Before I introduced my friends to the Korean products and my 10 step skincare routine, they would often wonder where I get the patience and discipline to follow through with such a lifestyle. But as I would often tell them, if you could take an hour to apply makeup, what’s 20 minutes to follow through with something more benefitting? Try This 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine For Great Skin
The only challenge I can attest to though is the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. However, once you begin, everything becomes rather easier than anticipated. That said, allow me to break down my Korean 10-step skincare routine.
- Oil cleanser
Working remotely has its perks and one of them is staying bare face. For this reason, this is my least-used product. Nonetheless, I have an oil cleanser because it is effective in removing heavy makeup like stubborn mascara and Kohl. Additionally, an oil cleanser is better than conventional wet wipes since it’s not moisture stripping and is rich in antioxidants. These anti-oxidants are necessary for the skin as they protect microbiomes and prevent pathogens from entering through the pores. Check out this article on some of the Best Korean Cleansing Oils.
Some of the ones you can use include olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.
7 Benefits Of Using Face Oils In Your Skincare Routine
- Foam cleanser
I prefer using The Face Shop Rice Bran foaming Cleanser due to its brightening effect and cleansing power. It is effective in removing gunk, clearing pores and washing off residual makeup. For more information, check out this review of The Face Shop Rice Bran Foaming Cleanser
Beauty: 6 Benefits Of Using Cleansers
- Exfoliator
Because my skin is oily to combination exfoliation is a necessary step in my skincare routine. I use The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lave Pore Scrub because it is a foaming scrub, it is mild and it is not drying on the skin. Considering that my cleanser and exfoliator have particles that aid in exfoliation, at most I exfoliate 3 times a week to avoid agitating the skin. This exfoliator is effective in preparing the skin for the following steps. Beauty: 7 Benefits Of Exfoliating Your Skin
- Serum
I use the Innisfree green tea seed serum which as per directions, should be applied before the toner. This serum is ideal for someone seeking instant hydration, skin-soothing and oil balancing properties. For the full review, check out this article.
Pro Tips: Everything You Need To Know About Facial Serums
- Toner
Yes, you better believe it because the Innisfree Balancing Skin EX, which acts as a toner is applied after the serum and not before. This toner is very refreshing and it helps in boosting hydration since it seeps into the skin fast. If you’d like to find out more about why this toner is called Skin, Check out the full review here.
6 Benefits Of Using A Toner In Your Skincare Routine
- Essence
I use the Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin essence for its protecting and anti-ageing properties. This essence is effective in improving skin elasticity, giving the skin a natural glow and clearing dark spots, which could’ve occurred due to acne. Here’s the full review of the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence.
Skincare: The Beauty Benefits Of Snail Slime
- Sheet masks & Peel off masks
Sheet masks are the next thing you get if you want a spa-like experience right at your home. However, since I have a sleeping pack, I don’t use sheet masks quite as often. Instead, I use them at night, twice or thrice a week, that is whenever I need nourishing benefits or when I have an important event coming. Check out this review of the Aloe vera Korean sheet mask
Peel-off masks just like clay masks are also not my daily cup of tea. Hence, I use the Innisfree Super Volcanic Peel-off Mask whenever I feel my skin needs the benefits of physical exfoliation. This product is great for unclogging pores, brightening the skin and ensuring that you have a clean canvas, which prompts fast absorption of other skincare products.
Beauty: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Face Masks
- Eye cream
The Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream gets its cult following for various reasons. But I like it because of its clean, refreshing scent, anti-ageing benefits, skin brightening and skin-strengthening benefits. It is packed with a superior antioxidant known as orchid elixir 2.0 which is great for improving skin elasticity, brightening dark circles, reducing puffiness and protecting the delicate skin around the eyes. Check the full review of the Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream
7 Benefits Of Eye Masks And Eye Creams
- Moisturiser
The Innisfree Balancing skin Ex lotion serves as my daytime moisturizer. It is a lightweight liquid lotion designed for people who don’t fancy heavy creams and products for sealants. It is not sticky and its light texture makes it ideal for someone with oily to combination skin. It is also the best product to seal in your skincare right before you apply foundation or BBcream. Here’s the full review of the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion Skin Ex
6 Benefits Of Incorporating A Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine
- Sunscreen and night cream
As the last step of my daytime skincare routine, I use the Holika Holika Aloe soothing essence waterproof sun gel. This sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++ protects the skin against UVA rays and UVB rays, soothes the skin and controls oil production. It is lightweight, and although it’s white in colour it doesn’t leave a white cast. For this reason, it serves as the best sunscreen to apply right before using foundation or powder. I usually apply this sun gel 30 minutes before stepping outside giving it ample time to absorb and protect the skin effectively. Skincare: The Benefits Of Sunscreen And How To Apply It Properly
As for my nighttime routine, I finish off with the Innisfree Aloe Revital Sleeping Pack. This is a super hydrating product designed to heal, soothe, and repair the skin so that you wake up feeling refreshed and glowing like you just came out of a good night’s rest. Check out the full review here.
Now that you know how to optimise the Korean 10-step skincare routine, Check out the best products to use according to your skin type. If you are just beginning your journey with Korean skincare products check out these two posts The Ultimate Korean Beauty Glossary & Skincare Guide and The Mistakes To Avoid When Using Korean Skincare Products
Make sure you check out this article – 5 Ways You Are Making Your Sunscreen Less Effective Without Even Realizing It
How My Love For Korean Skincare Began
Beauty: Try This 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine For Great Skin