K- Beauty 101: Understanding the Korean Skincare Routine

Achieve the coveted Korean “glass skin” through the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine.

By the mid-2010s, K-Pop, Korean makeup products and all things Korean started garnering interest in the entire world. Just like in other spheres, the 10- Step Korean skincare routine had taken the beauty and skincare communities by storm. There was a new emphasis on “glass skin.” Simply put, glass skin is defined as skin that is so plumped with hydration that it reflects light as glass does. With more and more emphasis on skincare post-pandemic, the Korean 10-step skincare routine continues to have everyone still in a chokehold.

 

What is the 10-Step Korean skincare routine?

It is a 10-step guide that emphasises treating your skin with the best ingredients and providing as much nourishment and moisturization as possible.

The steps include:

1. Oil Cleansing
2. Cleansing
3. Exfoliating
4. Toner
5. Essence
6. Serum
7. Face Mask
8. Eye Cream
9. Moisturiser
10. SPF

 

Demystifying the 10-step Korean skincare routine process:-

1. There is a misconception that the 10-step process has to be followed religiously without fail. However, this is not the case. Some steps can be done once a week or even excluded entirely depending on your skin’s concern or depending on external factors such as the weather. For example, during winter you are more prone to having dry skin and will be diligent with serums and sheet masks, or during acne breakouts, you will not overload your skin with so many products.

2. The magic of the 10-step routine is in the layering. However, with so many steps, it is easy to get confused. It is generally the rule of thumb that you apply the runniest liquids first and then top with liquids with thicker viscosity and so on.

 

Oil Cleansing:

After a long day’s work, we need 2 steps of cleansing. Oil cleansing comes into action by removing debris from our skin. Especially if you wear makeup or spend time outdoors, oil cleansing is essential. 

The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is a great oil cleanser for beginners and is suitable for all skin types. It is a highly recommended Korean beauty product across the globe. 

 

Cleansing:

While choosing a cleanser, you should ideally try and look for one with a lower PH. Our skin naturally is acidic (ranging from 4.7- 5.7). A cleanser with a higher PH is thus not recommended for our skin as these cleansers will produce too much foam which will leave the skin feeling dry and dehydrated.

Use CosRX Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to achieve supple, clean, and hydrated skin.

 

Exfoliating (once a week):

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells through chemical or physical means. Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores, blackheads, and flaky skin.

If you want to physically exfoliate, we recommend you try Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off.

If you want to chemically exfoliate, we recommend you try CosRX BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid.

To get the most suitable exfoliator for your skin, stop by Belle Vous and let our expert decide on your most needed Korean beauty and makeup products. Click on the link to get in touch with our experts. https://bellevous.in/

 

 

Toner:

Korean skincare is grounded in layering. The toner is the first step in this process and is essential in prepping the skin for the moisture surge that it is going to receive.

SNP’s Peptaronic Toner is a well-received and affordable product.

Tip: To save product, you can add a few drops of toner onto your hands and apply directly to the face instead of using it with cotton. Remember to pat the toner on your skin for better absorption.

 

Essence:

An essence contains a high content of active ingredients to hydrate, protect, and boost the overall health of the skin. When essence is applied to clean skin after using a cleanser and toner, it helps restore hydration to the skin cells. When it’s applied before serums and moisturisers, it helps the skin better absorb these products.

CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of the most well-recognized and highly acclaimed essences in beauty communities all over the world.

 

Serum:

A serum is a concentrated liquid treatment that targets concerns like wrinkles, discoloration, uneven texture, or any skin concern that a person may have. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most commonly used and loved ingredients in serums.

Use One Thing Hyaluronic Complex to unlock maximum hydration and supple skin.

 

Face Mask (Once a week):

Sheet masks are synonymous with Korean skincare routines. They can be used once a week or whenever your skin is feeling extra dehydrated. Sheet masks provide instant hydration to the skin.

The Face Shop face sheet masks are easily available with power-packed ingredients.

Along with facemasks,  Korean makeup products like lip tints from Rom&nd and cushion foundations from Etude House also help brighten and give a natural glow to your face.

 

Eye Cream:

The skin around the eye is said to be the most sensitive as it is the thinnest and most prone to wrinkles. Thus, we need to nourish this area with thicker and more moisturising creams.

Use the Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter to better protect against crow’s feet and smile lines.

 

Moisturiser:

To top everything and to lock in moisture and hydration into your skin, it is essential to use a moisturiser.

The Belif True Cream has been clinically proven to lock in moisture for up to 26 hours! Stop by Belle Vous to check out Korean beauty products and makeup products for all skin types and skin concerns.

 

SPF:

Sunscreen plays an important role in shielding our skin from harmful sun rays. It is an absolute must for our daily skincare routine. In addition to protecting our skin from sunburn, using an SPF will also help in minimising suntan, and sun damage by blocking and absorbing UV rays.

Here is Belle Vous recommended Korean beauty product - Missha All-Round Safe Block.

 

Additional tips:

1. You can use beauty tools like jade rollers and guashas to reduce puffiness and accentuate your face.
2. By using Korean beauty products like lip tints and eyebrow pencils, you can achieve a more polished and refined look.

Be sure to try this Korean skincare routine at least once and see the difference that some extra loving can do to your skin!

Also check out Korean makeup products from Rom&nd only at Belle Vous.