Hello! KaleidoK here to greet you (bows)!
One thing I often notice is that Koreans generally look quite young. The secret to their youthful appearance lies in their skincare, and overall, Koreans tend to have fantastic skin! So today, I’d love to introduce you to the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine.
If you’re even a little curious about skincare, you’ve probably heard of this routine. I know – it sounds like a lot! When I first heard about it, I thought, Ten steps? Really? But once I started learning more, I realized it’s not just about piling on products; it’s about layering in a thoughtful, skin-nourishing way. Each step has its own unique purpose, and the routine as a whole is designed to give you that natural, healthy glow that Korean skincare is known for.
Let me take you through each step and share why I think this routine has transformed my skin. Who knows? By the end, you might want to give it a try yourself!
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
The first step is an oil cleanser, and it’s an absolute must if you wear makeup or sunscreen (and who doesn’t these days?). The idea is that oil breaks down oil-based impurities, like makeup, SPF, and excess sebum, which a regular cleanser might not fully remove. I love this step because it makes my skin feel instantly fresh and clean without any stripping.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Next up is the water-based cleanser, often called “double cleansing” since you’re using two types of cleansers. The water-based cleanser removes any remaining dirt and sweat, ensuring your skin is completely clean before applying other products. After this step, my skin feels super clean but not tight, which is exactly what I love!
Step 3: Exfoliator
Here’s where things start to feel luxurious. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps brighten the skin, making it smooth and ready to absorb all the good stuff in the following steps. I usually exfoliate about twice a week, as over-exfoliating can be harsh. I can definitely feel the difference in my skin’s texture after a good exfoliation session.
Step 4: Toner
Now we’re onto the hydrating part of the routine. Toners in Korean skincare aren’t like the harsh, drying ones you might be used to. Instead, they add the first layer of hydration. This step preps my skin, balancing its pH and making it feel plump and ready for the next layers.
Step 5: Essence
Ah, the essence – a staple of Korean skincare! Essence is one of my favorite steps because it feels so unique. It’s lightweight, almost like a watery serum, and packed with active ingredients that boost hydration and skin health. This step is all about enhancing skin elasticity and promoting a healthy glow. Over time, I feel like this step has really helped brighten my skin.
Step 6: Serum or Ampoule
This is where you can personalize your routine a bit based on your skin’s needs. Serums and ampoules are concentrated products targeting specific skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, or fine lines. I tend to go for a hydrating or brightening serum, but there’s a serum for everyone! This step feels like a targeted boost for my skin, and I love how customizable it is.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are the ultimate treat in Korean skincare. You don’t need to do this step every day, but once or twice a week is perfect. After leaving the mask on for 15-20 minutes, my skin feels hydrated, refreshed, and a little bit pampered. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to sit back and relax for a bit!
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around our eyes is delicate, so an eye cream is essential to keep that area hydrated and to help prevent fine lines. I gently pat a small amount under my eyes, and it makes a world of difference. This step always feels like a small act of kindness for my skin – it’s gentle but so effective over time.
Step 9: Moisturizer
This step seals in all the goodness from the previous steps. Moisturizer keeps my skin hydrated and soft, and it locks in all the previous layers. Whether you’re using a lightweight gel or a thicker cream, this step ensures your skin stays nourished and protected throughout the day or night. For me, a good moisturizer is non-negotiable!
Step 10: Sunscreen (AM only)
Last but certainly not least, sunscreen. This step is essential to protect your skin from UV damage, which can cause aging, pigmentation, and more. Even if you’re inside all day, sunscreen is crucial because UV rays can still reach you through windows. Since adding this step to my routine, I’ve noticed my skin stays brighter and more even-toned.
I know, 10 steps might sound like a lot. But for me, this routine is more than just skincare; it’s self-care. I genuinely look forward to each step because I know I’m giving my skin exactly what it needs. Plus, the results speak for themselves – my skin feels healthier, more hydrated, and has that glow I’ve always wanted.
(If I’m being honest, I’ve tried to follow all 10 steps myself, but sometimes I skip a few or just put eye cream all over my face and fall asleep on sheet mask days. It definitely takes a lot of effort! But one thing’s for sure—your skin won’t lie if you put in the work! >.<)
If you’re interested in trying out the Korean 10-step skincare routine, remember that it’s okay to start slow and find what works for you. Not every product has to be expensive, and you don’t have to do all 10 steps every day. The key is consistency and enjoying the process. Here’s to glowing, healthy skin!
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Oh, and by the way! I originally planned to post photos of the products I actually use, but the pictures just didn’t look that great. So, I decided to use the power of Midjourney! Please note that the text in the images isn’t in Korean, so just keep that in mind!
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Thank you so much for reading today!! I’ll be back next time with a new topic!
