Your Cart is Empty
The 10 step skincare routine, explainedand simplified too
Skincare in Korea is a multi-step process, to some exhaustive however has sparked a ton of intrigue in the beauty world. I mean Korea has delivered some epic pearls of wisdom and wonderment in the beauty world. Cushion compacts, BB creams and their genius skin care inventions like bubble masks and lip patches… we can’t get enough of them.
We too want in on the weird-but-wonderful hacks and 10-step skincare methods right now. But where to start?
The 10 Steps
1. Wash with warm water/Cleanse (Oil or water based)
First thing in the morning, cleanse your skin with only water, not cleanser. Water removes the few impurities that settle on the face during the night, and keeps skin hydrated, too. Then transition towards a cleanser (oil or water based) in the evening and don’t forget to cleanse twice!
2. Toner
Toners are a bit of a controversial product - some swear by them, others find them redundant. Koreans are very much on team toner! The idea behind a toner is that they hydrate and prep the skin so that everything you apply after it absorbs better into the skin.
3. Exfoliate
Twice a week use a gentle bead-based exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells that can make the complexion appear lack-lustre whilst blocking pores and preventing key product ingredient absorption.
4. Mask
The sheet mask is a Korean beauty favourite – a cloth saturated with skin loving ingredients! Perfect for all skin types, everyone can benefit from these masks which deliver a deeply hydrating or anti-ageing treatment.
5. Essence
An essence is a lightweight water-like treatment that contains high doses of active ingredients to hydrate skin and in aid of cell turnover.
6. Ampoule or Treatments
Ampoules actually comprise an even higher number of active ingredients to target specific skin care concerns. They're used for a booster when your skin badly needs the extra help. e.g. Glycolic Acid treatments
7. Serum
This layer is where you’ll be targeting specific concerns, with deep-penetrating active ingredients for your skin type.
8. Eye cream
Chances are your eye area could use a little help depuffing, locking in moisture, lessening dark circles, revitalizing skin -- or all of the above. We always advocate for paying special attention to your eye area, since it’s the first to show signs of fatigue, ageing or stress.
9. Moisturiser
We understand how crucial this step is, even if you’re team water based or team rich crème de la crème, apply a soothing moisturiser in a light layer across the skin for long lasting all-day and night hydration.
10. SPF Sun Screen (during the day)
Our skin care list is drawing to a close, and you get a pat on the back for making it to this point! When going through your routine, always finish with SPFin order to maintain and protect the work you’ve put into your skin.
TO SIMPLIFY IT
If you are new to the idea of a Korean skincare routine, it can be a little intimidating. Try using a condensed version of the classic 10-step regime below, which saves time and still yields amazing results. Using the same techniques as above, try this simplified version:
Remember skincare is totally personal, what works for one person may not work for another! No one knows your skin better than you so be your own skin expert! Don’t forget our DermaDictionary is on hand to help you on your journey! Have fun and enjoy the process.
By Nina Explores
Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash