Cleansings, toners, lotions, moisturizers and sunscreens... You've surely heard of Korean skincare and its strict 10 steps. In this article we're going to see together what are the basic steps to follow for a perfect skincare routine!
In South Korea, every night before going to bed, every Korean boy or girl goes to the mirror and starts their daily beauty routine. Steps to follow carefully, creams and lotions to apply religiously... How many times have we tried to approach the imaginary world of Korean skincare routine without any success?
Let's face it: at the beginning, thinking about having to implement a 10-step routine is not the best, especially for those who are new to the world of skincare.
In reality, although the steps are many and distinct, each product applied makes sense and is aimed at treating specific areas, responding to all the needs of our skin.
Once you understand each step better, everything will be clearer to you and you will finally be able to navigate through the numerous steps and products of Korean skincare!
So, let's not give up: let's see together what are the 10 steps of the Korean skincare routine, together with the best products to transform our skin and make it shine with a natural beauty.
Step 1: Oil-based cleansing
Let's start our skincare routine with cleansing. Careful cleansing of our skin before any other step is essential to avoid the accumulation of impurities and to allow the products we will apply later to penetrate better.
In Korean skincare we have double cleansing, or double cleansing, or a cleansing that is divided into two steps: one oil-based and one water-based.
Oil-based cleansing products help remove make-up and dissolve any products we have previously applied. These detergents can be oil-cleansers or real make-up removers.
Step 2: Water-based cleansing
Once all the make-up has been removed from the face thanks to the oil-based cleansing, let's move on to the second cleansing, this time water-based. This is the step where we're actually going to ′′ wash away ′′ all the impurities from our skin, through the use of specific water-based products. The most common are the so-called foaming cleansers, or foamy detergents. By creating a fine foam, cleansers manage to clean every pore of our skin from all impurities.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Once we have perfectly cleansed skin, we can move on to step 3. The third step, i.e. exfoliation, is very important because it allows us to remove all dead cells, therefore better absorption of subsequent products, and to improve the texture of the skin. our skin. Exfoliants are divided into mechanical, such as various scrubs, and chemical, such as acid peels. Regular exfoliation, therefore, will always guarantee us healthy and uniform skin.
Step 4: Tonic
From this moment we proceed to the application of targeted products, starting with the most liquid and ending with the most dense or viscous. Step 4 is the application of a toner, aimed at closing pores after cleansing and exfoliation and ensuring a healthy skin tone.
Step 5: Essence
With steps 5 and 6 we proceed to the application of products that will nourish our skin. Korean essences are a cornerstone of any skincare regimen. They contain active ingredients that help soothe the skin from damage, while also providing valuable help for cell regeneration.
Step 6: Serums and Boosters
With the serums and boosters of step 6 we are going to give our skin even more targeted help by applying even more concentrated products. In fact, serums should be applied in small quantities because they are very effective. They help prevent and treat various problems such as hyperpigmentation or the appearance of fine lines. Choosing the serum according to our specific needs is essential.
Step 7: Masks
This is one of the most iconic steps in Korean skincare. How many times have we seen the protagonists of drama relax with a beautiful mask on their faces? There are infinite types of face masks, in cream or cotton, which meet any need. Applying masks regularly will not only guarantee us better skin but can also become an opportunity to give us a moment of relaxation.
Step 8: Eye Creams
Did you know that the skin around the eyes is the thinnest? For this reason it needs specific and targeted products. Applying an eye contour cream is the secret to a look that is always young and free from fine lines or puffiness. From the most moisturizing creams to be applied in the evening, to the deflating and refreshing ones to be applied in the morning, including an eye cream in our skincare routine will always be the right choice.
Step 9: Creams
The last step (or almost) of our skincare routine is the application of a moisturizer. The moisturizer should be chosen according to our skin type or the season. Dry skins will benefit from oil-based creams, while oily skins from water-based creams or gels. Moisturizing your skin will not only give you a fuller and brighter face, but it will also help seal all the products you have previously applied.
Step 10: Sunscreen
The very last step, but not least, is definitely sunscreen. No cream or serum will come in handy if we don't first protect our skin from the sun. Exposure to UV rays is one of the main factors that determine skin aging and the appearance of numerous problems. Applying sunscreen, even based on our skin type, before going out (even in winter!) is a step we must never forget. Our skin will thank us!
Extras: Simplified Routine
We have seen all 10 steps of the Korean skincare routine together. For those who still don't feel ready to implement all the steps, don't worry: we've thought of you too! Those who are new to the world of skincare will first have to start with the basics. We therefore feel like recommending this simplified regimen that will surely make a difference and will serve as a basis for future product additions.
- Step 1: Cleansing
- Step 2: Serum
- Step 3: Cream
- Step 4: Sunscreen
This regimen will be perfect for orienting you in the universe of Korean skincare. You will be able to integrate the other steps in the future, or experiment with them sporadically. For example, you can try using masks once a week or exfoliating your skin twice a month.
We hope this guide has been useful to you, we just have to wish you all good Korean skincare!