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Let's all agree that it started with cute blushers that transitioned to BB, CC, to DD creams.

And today, we're obsessed with glass skin, snail creams, and the ingredient “Centella.”

It's pretty obvious that K-beauty has taken the world by storm and even cemented its place in the beauty industry since the infancy of the term in early 2011.

What is it?

“K-beauty” is a name to categorize the influence of South Korea upon our beauty and skincare routine and the cute product imports from the country itself with their adorable, aesthetically pleasing packaging.

The fad gained popularity worldwide together with the rise of the Korean wave since beauty brands started sponsoring South Korean dramas that increased its demand abroad.

K-beauty focuses mainly on two things: health and hydration.

Traditionally, Korean women favor “glass” skin over layers of foundation, and according to them, the secret lies in their lengthy routine that focuses on clarifying, toning, and hydrating their skin to achieve maximum luminosity.

Hence, the 10-step skincare routine was born and consisted of the following steps: cleansing (twice), exfoliating, toning, essence, treatment, sheet masks, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (in the morning) or thick cream (at night).

With its exasperating list of things to do, we ask two dermatologists, Dr. Jean Marquez FPDS of DARE Clinic and Dr. Grace Carole Beltran of St. Luke's Medical City, if these steps are necessary.

The 10-step K-beauty routine / Source: Style Vanity

What they think of the 10-step routine

First of all, the two dermatologists note that the endless list of things to do, both in the morning and at night, put off a lot of patients.

Dr. Beltran says, “Medyo complicated ang Korean skincare system.

“Unang-una, 'yung compliance rate ng tao 'pag masyadong marami, mabubwisit lang ang pasyente na mag-apply.

“Pangalawa, magastos kasi they have to buy at least 10 to 15 products and then apply it one-by-one.

"Napaka-lengthy ng process kung araw-araw mo siyang gagawin.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Marquez adds, “I do not subscribe to a standard skin care regimen. I always go for the approach na personalized because each skin is different from the other.

“Also, you have to take note that Filipinos are very acne-prone.

“Our climate is different from the climate of the Koreans that's why most of their products are always moisturizing.

“So, if you put many creams on top of each other, some -- I'm not saying all Filipinos -- will probably develop acne breakouts kasi our climate is humid.

“We easily sweat, tapos it mixes with the oil from the creams pa, so it may clog the pores that will lead to acne.”

Simplicity is key / Source: Dermstore

What's the best approach then?

According to Dr. Marquez and Dr. Beltran, it's best to go for a simpler, more personalized approach when it comes to skincare.

Dr. Beltran claims, “You can always simplify. Mas gusto ko 'yung shorter version na nandyan na lahat ng essential elements. Anu-ano ba ito?

“Well, you have to have a soap that's proper for your skin.

“Second, even though I'm not fond of having a toner or an astringent, but if they wish to have one make sure it goes well with your skin.

“And then a moisturizer that either has anti-aging, smoothening, or brightening ingredients.”

Dr. Marquez adds, “Dapat talaga personalized approach tayo because ang skin natin can be normal but sensitive, oily but sensitive, combination but sensitive. So, iba-iba pa rin.

“Basic lang naman kasi, e. You need to cleanse, protect, tone, moisturize, and exfoliate.

“You have to have a good cleanser, a sunblock, toner, moisturizer, and exfoliant. A toner pa nga is not necessary.

“Then, add ons na 'yung iba. If you are acne-prone maybe you need acne meds that have ingredients like benzoyl or clindamycin.

“With toners, iba-iba rin 'yan.

“People with dry skin can go for toners with witch hazel to normalize the pH balance of their skin.

"For acne-prone, mild toners with a small percentage of salicylic acid, AHA, BHA, and other retinol. Kung may pigmentation naman, toners with a small amount of arbutin or niacinamide.”

Many factors can affect your skin, the largest organ that protects the internal organs of your body, and it deserves to be protected and taken care of.

When considering the best skincare routine for you, it's best to take precautions and not give in to fads easily.

Like what these two dermatologists said, you want to first be aware of what your skin type is and what it needs depending on the many factors that affect it--weather, diet, stress, fitness.

But at the end of the day, a skincare routine involving cleanser and moisturizer can go a long way.