Have you heard about the Korean 10-step skincare routine? Popular for some time in Korea and other nearby Asian countries, within the last few years Korea’s nightly skin routine has gained popularity in the west as K-Beauty becomes an international trend.
Although beauty bloggers and skincare gurus sometimes disagree about the exact order of the steps in the process and even the required number of steps, the following is the generally accepted method:
Step 1: Oil-based Cleanser
While massaging oil on to your face might seem like the last thing you want to do, traditional cleansers can actually irritate the skin, causing dryness which leads to the extra production of oil, resulting in clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. Washing with a cleansing oil not only dissolves impurities like makeup and dirt, but also opens up pores to give a deep clean, preventing breakouts, and leaving your face soft and smooth.
Step 2: Double-cleansing (Water-based Cleanser)
A gentle water-based cleanser serves to remove leftover residue from the oil cleanse and is the second step of the famous dual cleanse method.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliating is important to refresh the skin as dead skin cells are rubbed way, allowing for the moisture and nutrients in the upcoming steps to deeply permeate the skin. This step should be done at least twice a week, but be careful not to overdo it!
Step 4: Toner
Apply toner gently with cotton pads to help balance the pH levels of the skin. Without it, your skin may become dehydrated and irritated, so make sure you don’t forget this vital step.
Step 5: Essence
Essence is a light hybrid moisturizer that hydrates and repairs skin, and even assists with cell turnover.
Step 6 & 7: Ampoules and Serums
Target areas of concern with these highly concentrated special treatments depending on your individual skin type or problem areas to fully absorb all the moisture and nutrients of the routine. Use as needed.
Step 8: Sheet Mask
Perhaps the most famous step, experiment with a variety to find your favorites! The secret of the sheet mask is in the sheet itself—the extended contact with the skin on your face allows for maximum absorption of moisture and whichever specialized nutrients your mask may have. Pop on a sheet mask from anywhere between ten and twenty minutes, one to three times a week. Don’t forget to lightly tap the remaining moisture on your face to soak up every last drop! Some people even like to rub the mask on other parts of their body needing some hydration.
Step 9: Eye Cream
The delicate and sensitive undereye area requires special attention to hydrate and protect. Use a brightening solution to help with appearance of dark circles.
Step 10: Moisturizer
Finally, apply a night time moisture cream to shield the skin and lock-in all the effects of the previous steps until morning for maximum effect. We recommend JW Plastic Surgery’s very own ‘Repair Whitening Mask Pack’.
Don’t have the time for a full ten steps? Simplify the process by removing a few products, picking and choosing the products that work for you.
Although the process might seem daunting at first, a solid night routine can help your mind relax and signal to your body that it is time to wind down for the night and get ready for sleep. The Korean 10-step skincare routine is for general upkeep and preventative maintenance.
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