I Tried the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

If you're new to Korean skincare and you're researching about it, the "10 Step Korean Skincare Routine" will definitely show up on your screen. Most of the time it's always the first result that appears. Even for me, when I first got into Korean beauty, the "10 Step Korean Skincare Routine" was everywhere.

I was intrigued by the concept and also hesitant because of my innate laziness, but after awhile I decided to try it out. I didn't follow this trend exactly, such as using a sheet mask daily because I personally don't use sheet masks. Like Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam has said, it is a misconception that you're supposed to be doing all 10 steps every single day". As everyone's skin is different, you can alter the 10 step routine to fit your what your skin needs. Following the routine entirely could also be time-consuming for you as it was for me, which was why I altered the routine to fit my morning and night routines.

My 10 Step Korean Routine

Step 1: Oil Cleanser

For me, I personally like using both an oil cleanser and cleansing water. I use oil cleansers for my eye makeup, while I use water cleansers to remove my face makeup. An oil cleanser breaks down makeup and removes other dirt particles from the skin without clogging the pores.  A cleansing water is able to clean off makeup and absorb oils and dirt. As I only need to clean makeup at the end of the day, I would usually use only a cleansing water in the morning and both products at night.

Personally, I switch between different types of products. For the oil cleanser, I would use either the "Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil" or  the "Heimish All Clean Balm". I really like these products because they really remove my makeup quickly and easily. I would usually just massage the Heimish oil cleanser on my eyelids and I would use a cotton pad for the Face Shop oil cleanser.

Heimish All Clean Balm

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

The Cleansing water that I usually use is the "Saem White Tea Cleansing Water". Alternatively, I would switch to the "Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water"  or the " Vecua Honey Dew Cleansing Water".I personally like all three so far because they are really gentle on the skin, but if you're looking for a really hydrating cleansing water, the Vecua Cleansing Water has been the most hydrating.

Step 2: Facial Cleanser

Double cleansing has always been the norm for me before I embarked on the Korean Skincare journey. Using a facial cleanser after the first step always helps to remove excess dirt and impurities from your skin which really helps to minimise and prevent breakouts.

Neogen Blueberry Real Fresh Foam

Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser (40%)

Most days, I would use the "Neogen Blueberry Real Fresh Foam Cleanser" because it is my favourite cleanser so far. Before I started using this cleanser, the "Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser" was always my go-to facial wash, but after awhile I did feel like I was over exfoliating my face from the salt granules which was why I switched over to the Neogen Cleanser. I do use the Innisfree facial cleanser every now and then whenever I feel like I need the exfoliation.


Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliating is really good for removing dead skin cells and it allows your skin to absorb the subsequent products better. I only exfoliate roughly about two to three days in a week using the "Skinfood Strawberry Black Sugar Mask" or the "Skinfood Black Sugar Mask".If I'm really lazy,I would use the "COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad" to exfoliate using the embossed side.

Step 4: Toner
Toners are great for those with oily skin and clogged pores. Toners minimise the appearance of pores, rebalances the skin's pH and cleanses away the remaining impurities. Staying away from alcohol based toners is key to achieving better skin as alcohol based toners would only irritate and weaken your skin's barriers.

Currently, I use four different toners in the morning and night.In the morning, I like to use the "Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner" together with the "Missha Super Aqua Pore-kling Toner". At night, I would use the "COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner" together with the "COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner".

Step 5: Essence
Essences aid in skin recovery and adds another layer of hydration.The essence that I'm currently using is the "Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence". I've done a review on it on a separate post, so if you're interested, you can check it out at: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Review

Step 6: Serum and Ampoules
There are many types of serums available and they address different skin problems. For me, I have 4 serums which are mainly for brightening, moisturising and improving skin recovery. The main serum that I use is the "Skin&Lab Dr. Color Effect Red Serum". On days that I need more hydration to my skin, I will add on a layer of either the "It's Skin Power 10 GF Effector" or the "Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Ampoule". For at least once a week, I would apply the "It's Skin Power 10 YE effector"

Step 7: Sleeping Mask
Instead of a sheet mask, I would usually apply a sleeping mask. I've been really liking the "Laneige Water Sleeping mask", which is my main go-to sleeping mask. On some nights, I would go for  the "Tony Moly Pure Farm Pig Collagen Sleeping Pack"

Step 8: Eye Cream
The eye cream that I've been using for the past few months is the Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream. I started using an eye cream because I had really tired eyes with heavy eyebags when I had school, hence I decided to use an eye cream to help me with my issue.

Step 9:Moisturiser
Moisturiser helps with achieving the glowy and dewy skin that koreans have. Dry and dehydrated skin is a cause of acne, so moisturising your skin is necessary. Currently, my moisturizer is the "Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Moisturizer".

Step 10: Sunscreen
The last and most vital step to ensure your skincare efforts do not go to waste is applying sunscreen. Everyone definitely needs protection against the sun and UV rays, especially if you're trying to get brighter looking skin. I'm using the "Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream No Sebum SPF35 PA+++" sunscreen. 

My Thoughts

The initial days were really time-consuming, but although it was time-consuming, I think that it was really relaxing and just satisfying to sit down and pamper my skin. It's a good time for me to allow my skin to repair and recover from the stress of school life. Although the routine includes a lot of steps and products, I like the feeling it gives my skin afterward. What I really like about this routine is that a lot of the steps work on returning and replenishing the moisture on your skin. My skin always looks better after I've done the routine but for the initial stages of starting out this routine, I don't think that the results necessarily last, especially when I am in school. I do use facial mists during the day especially when I feel like my skin needs it. 

You don't necessarily have to follow everything because everyone's skin is different. You can adjust the routine according to what fits you best and which products are more effective for you. The original 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine has a lot of steps that focused more on hydration, but you can totally use products and add in steps to help other issues like a sudden acne outbreak.

That's the end of my post and I hope that it was useful for you.

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