Decoding A 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

Korean skincare is the cornerstone of skincare right now. Its popularity has been soaring for the past few years and the skincare industry worldwide keeps a watch on the innovative and excellent products that Koreans come out with. You might have noticed a rice water toner or an essence for achieving glass skin on trending videos on social media and wondered if it’s worth the hype. Well, we’re here to tell you that it is, and you should definitely give Korean skincare a chance!

In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the most important and unique ingredients of Korean skincare and help you create a 10-step skincare routine of your own! Additionally, we’ll also introduce you to makeO skinnsi’s products that can help you achieve your dream skin easily.

Typical Ingredients in Korean Skincare

Korean skincare does things differently from others. They focus on some things that others may not and that’s where the magic happens! Here are some of the main ingredients of Korean skincare that you should know about!

- Snail Mucin

Yes, you read that right! The mucin snails produce is used as a major ingredient in K-skincare serums and lotions to help replenish the moisture on the skin, while also hydrating and softening it. Snail mucin is said to also have many anti-ageing benefits and can help you delay signs of ageing through continual usage.

- Rice

Rice extract or rice water is a popular core ingredient in toners, sheet masks, toner pads and more! That’s because it can boost the elasticity of the skin and brighten it, making it ideal for ageing and dull skin.

- Centella Asiatica

For dry and sensitive skin, Centella Asiatica is a cooling saviour. It not only promotes youthful skin but hydrates and calms inflammation, making it a great addition to your skincare products.

- Ginseng

Ginseng is a famous traditional herb that is rare and costly. Not only does this herb have numerous health benefits, it also has several anti-ageing benefits! It increases blood circulation in the skin, improves the skin barrier, fights uneven skin tone and more to give you young and blemish-free skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid

The best ingredient for dry and dull skin, hyaluronic acid is known to make a layer on top of the skin and help retain the natural moisture present there. Hyaluronic acid is a common skincare ingredient found in many Korean toners, ampoules and more.

Building a 10-step Korean Skincare Routine

Now that you’re aware of the most popular ingredients used in Korean skincare, let’s help you understand how a 10-step Korean skincare routine works. Follow the 10 steps below and you’ll have your very own Korean-inspired routine with all the important steps you need to achieve the perfect glass skin.

1. Oil cleansing

Instead of using any random face cleanser as the first step, Koreans begin their skincare routine by using an oil cleanser. This helps remove any oil-based products from their face including residual mascara, foundation and more.

Use a high-quality oil cleanser in circular motions across your face and be extremely gentle near the eyes for a pleasant experience. Oil cleansers can help remove sebum, whiteheads and blackheads too.

2. Water-based cleanser

Now, out with the oil cleanser, and in goes the water-based cleanser! This is the second time you cleanse your face and the act of double cleansing can be highly beneficial in removing all that gunk and keeping your skin fresh, clean and soft.

3. Exfoliation

Environmental pollutants, dry skin, dead skin cells and sebum can leave your skin feeling rough and dull. Exfoliation is one key step in fighting these issues and revealing the healthy, supple and smooth skin underneath. Though it’s not advisable to exfoliate daily, you can do it 1-2 times a week to keep your skin feeling as soft as a feather!

4. Toner

Koreans believe in drenching their skin with refreshing and calming toners that can balance the pH level of the skin, reduce inflammation, provide hydration and boost nourishment. Oftentimes, they even layer 2 or 3 toners to fight excessive dryness and environmental damage.

5. Essence

Essence is a unique and highly crucial product in the Korean skincare routine. It’s a mix of a toner and a serum and provides intense hydration among other skin benefits. You should use an essence according to your skin concern, right after using a toner, on wet skin. Patting it into your skin is the best way to use it!

6. Treatment/ Serum/ Ampoule

In this step, you should pick out serums or treatment products that target your skin concerns and pat them onto your face in gentle motions. You can choose between Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, etc. and even pair them together for added benefits.

7. Sheet mask

Did you know that sheet masks are not only relaxing but also one of the quickest ways to help your skin absorb the serums you use? Yes! Once you’re done using your serums, you can put on a sheet mask and within 15-20 minutes, your skin will have soaked all of the goodness!

8. Eye cream

Fighting under eye darkness or loose skin? Choose an effective under-eye cream and gently apply it with clean hands.

9. Moisturiser

Lock in all the goodness from the products used with a nourishing moisturiser. Sealing it in will ensure that your skin has ample hydration and nourishment and this will lead to healthy, happy and glowing skin!

10. SPF

To make sure that you have the best skin for as long as possible, always make sure to step out only after applying a generous amount of SPF! It can fight signs of ageing, prevent dryness, tanning and inflammation and keep your skin protected even on the hottest days.

If you’re on your quest for beautiful skin, then why stop here? You can also avail makeO skinnsi’s glow facial, hydra-facial and other skin services to help enhance your skin and maintain it. We at makeO skinnsi also offer a host of helpful and science-backed skincare products such as sheet masks, anti-ageing serums, SPF, jade rollers and more. Our skin services and products work along with your regular skincare routine to give you added benefits and help you achieve your dream skin!

FAQs

What makes the Korean skin regimen unique compared to other skincare routines?

The Korean skin regimen is unique because it focuses on maintaining healthy, radiant, and youthful skin by following a multi-step approach. The Korean skincare routine is known for its detailed and customised steps, which target specific skin concerns and provide the skin with essential nutrients and hydration.

Is the Korean skincare routine suitable for all skin types?

You can use products that suit your skin type and address your unique skin concerns to make up a Korean skincare routine for your skin type. Else, you can find products that are suitable for all skin types and use them. Most Korean skincare products suit all skin types!

How often should I do the 10-step Korean skincare routine?

A 10-step skincare routine must be followed daily if you want to see noticeable results within a few months! Without fail, try to do the routine twice a day and you will have gorgeous skin in no time. However, out of the 10 steps, you can keep exfoliating and sheet masks to once or twice a week!

Can I use my existing skincare products while following the Korean skincare routine?

Yes, you can use your existing skincare products while following the Korean skincare routine, as long as they align with the steps and goals of the routine. You simply need to make sure that the products are being used correctly, in the right order and are actually suitable for your skin type. If you’re confused about which products to add to your 10-step routine, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.

Is it necessary to use only Korean skincare products for the 10-step routine?

No, it’s not a hard and fast rule that you can only do the 10-step routine with Korean products. As long as you are following the order of the products and the type of products, the benefits you get from the routine will be the same! If you’re looking for Indian alternatives to SPF, sheet masks and serums, check out makeO skinnsi today!