The 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine Delivers Real Life Filtered, Flawless Skin
By Breanna Robinson
As someone who doesn’t really like to wear a lot of makeup, having an all encompassing skin care routine that clears my skin of marks and rough texture is really important to me. Ever since adolescence, I would sometimes get blackheads, white heads, and hyperpigmentation on my face. It was disheartening due to my desire to not wear as much makeup ( besides some concealer for the discoloration).
Nonetheless, I’ve visited many dermatologists to help me eradicate the mess on my face but to no avail – the products would work on my skin for a few months then they would be ineffective in targeting my skin issues. Fast forward to today, I began my research on products, tips and tricks derived from multi step routine skin care regimen to get the absolute most out of my skin, the 10 step Korean skin care. While researching this sought after and popularized ( for all the right reasons) skin care regimen, it helps to improve our skin's texture, elasticity and glow to achieve dewy, healthy and “glass like '' skin. Although I didn't follow the 10 steps, the objective is to work towards creating a system for your skin to be clean, moisturized and overall as healthy as possible.
Take a look below at some of the steps in this game-changing skincare routine that I’ve adopted and hopefully, you try a few of these products in your routine as well!
Step 1: Cleansing oil
After a day of running errands or wearing makeup, it is important to end the day with an oil-based cleanser. in the popular Korean skincare routine, an oil-based cleanser is necessary to break down the debris that is on top of your skin such as your SPF and makeup. I like to use one of two products for this step - Burt's Bees facial cleansing oil with coconut and argan oil( $13.79), or Olivella Moisture Oil ($21.95). Massage the oil of choice into your face for a minute then put a washcloth under warm water and wipe it off. Both oils work really well to remove toxins while containing moisturizing properties for sensitive skin.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser
The second step in the double cleansing method is to use a water-based cleanser. Double cleansing helps to remove extra impurities in your skin that cause breakouts while also removing water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. Using either the Neutrogena Foaming Cleanser ($7.99) cleanser Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Wash ($6.79) , take a dime size amount and rub it into your face in circular motion. Rinse and pat dry with a towel (I prefer a paper towel because it is a little more sanitary).
Step 3: Exfoliation
Cleansing the skin twice, next up is exfoliation. Exfoliation also cleans out debris from your pores and removes dead skin that can make your face look dull. The key is to not exfoliate every day because you can strip the natural oils off of your skin. So, it is recommended that you can exfoliate two to three times a week amidst your skin care routine. The Tula exfoliating sugar scrub ($32) is packed with sugar, papaya, and pineapple extract that produce naturally occurring enzymes that chemically exfoliate the skin. The result is brighter and smoother skin. For a more cost-efficient brightening scrub, try the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Scrub. It cleanses and clarifies your skin with soy extract to even out your texture and is safe to use every day if you like.
Step 4 : Masks
Masks are one of the most fun things for me to do in my skincare routine as of late. Not only are they a fun way to pamper your skin, but they also have many different properties depending on the current state of your skin, or what you feel like your skin needs. For example, if you want to remove impurities from the skin, or just give yourself an overall detox, I use the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Treatment, ($7.99) Mixing it with a little bit of water or apple cider vinegar for a deep detoxifying clean, or the Saturday Skin’s Quench Intense Hydration sheet mask ($6) with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost.
Step 5 Toner
Using a toner acts as a way to prep the skin before your moisturizing products. In addition, toners remove leftover residue that the cleansing missed while also repairing and balancing your skin's pH level. I currently use Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner ($4.69) which is very good at removing extra dirt left over from makeup while refining your pores. Heritage Store Rosewater Spray ($7.09) is also really good in the movie dirt and debris while providing hydration and balancing of the skin due to the rose petal extract. Soak a cotton round with either one of these toners , swipe it across your face and neck and voila, you’re ready for the next set of steps!
Step 6: Essence
I've heard of essences, but I didn’t know what they did exactly before I researched the Korean skincare routine. When I say the benefits of essences are the truth, I mean it! Essences are very lightweight hydration, anti-aging, and complexion enhancing formulas that you need for perfect skin . The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ( $19.55) and the Juice beauty Green Apple Brightening Essence ( $38) are worth a try on your journey with essences. If you skip the serums altogether, using the essence before your moisturizer and SPF will work just as well!
Step 7: Serum
After your essence, come treatments for the skin such as serums and ampoules. The purpose of these treatments are to target specific skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation , acne, fine lines, and wrinkles . The serum that I have grown fond of is the Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Serum: Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum ($20) because it is an easy application ( just two pumps and rub into the skin ) but it’s helps target my acne, and the discoloration that the acne leaves behind when it heals. Another serum that works well but is pricey is the Serucell KFS Cellular protein complex serum ($225) . This serum has more than 1500 bio-active, collagens, peptides and proteins that help to rejuvenate your skin . The result is firmer, hydrated and smoother skin.
Step 8: Moisturizer
This is a step that you must not skip! Whether it’s a lotion , gel ,or thick cream, moisturizer keeps the skin supple and smooths out fine lines . I like to use the Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cream ($9.74) or Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer+( $28). I use a tiny bit of the Olay or Clinique each morning and night (whichever I have at the moment) because a little goes a long way. They’re highly moisturizing without the greasy feel.
Step 9: Eye Cream
Now that I’m in my mid-twenties, having an eye cream is a very important and final step in your routine . Not only do they have anti-aging properties for your under eyes , they also help with dark circles , wrinkles, and plumping up the delicate skin around your eyes for a more youthful look. My holy grail eye cream is the Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream To Brighten And Depuff ($32) and Neutrogena Rapid Repair Eye Cream ( $22.49) .
There you have it! For more information on getting started with the Korean10- step skincare routine click here.
cover image via Pinterest
