The sacred 10-Step is more than a routine for Koreans, who are known for their flawless skin. It’s a lifestyle that has become a global phenomenon, grounded in Korea’s cultural obsession with healthy skin and backed by decades of scientific advancement. It’s not about having more products than you can count. But rather about having the right products that do the right things, and using them in the right order.
Make-up Remover & Cleanser
Oil Based Cleanser – Korean women typically use two cleansers, starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based makeup, SPF and other impurities (since water repels oil). This allows for effortless cleansing rather than tugging at your skin to remove that last bit of mascara.
Water Based Cleanser – Following with a water- based cleanser removes any remaining residue and leaves skin supple. The key is to find a gentle formula that won’t strip or dry out your skin.
Tantalising Toners
Korean toners differ from other toners because they are meant to hydrate, moisturise, and balance your skin’s pH level after cleansing. This reflects Korean beauty heritage, which is steeped in natural ingredients passed down from generation to generation. This tradition continues today with formulations that tend to shun harsh chemicals and draw from the Earth instead.
Feel The Essence Of The Essences
Though formulated with varying viscosities. Essences tend to be a bit more fluid and less concentrated than serums. Their main purpose is to moisturise the skin and make the most of the serums that follow. Think of your skin as a sponge: once it’s plumped up with water, everything else absorbs more easily.
Serums & Ampoules
These products are formulated with active ingredients that target specific needs by skin type, such as fine lines, loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation and dehydration. You can customise your skincare routine here. Adding or removing products as you see fit. You can use them in any order, but generally thicker. More viscous products go on later.
Moisturisers
Eye cream – The skin around your eyes is thinner and more easily dehydrated. Hence, it should be treated with a cream specifically formulated to protect, nourish, brighten or de-puff.
Moisturiser – A moisturiser designed for your skin type creates a barrier that will lock in all the beneficial ingredients you’ve just applied. Instead of letting them evaporate out of your skin.
Sunscreens
Sunscreen is huge in Korea, and rightly so. Every morning, finish off your skincare regimen with either a dedicated sunscreen or a BB cream or cushion compact that includes SPF. But use a good SPF instead of products that have SPF.
Exfoliators
Use a gentle, non-irritating exfoliator 2-3 times per week to promote cell turnover. Inclog pores, allow for better product absorption and keep skin looking youthful. Koreans often use the amazing gommage peels that allow dead skin to simply roll off with a mix of botanical and fruit extracts.
Sheet Masks
Single-use sheet masks are formulated with the same active ingredients as serums. But they are more of an “a la carte” version that you can use as and when necessary. A good arsenal of sheet masks enables you to customise your routine depending on how your skin is feeling.
Sleep Masks
Brides if skin regeneration is your motto. Then the best time is to go into overtime while you sleep, and no- rinse sleeping masks make the most of this process. As a result, packed with active ingredients, They feel like creams and stay on your skin all night. Use them 2-3 times per week in place of your regular moisturiser to get your beauty sleep, quite literally.
Also Read: Glow like Monroe: Beauty guide for the bride
