10 Aug The Korean 10 Step Skincare Routine Made Easy
Indeed, in the last few years Korean skincare has taken the world by storm. From moisturizers, to face masks, and laser treatments, Korea has increasingly become a skincare hub. And no Korean skincare tip has become more well known than the Korean 10 step skincare routine. Above all the 10 step skincare routine focuses on pampering yourself and giving your skin what it needs. In this way, each person’s skincare routine is perfectly curated to them. In fact, this exemplifies what Korean skincare is all about. Which is to highlight your natural beauty by taking care of yourself when you need it! However, with 10 steps it can get confusing as to which products should be applied when. So we are going to break down the Korean 10 step skincare routine for you and help you start pampering your skin!
Cleanse Your Skin
1- Oil Cleanser
First, it is important to cleanse your skin of the makeup and dirt that can accumulate throughout the day. In particular, many Korean skincare routines utilize oil cleansers as a good way to break down any debris that finds its way onto your face. In fact, this is only the first step of “double cleansing.” Which is a process that ensures your face is completely cleansed before applying the other steps in the 10 step skincare routine. Many Koreans believe that cleansing your skin well not only results in less acne. But also allows other products to soak into your skin better. Typically, it is recommended to gently massage the oil cleanser into you skin in gentle circles. As it is important to treat your skin gently to avoid premature wrinkling.
2- Foam Cleanser
Next up in the Korean 10 step skincare routine, is to cleanse your face again using a foam cleanser. While you may think it’s silly to cleanse your face again, this step is extremely important! In fact, simply cleansing the makeup off your face is not enough to clean your face. As a matter of fact, this second cleanse is what actually cleanses your face. Think of the first cleanse as a superficial cleanse of the makeup. Indeed, this cleanse is what actually cleans your skin and allows it to be ready for the rest of the routine! Again, the key here is to be gentle and not rough with your skin.
3- Exfoliate
While it is important to exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells, this step is not for every day! Particularly if you have sensitive skin, limit doing this to once or twice a week only. But it is extremely important to remember to do this at least once a week. As throughout the week dead skin cells and debris can pile up into your pores. Thus making it harder for your skin to absorb product. And can lead to acne as well as an overall duller appearance to your skin.
However, if you do have sensitive skin it may be better for you to use a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical one. In fact, in recent years chemical exfoliants have become more popular than physical ones in Korea. Since chemical exfoliants are a lot more gentle on your skin. So while exfoliating is important to keep your pores clean and your skin bright, don’t over do it!
Prep Your Skin
4- Toner
Next up in the 10 step routine is toner! Did you know, your skin has a pH that allows it to look its best? However, many factors can cause your skin’s pH to change from diet, climate, and even age. So it is important to help regulate your skin’s pH with a toner.
As well, Korean toners differ from those in the West. As they aim to prep and moisturize your skin. Many toners found in the West are more similar to astringents, which can strip away at your skin’s natural oils. And even disrupt the ph balance! Indeed, for Koreans a good toner is one that preps your skin to absorb more product. While also providing moisture and helping regulate your skins pH! Typically, you can simply pat the toner into your skin without using a cotton pad. Because your skin is already totally clean from the double cleanse at the beginning.
Nourish Your Skin
5- Essence
After toner, Koreans swear by applying an essence. Essence is a very liquidy toner+moisturizer combo. In fact, Korean skincare aficionados swear that this is the step that allows them to have bright, bouncy skin. In addition to providing moisture, many essences also have anti-aging and brightening properties. Since essence is so thin, it is often what is applied first after toner. Notably, for the Korean 10 step skincare routine products are layered depending on their thickness. In other words, your thinnest products are applied first to enhance absorption. In the same way as toner, essence can simply be patted into your face with your hands. As well as be applied to your neck and décolletage.
6- Serums
Next up are serums, booster, and ampoules. In fact, this is where your 10 step skincare routine becomes specifically curated to your needs. If you suffer from dark spots, acne, or wrinkles. Then you should be using a serum that targets your specific needs. While you can apply serums to your entire face, be sure to pay special attention to the parts of you face that need it. Similarly, they too can be gently patted into your skin with your hands.
7- Sheet Masks
And now for the famous Korean sheet masks! Indeed, Korean sheet masks have taken off in popularity in recent years. Because they are a good fix for quick hydration and an overall brightening effect. While some Koreans do this step everyday, it can be limited to once or twice a week depending on your skin and the climate you live in. Typically, a sheet mask is left on for 15-20 minutes. And afterwards the leftover product on your face should be patted into the skin. Additionally, sheet masks work best after a good exfoliation since dead skin is gone. So if you are planning on only doing this step a few times a week, try to line the days up with when you exfoliate!
8- Eye Cream
Next up in the Korean 10 step skincare routine is eye cream. As a matter of fact, eye cream is essential to fight against premature wrinkling around the eyes. As well as help with dark under eye circles. In fact, the skin around our eyes is very thin and can be damaged easily. So when applying eye cream it is important to be very gentle. And use your ringer finger to gently tap, not rub, the cream into the skin.
Protect Yourself
9- Moisturizer
Finally, moisturizer should go on last. Above all, your moisturizer is typically the thickest product going on you face. And can seal all your other products into your skin. Also moisturizer can help smooth out your skin and fight against fine lines. Just as before, you should pat your moisturizer in with your hands. As well as your neck and décolletage.
10- Sun Protection
Furthermore, if it’s daytime, be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen! As the sun’s harmful rays can speed up the aging process of our skin. And cause us to have sun spots. As a matter of fact, Koreans take sunscreen very seriously. And also cite this as the secret for youthful skin. So be sure to apply sunscreen every day, even if it looks cloudy or rainy!
How SCS Can Help You
While the Korean 10 step skincare routine can seem overwhelming in the beginning. It is actually very simple to follow. And it centers around catering and caring for your skin. At SCS, we know the hardest part can be finding products that suit your skin’s needs. Thus, we offer exclusive shopping tours where we take you to find the best Korean skincare Seoul has to offer. And help you find the best products for the best price!
Additionally, many Koreans supplement their 10 step skincare routine with skin treatments. So at SCS, we also offer a variety of skin treatments for you to choose from at some of the best clinics in Seoul! In fact, all you have to do is tell us your skin concerns and what you wish to improve. Then we take care of the rest and help connect you with the best dermatologists and innovative procedures! So you can relax knowing you’re on your way to better, glowing skin. Just book a free consultation with us today to learn more!
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