Korean skincare entered the Western beauty market a while ago and has stayed strong ever since.
Western brands have launched products that match different Korean skincare steps to appeal to their consumers. The most popular of all is the 10-step Korean skincare routine that has been tried and tested by thousands. Your skin is bound to benefit from these steps if you follow through. Here’s more on it!
Healthy skin is wanted by one and all. The trend of glass skin where it looks super moisturised, supple, and youthful, is the result of the use of effective products following the Korean skincare order. This trend has picked up rather quickly and your dilemma of ‘where to buy Korean skincare’ is easily resolved, thanks to most brands launching new K-beauty style products.
Before you head out the door to grab products to your very own Korean skincare routine steps, read below to know more about each step. This will help to determine which step(s) to add your personal routine from the 10-step Korean skincare order.
10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
1. Oil Cleanser
A cleanser with an oil-base will help break down products like makeup and sunscreen on the skin. Additionally, this will also help to remove the excess oil from the skin along with pollutants.
Suggested Article: Our Best Facial Oil Serums’ for Every Skin Type.
2. Cream Cleanser
With the help of foaming or cream cleanser water-based impurities, like dirt and sweat, are drawn from the skin.
The use of double-cleansing using an oil and cream or foam cleanser separately helps to remove all types of impurities from the face. Furthermore, no residues remain and the skin is ready to absorb all the ingredients from the products that follow.
3. Toner
Now that the skin is clean, using a toner will help to balance the pH levels and prep the skin for the next product. Remember, toners come in different types and can contain various beneficial ingredients to address different skin concerns.
Note: Use a cotton ball or pad, (you can even use your hands) to pat the toner onto the skin.
4. Essence
This watery solution is the next layer you’ll apply to your skin. Essences are meant to hydrate the skin along with helping it maintain a healthy cellular turnover.
5. Emulsion
An emulsion adds further hydration and moisturisation to the skin. Interestingly, variants to address multiple skin concerns exist for this product.
- In Korean skincare for dry skin, an emulsion can add the necessary moisturization your skin needs.
- Oily skin types often prefer to skip this step, to avoid looking greasy.
6. Serum/Ampoule
Highly concentrated with advantageous ingredients, a serum or an ampoule is the next layer you’ll apply on your skin.
Interestingly, they are thicker in texture than an emulsion or essence. Essentially, this layer provides that extra boost of moisture, along with active ingredients, that is needed to target specific skin concerns.
7. Sheet Mask
The most popular step, that many bloggers rave about in multiple Korean skincare blogs, are sheet masks that can be found everywhere in the market. The serum-fill sheet is to be kept on the skin for around 15 minutes. This is because it, thoroughly, dowses the skin cells with healthy ingredients.
Suggested Article: 7 Awesome K-beauty Skin Masks That We Absolutely Love from this Year.
8. Eye Cream
Break the misconception that only people over 40 need to use an eye cream! Simply, start using one as a preventative measure to keep the skin around your eyes looking youthful and hydrated.
Keeping this part of the face moisturised is important as it lacks any sebaceous glands and can easily develop fine lines due to dehydration.
Suggested Article: How to Banish Eye Bags and Dark Circles Naturally.
9. Moisturiser
This layer is to be the occlusive layer of thick cream that locks in the moisture from the previous steps and keeps your skin supple all day or all night.
Depending on your skin type, pick a moisturiser that delivers just the right amount of moisturisation needed.
Suggested Article: Here’s How to Determine Your Specific Skin Type Once and for All.
10a. Sunscreen (AM Step)
The last step of the 10-step Korean skincare routine is applying a sunscreen – that is when you’re following this routine in the morning and will be stepping out.
An SPF of 30 is recommended by K-beauty experts and dermatologists to keep the skin protected from the harmful UV rays.
Suggested Article: How to Choose the Right Sun Protection for You.
10b. Sleeping Mask (PM Step)
When following this routine at night, you have the option of adding another layer of hydration by using a sleeping mask. This is usually a night cream that will rejuvenate your skin while you get some beauty sleep.
The Korean skincare routine seems lengthy and time-consuming but we say follow it for a week and you will see the difference!
If you are just starting out, add a few steps from it to your routine without getting overwhelmed. Essentially, in the end, it is always important to do what is best for our skin!!