A Complete Guide to The 10-step Korean Skincare Routine

The 10-step Korean skincare routine has been gaining a lot of attention lately as an effective way to treat and prevent common skin issues such as dryness, breakouts, dullness, and wrinkles. 

Over the past few years, this approach has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. It is a multi-level process designed to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin while allowing it to truly thrive rather than simply functioning at its average level. 

Doing all 10 steps may seem overwhelming at first, but with patience and dedication you can achieve enviable glowing and smooth skin, if done correctly. So, today we’re going to reveal the real Korean skincare routine order to achieve the glass skin of your dreams. 

What’s the Korean skincare routine all about?

The Korean skincare routine has deep roots in traditional Korean beauty practices, dating back centuries when natural ingredients from plants and herbs were utilized to enhance skin health. In Korean culture, skincare is not merely a routine; it's a ritual that reflects the value placed on personal care and overall well-being. This holistic perspective encourages a dedication to gradual, transformative results rather than quick fixes. The Korean skincare routine is a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of using high-quality products to achieve healthy, glowing results. It typically involves layering multiple products, usually in 10 different steps, such as toners, serums, exfoliants, masks, and moisturizers that work together to nourish and protect the skin.

This routine includes a few extra steps compared to traditional skincare regimes, such as double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser, applying face masks, using essences, and occasionally indulging in an overnight mask. By following this regimen consistently, you provide essential nutrients to your skin that maintain its health and vibrancy, which helps to reduce wrinkles and keep skin looking youthful!

The Buzzworthy 10 step Korean skincare routine

Step 1: Oil-based cleanser

First things first. Oil-based cleansers are the unsung heroes of every skincare routine, effective for removing makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities that regular soap and water may leave behind. They help balance your skin’s sebum production while ensuring moisture retention, making oil cleansing a great option for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

• Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil - Soothes skin and minimizes blackheads and pores.
• Real Art Perfect Cleansing Oil - An ideal choice for dry skin types.
• Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick - Cleanse and exfoliate your skin in one step.

Step 2: Water-based cleanser

Water-based cleansers remove H2O-based impurities like sweat and typically come in foams, gels, or micellar waters. This step leaves your skin fresh and clean, allowing your moisturizer to operate more effectively, as your pores become completely free of dirt and bacteria.

• Biome Ac Foam Cleanser Mini - Travel-size cleanser to banish acne for sensitive skin.
• Honest Cleansing Foam - Brightens and softens your complexion ideal for normal skin.
• Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam - An all-in-one solution for gentle makeup removal.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is essential in the Korean skincare routine for achieving a dewy complexion. This step removes dead skin cells that can cause dullness and breakouts. However, it should only be performed 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.

• Lemon Sparkling Peeling Pad - Transform dull skin and reveal a luminous complexion.
• BHA Blackhead Power Liquid - A reliable solution for blackheads.
• AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - Promotes an even-toned and radiant complexion.

Step 4: Apply Toner

A toner balances your skin's pH levels and locks in hydration while removing any lingering impurities post-cleansing. Depending on your skin type, you can choose hydrating toners for dry skin or exfoliating toners for oily skin to tighten pores.

• Hydrium Watery Toner - Quench thirsty skin.
• Green Plum + AHA Bubble Toner - Brightens scars and soothes irritation.
• One Step Original Clear Pad - Your ally against breakouts.
• AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner - Fosters brightness in the skin.

Step 5: Essence - The K-beauty exclusive

An essence is central to K-beauty, being a lightweight, hydrating powerhouse that infuses your skin with moisture and nutrients. This unique product facilitates deep absorption, effectively kickstarting the hydration process. It was literally crafted by Koreans for their skincare routines!

• Snail Bee High Content Essence - Rejuvenates and revitalizes.
• Fig Boosting Essence Set - A Korean favorite for anti-aging.

Step 6: Use your favorite Serum/Ampoule/Booster

Your routine isn’t complete without a Korean serum, ampoule, or booster! These potent products brighten dull skin and offer fantastic anti-aging benefits.

Serums contain concentrated nutrients for targeted treatments; ampoules deliver a supercharged dose of actives; boosters treat specific concerns like enlarged pores and dehydration.

Important: You don’t need to use them all at once! Choose based on your skincare goals.

• The Vitamin C 23 Serum - A must-try morning serum.
• Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha Arbutin - Combat hyperpigmentation.
• Propolis Energy Ampule - For a boost of revitalization.

Step 7: Oh Sheet *Mask*

To be at the forefront of skincare trends, you can’t skip sheet masks! Originating in Korea, they're lauded for convenience and targeted delivery of skin benefits.

Made from various materials, sheet masks feature main ingredients such as green tea or hyaluronic acid, addressing various skin concerns. They're excellent for delivering deep hydration, especially for dry or sensitive skin.

• Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum Mask - Treat dark spots effectively.
• Goodbye Redness Centella Mask- Soothes irritation effortlessly.
• Dermask Micro Jet Clearing Solution - The go-to for acne-prone skin.
• Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Water Wave Sheet Mask - Intensely moisturizing with 3 types of hyaluronic acid.

