The 10-Step Korean Beauty Skin Routine, Explained for You

Devoted, hard-working skincare lovers are hooked on Korean beauty culture and Korean skincare routines – and they have a right to be. There’s just something about their elaborate, 10-step skin routine that works wonders, whether you’re just coming out of college, already in your thirties, or heading for your forties.

Here’s what it’s all about, in a nutshell: it’s a powerful skin routine cleanses the skin as thoroughly as possible, then layers on rich, super-hydrating products that will keep face looking dewy moist and young-looking.

Some say it takes extra time, effort, and, well, money, to achieve flawless skin – and Korean women have set the bar really high when it comes to results.

But when you see their bright, even skin looking fresh, plump, and glowing from the inside, don’t want you to try and achieve it for yourself?

We’re completely behind you – and we’re here to help you hack this amazing skin care routine.

All set? Here we go.

The Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse skin – twice.

Start off with the famous Korean double-cleanse: use an oil-based cleanser, followed by a regular foam-based or soap-based cleanser. Do this morning and night (especially at night), to remove every trace of makeup and impurities.

2. Exfoliate.

Look for exfoliants with microbeads or botanicals that physically remove dry skin, or chemical exfoliators that contain AHA/BHA, salicylic acid, or retinoids that slough off dead skin and push new skin cells to the surface. Choose a gentle exfoliator formula you can use daily or every other day, if your skin is sensitive.

3. Use Toner

Don’t skip this step of the cleansing process. Get a deep cleansing, hydrating toner rich in anti-oxidants, and dab onto freshly cleansed skin.

4. Apply a Sheet Face Mask

This is the pampering treatment for various skin concerns: hydration, oily skin, skin brightening, anti-aging – and basically any skin care issue you can think of. Apply for 20 minutes, peel off, and pat all nutrients gently into your skin to increase absorption.  

5. Dab on some Serum

This one needs no explaining. If you don’t have a serum, get one to enjoy its benefits – and use it to prep your skin for full-on moisturization.

6. …Essence, too

Some people ask what’s the difference between serum and essence. Think of essence as a lightweight version of your serum that adds another layer of vitamins, nutrients, and moisture-absorbing ingredients to the skin.

7. Target specific issues with a Beauty Ampoule

Your skin will love the active ingredients in beauty ampoules, with super-powered ingredients you might be using in your serum or essence. This step is actually optional, but no one’s stopping you if you do this as a weekly course for tired skin or use it to address concerns like sunspots or acne scars.

8. Apply Moisturizer

Go for the best moisturizing skin cream your skin deserves – and make sure it matches your skin type. 

9. Wear Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather or season. There are UV rays everywhere, even on rainy days.

10. Use an overnight sleeping mask

Make the most of your rest time to help your skin repair and replenish itself. After cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, boost your skin’s healing processes with a nourishing mask that you will apply before sleeping.

So that’s the Korean 10-step skincare routine for you.  

To make the most of your efforts, stay constantly hydrated, and go to bed during the golden window hours of 10pm to 2 am, when the skin works hardest to repair itself.

Don’t forget to keep your face clean and healthy with a safe whitening soap that takes helps restore your skin’s natural brightness. You deserve to enjoy the fruit of your efforts!