The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: Explained

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$31 billion - that's the global estimated worth of Korean beauty by 2029. Effective formulation and nature-inspired and innovative ingredients - the cornerstone of any Korean skincare regime is working with your skin's natural ecosystem through processes like cleaning, hydrating, smoothening etc. Very much hit by the Korean wave, I too just started the much-talked about 10-step skincare routine. While it looks intimidating and time-consuming, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes every day.   

Please know, Korean beauty surely does burn a tiny hole in your pocket, but these products last for a good 6 to 8 months. After reading and researching a bunch of skincare articles online, I've simplified the 10-step skincare routine and here's an explainer for those who're looking to experiment with K-beauty, but are kinda confused about what products to pick and choose. I prefer doing this regime. during nighttime, you can pick either that or start your day with it. 

While there are 5, 7, 10 & even 15 steps regimes, I've stuck to the 10-step one. Plus, it's more popular and used as well. 

Step 1: Deep Oil Cleansing

Klairs Gentle Black Deep Make Up Cleansing Oil

Klairs Gentle Black Deep Make Up Cleansing Oil

The first step is deep cleansing using oil. 

This step is mainly to remove any kind of makeup, deeply cleanse your pores and restore hydration. I highly recommend using Klair's deep oil cleansing. Massage on your face in a circular motion for a minute or so and wash it off with luke water.     

When: Only Night

Step 2: Wash Up With A Water-Based Cleanser

Tamanu, Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Face Wash

Tamanu, Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Face Wash

The next step is a quick wash with any water-based cleanser. I use Cetaphil for this, however, you can opt for any other cleanser that you'd use normally. Off late, I've made a switch to Juicy's Chemistry's organic facewash.    

When: Day & Night

Step 3: Follow Up With A Foam Cleanser (aka Exfoliating)

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

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While exfoliating is usually done 2-3 times a week, Korean folks use this practice pretty much everyday. This step helps removing dead skin cells and it also helps loosen clogged pores. You can use Innisfree's Jeju Volcanic pore scrub foam. 

When: Night

Step 4: Applying A Toner

Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Supple Preparation Facial Toner

350

In Korean beauty, toner is equivalent to a refresher. For this, while simple rose water too would suffice, for efficient results you can use Klair's facial toner. This came recommended by many skincare folks and enthusiasts. This toner helps with balancing the pH level and deep moisturising.       

When: Day & Night

Tip: the basic and the correct way of application of these products on your skin would be gently tapping the cream/serum on your face against rubbing.

Step 5: Hydrate Your Skin Using An Essence

Water Bank Hydro Essence

Water Bank Hydro Essence

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Essence is considered as the powerhouse step in the Korean skincare regime. In fact, Korean women never forget essence in their skincare routine. It's essentially a water-based serum that helps restore hydration after using the cleanser and toner. Experts say that the active ingredients in an essence help support the benefits of all the other products in your skincare routine.

For this step, I've picked a water bank hydro essence from the popular Korean beauty brand - Laneige. This one's lightweight and less greasy compared to the others.  

Step 6: Next, A Soothing Serum

Rich Moist Soothing Serum

Rich Moist Soothing Serum

1570

Packed with active ingredients, a serum is applied post using an essence so it can be better absorbed by your skin. This step is helpful to boost skin's elasticity and treat skin issues like acne and dark spots even. For this step I recommend Klair's rich moist soothing serum. It's known for deep hydration and skin soothing. 

When: Day & Night 

Step 7: Sheet Mask

The Face Shop Serial Chiller- Pack Of 7 Masksheet Combo

The Face Shop Serial Chiller- Pack Of 7 Masksheet Combo

Sheet masks or face masks is one the most popular beauty product when it comes to K-beauty. While this step doesn't have to be followed on a daily basis, it can be done twice or thrice a week. Based on your skin type you can pick from an array of sheet masks available in the market. 

I've picked the fruity face sheet from The Face Shop.  

When: Night

Step 8: Dedicated Only For Your Eyes

Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel - 35ml

Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel - 35ml

1740

Korean beauty regimes include a dedicated step that includes special eye creams that have been formulated for the delicate under-eye skin. From reducing puffiness to dark circles to wrinkles - this step gives holistic care to your eyes. For this step too I trust Klair's eye awakening gel.      

When: Day & Night

Step 9: Lock All The Ingredients With A Moisturiser

Palmarosa, Almond & Vitamin E Hydrating Face Cream - (50g)

Palmarosa, Almond & Vitamin E Hydrating Face Cream - (50g)

250

Finally, you end your skincare regime with a face cream or moisturizer. For this step, you can use any face cream you've been using or buy any from brands like Dr. Sheths, Dear Klair's or The Face Shop. I am using Mirah Belle's hydrating face cream as it's got benefits of almonds, Vit-E and Palmarosa. 

When: Day & Night

Step 10: Lastly, Suntan Protection

Basic Brightening Daily Sunscreen (50ml)

Basic Brightening Daily Sunscreen (50ml)

808

Woohoo! You've reached the last step of the 10-step Korean beauty regime. End the routine with sunscreen or a suntan cream. As I am using this regime during the nighttime, I don't really need this step. However, if you're using this during the morning, SPF would be your last step to protect yourself against UV rays. If you don't already have a sunscreen at home, you can use Dr. Sheth's regular sunscreen. 

This one is a mineral sunscreen that mainly works towards reflecting the UV rays away. 

When: Day