with rice water because rice is a staple ingredient in Korean skincare products.
Retain moisture through the essence
Using essence is a highly desirable step in a Korean skincare routine. The terms serum and essence require clarification for the general public. And some people say that essence and serum are interchangeable.
Serum and essence are distinct products because the former is thicker. The essence is less concentrated, light, and thin.
Essences are lightweight, watery, and contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. They deeply penetrate the skin, increasing its moisture content and clarity while plumping it up.
Targeting specific concerns (serums & ampoule)
The serum usually contains concentrated active ingredients that treat specific issues. e.g., dark circles, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne.
Even if you don’t have any specific issues, your skin needs a good serum filled with antioxidants to keep you looking young and protect your skin from daily invaders. Choose one that targets your unique needs and apply a thin layer.
Ampoules: The K-Beauty Booster Shot
Ampoules are concentrated serums that provide an extra punch of active ingredients for specific skin issues. As opposed to daily serums, ampoules are used temporarily, like a weekly boost before an event or to solve a temporary skin problem. Due to their potency, they come in smaller vials or droppers.
Application of a Face Mask (Korean Sheet Mask)
In the Korean skincare routine, sheet masks are the heart of all the steps. If you skip this one, you might lose all of the advantages of the previous steps, as it will lock in all the benefits of the above steps.
The concentrated essences in sheet masks deliver intense hydration. Choose a mask and relax for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin’s needs. These masks stick to the face and are easy to remove.
Pro tip: The Internet is flooded nowadays with homemade sheet masks. So, if you don’t want to buy an expensive Korean sheet mask, you can easily prepare it at home with egg white.
Eye Cream
Due to the absence of sebaceous glands, the skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to dryness and wrinkles. Eye creams, oils, and gels that hydrate and target puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles are good choices.
Moisturization
Another crucial step in the Korean skincare regime is moisturizer; it seals all the goodness from the previous steps.
Moisturizers are a vital component of any skincare regimen, regardless of whether it is Korean or French. A lightweight formula is ideal for the daytime, and a more decadent cream is best for the nighttime. Make sure your moisturizer suits your skin type.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must! More people than ever before are aware of the harm the sun does to the skin, especially in this era of climate change. The SPF layer of sunscreen shields the skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
To shield your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning, even on overcast days. Sunscreen or sunblock protects your skin from UV rays, preventing dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Korean skincare routine, night
Although your nighttime and morning skincare routines are similar, you can be more indulgent at night.
Evenings are the best time to add extra steps like exfoliation, eye creams, and masks, in contrast to the simplified morning focus on hydration and sun protection. With this extended ritual, you can address specific issues and deeply nourish your skin for a radiant tomorrow.
Personal suggestions for K-beauty skincare routine
- Make sure to do double cleansing at night, but in the morning, cleanse lightly.
- Instead of rubbing, pat dry your skin.
- Sort the products by thickness in layers.
- Before using new skincare items, test them on a small area of your face.
- Have patience! Time and consistency are crucial to skincare success.
Final Note
A Korean skincare routine is straightforward. It may seem overwhelming initially, but you’ll find it enjoyable once you adjust.
Try using a rice exfoliator and an oil-based cleanser to achieve the best results. You can use natural ingredients for each step to achieve the desired outcomes. Following the instructions and adhering to a rigorous skincare regimen is necessary.