How To: The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

Korean skincare is the secret to looking as luminous as humanly possible. Traditionally, Korean women favour glowing ‘glass’ skin. They achieve this through a lengthy routine that focuses on clarifying, toning, and layers of hydration, which allows them to achieve optimum luminosity.

Following a Korean skincare routine can help you achieve clear, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. Korean women are known for their beautiful, radiant skin, and now their secret has been revealed! The Korean skincare regimen is a lengthy but effective process that can leave your skin looking younger and healthier. The ten-step routine may seem daunting at first, but the results are definitely worth the effort.

Testing Products Before Use

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be extra careful when choosing and using new skincare products. Korean skincare, in particular, is known for its multiple-step routine, so it’s important to make sure your skin can handle it before starting any sort of regimen.

The best way to do this is to test the product on a small area of your skin, preferably at the back of your hand. Wait 24 hours to see if there are any reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching. If there are no reactions, you can start using the product as part of your skincare routine.

Step 1: Double Cleansing: Oil Cleanser

Oil cleansers and cleansing balms are the base of a good Korean skin care routine and the first step of double cleansing. Oil cleansers are gentle, and they effectively remove makeup and other oil-based impurities such as sebum, SPF and pollution.

But how do you use it?

To use an oil cleanser, simply take a small amount of the product and gently rub it in circles on your face. Cleansing in circular motions also increases blood flow, which is essential for healthy skin and allows the cells to carry out their functions smoothly. This helps keep your skin bright and healthy! Cleanse for 2-3 minutes and rinse the product off with lukewarm water. Korean cleansing oils are an excellent way to cleanse your face and keep your skin looking its best!

Step 2 – Double Cleansing: Foam or Water-Based Cleanser

The second cleanse involves using a foaming or water-based cleanser to get rid of the excess sweat and dirt. This two-step process may seem like overkill, but it’s very effective in removing dirt, grime, sweat, and oil-based impurities that can potentially cause breakouts. If you’re looking for glowing, healthy skin, then double cleansing will be your new best-kept secret.

The benefit of double cleansing

A strong skin barrier is key to keeping your skin looking healthy, hydrated, and plump. Korean women (and men!) use a pH-balancing cleanser or a water-based cleanser in their skincare routine to make sure their skin barrier is intact and functioning properly. Cleansers with a high pH can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and more susceptible to damage. So make sure you use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to get your Korean skincare routine off to a great start!

Step 3 – Now it is time to Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine, but it’s especially crucial in a Korean skincare routine. There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical.

Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub or brush to slough off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses gentle acids to break down the bonds between dead skin cells. A physical or chemical exfoliator should not be used daily. A patch test, as well as seeing how your skin tolerates the product, is vital.

The best way to exfoliate your skin is to find a gentle scrub that suits your skin type. Exfoliating your skin will make it appear brighter and more firm. It also helps improve your skin’s overall texture and tone.

If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliator, try the COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. This Korean skincare product contains glycolic acid, which is an AHA that gently exfoliates the skin. Using a small amount of product on the palm of your hand and gently rolling it in a circular motion on your face. This Korean skincare routine is designed to be gentle on your skin and give you the best results.

Step 4 – Toner

When it comes to Korean skincare, one important step is using a toner. A toner’s main purpose is to remove any leftover dirt from your face and balance out your skin’s pH levels. However, toners tend to diminish the oil in your skin and can make it feel dry and tight.

This is why it’s important to get a toner that suits your skin type. Alcohol-based toners should be avoided, as they can be too harsh on the skin. Instead, look for toners with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and other beneficial additives. These types of toners are usually more moisturising and gentle on the skin. Toners balance the pH of your skin and remove any leftover residue from your cleansers. Toners are designed to repair your skin’s barrier to effectively help absorb all the steps that follow.

Korean skincare is all about the multistep process, and using a toner is an essential part of that. But if you’ve never used one before, it can be tricky to know how to apply it. The good news is that it’s very easy! Simply take a few drops of your toner onto your fingers and pat it gently into your skin. You can also use a cotton pad. Whether you use your fingers or a cotton pad, make sure to avoid rubbing the toner into your skin, as this can irritate it. Just gently pat it in until it’s fully absorbed.

