Initially, the 10-step Korean skin care can seem like a lot, but after you do it, it becomes easy. It is like a menu; you pick what your skin needs each day. This can range from using light to rich products. You don’t have to do it all; you can skip some steps, according to your skin condition.
Here are the 10 steps Korean skincare routine to get you the kind of glow that feels real, not filtered.
Step 1: Oil-based Cleansing Product
This step does the hard work in your routine. Oil cleansers melt away your makeup and extra oil in seconds. Just apply to your dry skin and massage for a minute.
Next, wash with warm water. If you wear makeup or sunscreen daily, do this step because it unclogs your pores. This step will make your other products work better on your skin.
Step 2: Water-based Cleansing Product
Now use a water-based cleanser to wash off makeup residue. Apply on damp skin and massage with your fingertips until skin feels clean.
You want your skin to feel clean but still soft, not dry or tight. If you do it right, your face will feel fresh and light. It’s called double cleansing. And it prepares your skin for the next steps.
Especially helpful if you live in the city or spend a lot of time outdoors.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Exfoliation means giving your skin a reset. It removes the dead cells that make it look tired. Exfoliating allows your skin to absorb products better.
But the catch is: you shouldn’t do it too much. Just do it 1-3 times a week.
Choose a gentle scrub or exfoliant according to your skin type. Doing too much can damage your barrier and cause redness or sensitivity.
Step 4: Toner
A toner makes your skin feel refreshed. It prepares your face to absorb the next products better.
Korean toners usually have gentle, natural ingredients that make your skin soft and supple. You can use it with your hands or with a cotton pad.
Step 5: Essence
Essence moisturizes your skin. Hydrates deeply and gives you the Korean glow.
Just pat it on and let it absorb. It also helps other products work.
Step 6: Serum, Ampoules, Spot Treatment
If your skin feels rough, tired or shows fine lines, you can correct it with a serum or ampoule. Many formulas use Korean skincare ingredients that really help your skin stay soft and moisturized over time.
Serums absorb fast and are light, ampoules have more product and gives your skin extra support when you need it.
If you break out or get dark spots, you can use a spot treatment. But don’t use hundreds of products, instead listen to your skin. Then pick the right product. Eventually your skin will be smoother and more even.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are like a mini spa at home. You give your skin intense moisture and TLC while you sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s pre-soaked in serum to brighten, smooth or hydrate your skin.
Use them a few times a week or as your skin needs. Your skin will be soft and silky after you remove it.
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin under your eyes is delicate, so you need to handle it with some extra care. Use about a grain of rice quantity of eye cream and pat it gently in with your ring finger.
Do not rub or tug as it can irritate your skin and cause damage. If you have puffiness, dryness, and dark circles, you should use Elire’s firming eye cream. They shall make your eyes appear fresher and more awake.
Step 9: Moisturizer
A moisturizer is the step that locks in all the earlier layering. It allows the skin to remain soft and hydrated during the course of the day or night.
There are different kinds of moisturizers. These include gels and creams. You should choose the one depending on your skin and the weather. Light gels or moisturizers suit hot weather, and thick creams are better for colder days.
Elire’s moisturizer absorbs really well and is super light on your skin. With consistent use, your skin feels balanced, soft, and well-nourished.
Step 10: SPF
The final step in the Korean 10-step skin care is SPF. Always put sunscreen on in the morning. It protects your skin from UV rays that give you sunburn, dark spots, and early aging.
Select a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and use it as your last layer. Remember, even on cloudy days, the sun still affects your skin.
When spending time outside, reapply every two hours or after you swim. This habit keeps your skin young and healthy over time.
Your Skincare Routine: Day vs. Night
Prepare your skin in the morning for the day. Start with the application of an oil cleanser if last night's products are still on your skin. Then, follow up with a mild water-based cleanser.
Then put on a toner to even out your skin and an essence to smooth it out. A serum and eye cream help brighten your face and erase fine lines. Top everything off with a moisturizer to seal everything in. Put on sunscreen as a final layer no matter what to shield your skin from the sun.
You must clean and repair your skin at night. For that, use an oil cleanser to remove makeup and dirt. You can then use a water cleanser to make your skin pure and new.
Exfoliate twice a week in order to gain that smooth, radiant skin. Then, tone, use essence, and your choice of serum or treatment.
If you have dry skin, slap on a sheet mask and you’re good to go. Top with eye cream and moisturizer and you’ll wake up with bright skin.
Is 10-Step Skin Care Too Much?
Let’s be real, ten steps sound kind of extra. You don’t need to do the whole ten steps daily. Just start with a few basics like cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. Add more once your skin feels ready. Some people enjoy all ten steps, while others do the 4 step Korean skincare routine. Listen to your skin and make it stress-free. It is supposed to relax you, not exhaust you.
FAQs
What are common Korean skincare mistakes?
Using too many actives at once. Sounds like you’re doing more for your skin but it usually irritates your skin. Also, not using SPF even on cloudy days. Your skin is still exposed to UV rays. Some folks don’t perform double cleansing or don't exfoliate enough.
What skincare step should you never skip?
Cleansing makes everything else work. And SPF protects your skin. Moisturizing keeps your skin healthy and soft.
