The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: Your Guide to Glowing Skin
Korean skincare is famous for its multi-step routine that has become the gold standard for achieving radiant, healthy skin. While it might seem overwhelming at first, the beauty of the 10-step routine is its flexibility—you can customize it to suit your skin type and concerns.
At Glowin, we’re here to guide you through each step of this transformative skincare routine so you can unlock your best skin yet!
- Oil Cleanser
The first step in the Korean routine is double cleansing, which begins with an oil-based cleanser. This product is designed to remove oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Oil cleansers are gentle yet highly effective, making sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed without being stripped of its natural moisture.
Why it’s important: Properly cleansing the skin is essential for preventing clogged pores and breakouts, and an oil cleanser does this without drying out the skin.
- Water-Based Cleanser
After using an oil cleanser, it’s time for the water-based cleanser. This step removes any remaining impurities, such as sweat and dirt, that the oil cleanser may not have picked up. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean, creating the perfect base for the rest of the routine.
Why it’s important: The combination of oil and water-based cleansers ensures that every type of impurity is removed, allowing the skin to breathe and absorb the following products.
- Exfoliator
Exfoliation helps to slough away dead skin cells, improving texture and revealing a brighter complexion. You can use a physical exfoliator (like a scrub) or a chemical exfoliator (with AHAs or BHAs) 1-2 times a week.
Why it’s important: Regular exfoliation promotes cell turnover, smooths skin texture, and allows other skincare products to penetrate more effectively.
- Toner
Toners in Korean skincare are designed to hydrate and balance the skin, not just remove any leftover residue like many Western toners. A good toner preps the skin by restoring its pH balance and giving it an initial boost of moisture.
Why it’s important: Toners hydrate and help the skin absorb the next layers of product more effectively, ensuring that you get the most out of your routine.
- Essence
The essence is a key element of the Korean skincare routine. This lightweight, water-like product is packed with hydration and active ingredients that help with cell regeneration and skin repair. It acts as a bridge between your toner and serum, prepping your skin for deeper treatment.
Why it’s important: Essences boost hydration and accelerate cell turnover, helping your skin achieve that coveted glass-like appearance.
- Serum
Serums are concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns like dark spots, fine lines, acne, or dullness. They contain high levels of active ingredients and are tailored to your skin's needs.
Why it’s important: Serums provide targeted treatment and are essential for tackling specific skin concerns, delivering powerful results over time.
- Sheet Mask
A sheet mask is like an at-home spa treatment that delivers a serious dose of hydration and nutrients. Made from cloth or gel, these masks are soaked in serums or essences and are meant to be left on for 15-20 minutes for maximum absorption.
Why it’s important: Sheet masks allow active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin, providing intense hydration and nourishment.
- Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to signs of aging, like fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. An eye cream provides targeted hydration and care for this sensitive area.
Why it’s important: Eye creams help to brighten, hydrate, and firm the eye area, preventing premature aging and tired-looking skin.
- Moisturizer
Moisturizing is essential to lock in all the layers of hydration and treatment from the previous steps. Whether you have oily or dry skin, Korean moisturizers come in a variety of textures—from lightweight gels to rich creams—that suit every skin type.
Why it’s important: A moisturizer seals in moisture, keeping the skin soft, plump, and hydrated all day or night.
- Sunscreen
The final and perhaps most important step in your morning routine is sunscreen. No matter how many layers of skincare you apply, without SPF, your skin is vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays. Sunscreen is non-negotiable for preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Why it’s important: Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, preserving its youthful appearance and preventing dark spots and wrinkles.
How to Customize the 10-Step Routine
While the full 10-step routine is the ultimate skincare indulgence, it’s not necessary to use all 10 steps every day. The beauty of the Korean skincare routine lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the routine based on your skin’s needs:
- Morning routine: Cleansing, toning, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen are essential.
- Evening routine: Add in steps like double cleansing, exfoliation, and sheet masking when you have more time.
Achieve the Glow with Glowin
At Glowin, we offer a curated selection of Korean skincare products that make it easy to build your perfect routine. Whether you’re new to Korean skincare or a seasoned expert, we’ve got everything you need to achieve healthy, radiant skin. Start with a few steps or go all-in—whatever your skin needs, Glowin is here to help you glow from within!
