The Korean skincare routine
If you're interested in beauty trends, you've probably heard all about Korean skincare (also called K-Beauty).
Korean beauty products come from and are made in Korea. They are generally created with the Korean beauty philosophy in mind.
Korean beauty products are developed over a long period of time. Consistency and dedication is what gives them their coveted results. Think of it as the difference between going on a diet and having a clean lifestyle.
Basically, the routine is about respecting your skin. Rather than using products full of harmful ingredients that remove the skin's natural barrier, the Korean skincare philosophy is about working with your skin's natural ecosystem by cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing and protecting it - allowing your skin to thrive.
What is Korean skincare?
Korean skincare focuses on preventing and protecting the skin rather than using products to repair damage.
Korean skincare is all about prevention, which is always better because once the damage is done, it can be difficult to restore the skin to its original state.
Why is it so good?
The Korean skincare routine was not the discovery of one person or brand. It was more a gradual evolution of the Korean skincare industry that many Koreans follow.
Korean skincare has changed the skincare industry worldwide and caught the attention of people who follow beauty and skincare trends.
Not only does this type of routine often produce effective and consistent results, but it also helps people respect their skin and take some extra 'me time'.
What is 'glass skin'?
The term 'glass skin' is often used in the Korean beauty world to refer to a smooth, clear and intensely moisturized complexion that appears translucent.
5, 7, 10 or 12 steps?
Although 10 is the most common number of steps in Korean skincare routines, it is a rough estimate.
In general, Korean beauty routines include several steps. But overall, they focus on improving the skin gently while achieving lasting results.
Ultimately, it's not about following a certain number of steps, but tailoring a skincare routine to your skin's needs. While many people start with a 10-step routine, you can adjust up or down, depending on your needs or preferences.
10-step routine
The traditional 10-step routine is the most widely used method of performing a Korean skincare routine.The 10-step routine may seem quite overwhelming, but once you start witnessing the results, you will be hooked. The 10-step routine can be further divided into four steps: cleansing, preparation, nourishment and protection. Read more about the 10 steps here.
5-step routine
This lighter version cuts the popular 10-step routine in half. Perfect for those on a budget or short on time, these five steps are the most important and basic to do every morning.
- Oil-based cleansing
- Water-based cleaning
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- SPF
7-step routine
Compared to the 10-step routine, this one is missing an exfoliating product, sheet masks and a SPF.
A 7-step routine is best for most evenings, given the lack of a specific SPF and because you don't need to exfoliate or use a mask every day.
- Oil-based cleansing
- Water-based cleansing
- Toner
- Sheet Mask
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
12-step routine
Yes, there are still more steps. If you make it to 10 steps and feel like continuing, another common one is a 12-step routine.
Follow the 10-step routine first and include these two additional steps:
11. mist
If you've grown to love the dewiness that comes with that "glass skin" you've worked so hard for, a periodic mist will help maintain and reactivate the products you use.
12. Entertaining facials
A weekly facial, complete with massage, is not uncommon for Koreans and those who faithfully follow a Korean skincare routine.
Morning and evening routines
Morning and evening routines don't have to be the same.
Morning routines can be much more streamlined, with a focus on moisturizing and sun protection.
Longer routines can be reserved for the evenings, including exfoliants, eye creams, masks and more.
Different skin types
Different skin types may need to keep a few things in mind when determining the best products and steps for their Korean skincare routine.
For oily skin
Despite what you might think, using an oil-based cleanser for oily skin is not counterintuitive. If you have oily skin, don't be afraid to embrace double cleansing.
For toner, oily skin types want a light and less emollient formula.
For dry skin
For those with extra dry skin, you may only want to use an oil-based cleanser. Pay attention to how your skin feels and make the decision that makes the most sense.
For toner, dry skin benefits from moisturizing substances, such as hyaluronic acid.
For combination skin
If you have combination skin, you should choose products that help balance your skin.
For acne-prone skin
If you have an active acne breakout, you may want to skip exfoliation until your skin is balanced.
The points
The number of steps in a Korean skincare routine may seem overwhelming, but they don't have to be.
Taking care of your skin is a form of self-care and therefore self-love. Once you get the hang of it, these steps won't take much time at all.
The most important thing to find out about a Korean skincare routine is your targeted skincare needs. Then you can gently address them with the right products. Moreover, proper application is equally important - both in the way and the order they are applied. Liquids or lighter products (such as cleansers and toners) go on first, and then the ladder continues to get heavier and thicker (such as moisturizers and SPF).