The 10-step Korean skincare routine that you need
Koreans are known for their porcelain smooth skin, and it's no surprise that their complexion is a result of great care.
While on the average, women follow several steps to achieve glowing skin, Koreans follow a skin regimen that can include up to 10 steps.
This may sound daunting to some women, but what are these 10 unique skin rituals and do we really need to do all of them to achieve better-looking skin?
Read these tips inspired by Korean skincare website Soko Glam below to find out.
1. Makeup remover and oil cleanser
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Oil cleansers are the Holy Grail for Korean skin cleansing. This breaks down oil-based debris including makeup. This step is done during mornings and night-time by gently massaging an oil cleanser to the face, and adding lukewarm water to rinse.
Products: Macadamia oil, Jojoba oil, Grape seed oil, micellar water
2. Water-based cleanser
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After removing impurities with an oil cleanser or makeup remover, cleansing time is repeated but this time, with a water-based product.
This dissolves the water-based impurities like dirt and sweat which your oil cleanser failed to pick up. Cleansing twice is recommended by dermatologists if you have oily skin.
Products: Green tea, rice extract, pearl extract, Vitamin C
3. Exfoliator
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Physical and chemical exfoliator cleans pores and removes dead skin cells. This step is done only once or twice a week, focusing on areas with visible pores.
Products: Black sugar, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, facial sponge
4. Toner
Toners remove leftover residue and repairs the skin's barriers to effectively absorb moisturizers. It also neutralizes the skin's pH levels and prepares your skin for the next steps of your skincare routine. Use a cotton pad to lightly pat the toner across your face.
Products: Aloe, licorice, Citric Acid.
5. Essence
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Choose essences that are lightweight and concentrated on anti-aging, hydrating, and moisturizing. This aids in cell reproduction and locking in moisture on the face.
Products: Rice extract, Hyaluronic Acid, yeast
6. Treatments
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Personal skin treatments include boosters, serums, ampoules, and other products packed with ingredients that target specific concerns like acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Products: Soy bean, tea tree, Vitamin C
7. Sheet masks
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Sheet masks are essential in Korean skincare. These vitamin-induced masks are placed over the face to allow the skin to fully absorb nutrients to achieve a supple, healthy-looking glow.
Products: Cucumber, Collagen essence, Royal Jelly
8. Eye cream
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The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive part of the face, it's usually one of the first parts to show signs of aging. Regularly applying eye cream provides not just moisture but dark circle prevention and takes away eye puffiness and signs of crow's feet.
Choose products that are non-irritating and extra-gentle to the eyes.
Products: Honey, ginseng, lily
9. Moisturizers
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These come in various forms like emulsions, lotions, creams, gels, pumps. Moisturizers plump up the complexion and smooth out fine lines.
Products: Hyaluronic acid, Snail mucin, aloe vera
10. Sunscreen
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Sun protection is a must even if you're usually indoors, It's necessary in preventing skin aging and skin cancer. Sunscreen is the last skincare step so it can shield the skin without being diluted by other products.
Do you really need to do all 10 steps?
While these 10 steps are a lifestyle for some women, not all can follow these especially those with a very busy schedule.
Korean beauty and lifestyle blogger of sorabelle.com, Vicky Lee, told Cosmopolitan UK, "As a Korean woman and beauty expert, I can attest that our extensive routine is definitely worth trying out.”
Vicky also shared a simplified Korean skincare regimen inspired by the 10-step Korean skincare routine. "This is why I have created a condensed version of the classic 10-step regime below, which saves time and still yields amazing results," she said.
Step 1. Wash with water
Step 2. Toner
Step 3. Serum/Ampoule
Step 4. Eye Cream
Step 5. Moisturiser with SPF
Moreover, those with acne-prone or oily skin, exfoliation and using moisturizing products can be less frequent or personalized according to your skin type.
It's always best to consult a skincare expert or dermatologist first to determine one's skin type and the best steps for flawless, healthy skin.