The Famous 10-Steps
Get perfect skin with the Korean 10-step skincare routine. Learn how to double cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize for a clear, youthful complexion. Say goodbye to blemishes and uneven skin tone and hello to radiant, healthy skin. Follow this ultimate guide for a flawless complexion.
The 10-step Korean skincare routine is famous for clear, glass-skin results, yet it is more flexible than it sounds. Save the full ritual for one or two self-care nights each week. On busy days, scale back to a 5- or 7-step routine that suits your skin’s needs while still using potent K-beauty formulas.
1. Oil-Based Makeup Removing Cleanser
Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. This first half of the Korean double-cleanse method leaves skin soft while protecting its natural lipids.
2. Water-based cleanser
Follow with a gentle, foaming water cleanser to lift sweat, micro-dust, and residue your oil cleanse may miss. Completing the double cleanse keeps pores clear and ready for treatment.
3. Exfoliator
Once or twice a week, use a mild chemical peel or pad to sweep away dull surface cells. Regular exfoliation boosts glow, refines texture, and helps later products absorb better.
4. Toner
A pH-balancing, hydrating toner replenishes lightweight moisture after cleansing. It preps skin for active ingredients and soothes any tightness from washing.
5. Essence
Pat in a fermented, hydration-rich essence to strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity. This K-beauty staple primes your complexion for concentrated serums.
6. Treatment, Serums, or Boosters
Apply a focused serum or ampoule to address concerns like dark spots, fine lines, or acne. Potent actives work deepest at this lightweight stage.
7. Sheet mask
Treat yourself to a sheet mask once a week. Fifteen minutes of concentrated serum calms irritation, plumps moisture reserves, and boosts overall radiance.
8. Eye Cream
Tap a peptide-rich eye cream around the orbital bone to reduce puffiness, soften fine lines, and brighten dark circles. The delicate eye area needs specialised care.
9. Moisturizer
Lock in hydration with a barrier-supporting face cream. Choose a gel texture for daytime freshness and a richer balm at night for extra nourishment.
10. Sun Protection (SPF)
Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ every morning. Daily sunscreen shields skin from UV-induced ageing, dark spots, and loss of firmness.