Step 8: Eye Creams

Using eye cream is essential for the delicate skin around your eyes. Korean beauty insiders believe eye creams are key to youthful-looking skin, helping smooth fine lines and diminish dark circles.

Apply it gently in circular motions for maximum absorption—you may not see immediate results, but consistent use can refresh and rejuvenate the eyes over time.

• Hell-pore Gold Hyaluronic Acid Eye Patch - Experience eye-tightening effects without surgery.
• Gold CF-nest White Bomb Eye Cream - Combat crow's feet effectively.
• Fermentation Eye Cream - Banish dark circles and puffiness.

Step 9: Moisturizer

Achieve healthy and glowing skin with proper moisturizing, which is one of the most crucial steps in skincare. Regardless of whether your skin is oily, dry, or sensitive, using a good moisturizer twice daily can significantly enhance skin health and radiance.

Tip: Tap the moisturizer into your skin for the best absorption and effectiveness.

• Oil-free Ultra-moisturizing Lotion - Perfect for acne-prone skin.
• Vital Hydra Solution Biome Moisture Cream - Effective for dry skin types.
• Centella Blemish Cream - Calms sensitive, irritated skin.

Step 10: Apply Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least: sun protection! Wearing sunscreen is crucial to protect against premature aging and skin cancer, so always apply it before heading outdoors.

Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks harmful UV rays and prevents aging signs. Don’t forget to apply it to your neck and chest as well! Next time you step outside, grab your favorite sunscreen — sun protection is vital!

• Wrinkle Bounce Essential Suncream - Offers anti-aging benefits.
• Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ PA+++ - Maintains sebum control with a matte finish.
• SUNPRISE MILD AIRY FINISH SPF50 PA+++ - Lightweight formula with no white cast.

Morning skincare routine steps vs. night skincare routine steps

Did you know that there are different steps for morning and night? That's right, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

In the morning, the focus is on hydration and protection from environmental stressors. This means starting with a gentle cleanser, followed by a toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. 

At night, the goal is to nourish and repair the skin. This involves focusing on double cleansing, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and finally, sleeping mask.

• Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask - Wake up to glowier skin
• Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask - Bring dry, dull skin back to life.  

Essentially, the morning routine is all about defense, while the night routine is all about recovery. So, why not give your skin the best of both worlds with a comprehensive Korean skincare routine?

Korean skincare routines vs. Western skincare routines

Move over Western skincare, Korean skincare routines are taking the world by storm! When it comes to skincare, Koreans prioritize prevention over treatment. Their approach is multi-step, with an emphasis on nourishing the skin from within. The Korean routine involves cleansing, toning, treating, moisturizing and protecting. It's important to note that their products are loaded with natural ingredients such as green tea and rice extract, providing the ultimate pampering experience for the skin. 

On the other hand, Western skincare routines focus more on quick-fix solutions like acne spot treatments and anti-aging serums packed with harmful chemicals that do more harm than good. They're all about instant gratification rather than long-term benefits. 

So, it's time to ditch the quick-fix solutions and embrace the Korean way. Your skin will thank you for it!

Do I have to perform the 10 steps to get results?

Is there a shortcut to achieving your skincare goals? We totally get you, not everyone has the time to perform all 10 steps every day, two times a day. So, don’t worry, not all steps are mandatory and their inclusion in your routine depends on you.

For example: you don’t have to exfoliate your skin every day, just 2-3 times a week depending on your skin type. In the same way, face masks are not meant for everyday use. Additionally, there are extra steps that not everyone has to perform, like applying essences and serums. 

This, of course, doesn’t mean that these steps are useless. On the contrary, serums, essences, masks, and exfoliators will definitely make a difference in your skin once you include them. However, they are not mandatory. 

If you want to shorten your skincare routine, here are the must-do steps you need to include: 

• Cleansers (A.M and P.M. skincare routines)
• Moisturizer (A.M and P.M. skincare routines)
• Sunscreen (A.M. morning routine)

Looking for products to build a proper skin care routine?

To wrap it all up, by following this 10-step Korean skin care routine you are ensuring the best results for your skin health.  Taking the time to nourish and hydrate your skin will produce glowing and healthy results that will boost your confidence and make you feel beautiful. 

If you’re stuck in terms of finding out what order is best for products or want to learn which ones are the best for your specific skin concerns, Asian Beauty Essentials is an awesome place to start. With all the amazing Korean beauty products available on our site, you’ll be able to find everything and anything for your personalized 10-step Korean skincare routine.

Let’s get glowing!

Related articles: 

• Types of Cleansers: Yeah, There is More Than One!
• What’s the Best Skin Cleanser According to Your Skin Type?
• What is Exfoliation? A Full Guide on How to Exfoliate your Skin
• What Does Toner Do? 5 Benefits + Top 3 Toners for Your Skin Type
• Moisturizer for face: The Star of Every Skincare Routine
• What Does Sunscreen Do?: The Truth Behind This Morning Skincare Routine Staple