Step 5 – Essence – A Vital Step in Korean Skincare

Essence is truly one of the most vital parts of the Korean skincare regimen. It offers the best of both worlds – it soothes your skin while healing it at the same time. An essence is packed with hydrating ingredients and also speeds up cell turnover. Essences are essentially a lightweight, watery version of a serum that helps prep your skin for the products that follow. They are packed with concentrated blends of hydrating, anti-ageing, and complexion-enhancing ingredients that absorb easier into the skin than a serum.

The light, refreshing consistency is what sets it apart from a serum. An essence should be applied after cleansing and toning but before applying a moisturiser. Take a few drops of the product onto your fingers and pat it lightly on your skin.

Your skin will instantly feel hydrated as your skin absorbs all the nutrients. Over time, you will notice a remarkable difference in your skin’s texture and tone. If you are new to Korean skincare, an essence is a must-have in your regimen. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it!

Step 6 – Serum

The next step in your Korean skincare routine is to apply a face serum. A face serum is a slightly concentrated and heavier version of an essence, and it contains active ingredients to address specific skin issues. The treatment phase is where your skin care routine becomes personal and you can target specific skin concerns you might have, whether it’s acne, anti-ageing, dehydrated skin, or hyperpigmentation. Boosters, serums, and ampoules are the ultimate skin treatments for that glowing ‘glass’ skin look.

This step of the Korean skincare regimen is also meant to improve overall skin health. Dispense a small amount of the product onto your palm and pat it gently into your skin. Allow the serum to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.

Step 7 – Time for a sheet mask

Korean skincare has been taking the beauty industry by storm in recent years, and sheet masks are one of the most popular products. Sheet masks are soaked in serum and packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They are also extremely hydrating, leaving your skin soft and supple.

Sheet masks are usually of a standard size, meant to fit all face shapes and sizes. Apply it to your face while gently patting as you line the mask around your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.

Sheet masks are also a quick fix before a party or event! Simply apply one before you start getting ready, and you’ll have hydrated, glowy skin in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a long-term solution for dry skin, sheet masks are worth a try.

Step 8 – Don’t forget eye cream

The skin around your eyes is usually the first to show signs of ageing. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate, and with the regular use of an intensive eye cream or eye mask, you will keep dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet at bay.

Take a pea-sized drop of the product and gently tap it into the skin beneath your eyes. It’s important to use your pinkie to gently tap the cream around the orbital bone, avoiding the water line, and never to rub under the eyes. Korean eye creams will help you achieve a youthful look!

Step 9 – Moisturise

In Korean skincare, the vital step is called “lock-in.” This step is vital to locking in the previous layers. Moisturising every day can reduce your chances of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful to your skin and cause common skin conditions like acne and wrinkles.

This step is especially important if you have oily skin, as it will help prevent your skin from feeling irritated. To use, simply take an adequate amount of the cream and gently rub it into your skin. Massage it into your skin in circular motions for 10-15 minutes.

Step 10 – SPF To Wrap up Your Korean Skincare Routine!

Now for the most important step of them all: Sunscreen. Sunscreen has become a superior option for sun protection because of its skincare-like properties and advanced ingredients. It offers just as much protection against UVA and UVB rays, but in a more lightweight and non-greasy formula that is perfect for those with oily skin.

Sunscreen comes in a variety of forms to suit your skin type and other preferences. The Korean skincare market offers physical sunblock, mineral sunscreen, and chemical sunscreen. Korean physical sunblock or mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays away from your skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays.

Gently pat the product on your face. Cover your neck and jawline as well. Korean products have higher SPF values and PA ratings that offer you more protection from the sun. Korean brands have also created innovative formulas like jelly textured or watery textured sunscreens that are unlike any other Western sunscreen product on the market.

Good skin care is important for a number of reasons: it helps your skin stay in good condition and help you shed skin cells throughout the day. An effective routine can prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and help keep your skin looking its best. Korean women believe that on a good skin day, you’re naturally more confident as you know you’re presenting your best face to the world. It may seem like a small thing, but on a good skin day, you can get more out of life.

Key Takeaway

Discover the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Radiant, Glowing Skin: To achieve radiant beauty and lasting luminosity, double cleanse with an oil cleanser, tone to balance, and incorporate the essential stages of essence, serum, eye cream, moisturisation, and SPF. For best results, test your products first or consult a dermatologist.