As a beauty enthusiast, I’m always eager to try the latest and greatest skincare trends. So I had to learn more about the 10-step Korean skincare routine when I heard about it. Is all the hullabaloo worth it? Is it a fad, or is it something more?
In this post, I’ll give you my honest opinion on whether or not the 10-step Korean skincare routine is worth trying.
Korean Skincare Routine: The Magic Of Natural Ingredients
Truly, the secret behind the effectiveness of the Korean skincare routine is its natural ingredients. All the ingredients used in the Korean skincare routine have been entirely sourced from nature and, on top of that, are also free from any harsh chemicals like parabens. Scroll down and find out the top ingredients of the magical Korean Skincare routine gaining popularity all across the globe.
“Flawless skin starts with a flawless skincare routine, and natural ingredients.”
1. Rice Water
Rice water is one of the most important ingredients in Korean Skincare, especially if you are opting for glass skin, just like the Koreans do for achieving that perfect, glass-like clear skin. Rice water is considered to be a soothing ingredient for sensitive skin. Moreover, it is also the perfect solution for any type of skin inflammation issues, irritation, and dermatitis.
2. Snail Mucin
Also known as SSF or Snail Secretion Filtrate, the snail mucin is one ingredient that has become pretty common in Korean skincare routines, even though it did sound quite strange initially. The effects of snail mucin are several – it has hydrating agents that help in healing irritations, promote the growth of new skin, and keep your skin moisturized.
3. Pearls
The entire Korean skincare market seemed to be obsessed with this one ingredient – Koreans love pearls, and rightfully so since they can do magic for your skin. Pearls not only include healing properties for fighting blemishes, removing acne, and minimizing all enlarged pores. Moreover, the ingredient is also becoming popular because of the naturally radiated effect it has on the user’s skin.
4. Propolis
Located on the sealings and walls of beehives, Propolis has a resin-like gummy texture which has several benefits, especially for skincare. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties which makes it perfect for treating skin affected with rashes, acne, and blemishes. Since Propolis also includes antioxidants, it is often used for calming all kinds of skin irritations.
Breaking Down the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine
“Filters are great, but glowing skin is better”
In the bustle of the morning rush, taking up an hour-long regimen just for your skin may seem like a chore. However, if the reported results are anything to go by, you’ll be thanking the person who invented it soon when you see the results.
With Korean skincare, the focus is less on a specific skin product brand but rather on tried and tested products that add different benefits to your skin.
1. Oil Cleanser Facial Wash
Choose an oil-based facial cleanser to wash your face. Unlike most other skincare routines, this intensive process is all about moisture. Our skin produces sebum, an oily substance that clogs your pores when not properly washed off.
“Less stress, more Facials.”
Oil cleansers, therefore, are the perfect solution as effective substances against facial, oily dirt. The most popular ingredients are usually oils like grapeseed or sweet-smelling jojoba oil.
2. Water or Foam Cleanser
We already expect to be as extra as possible with ten steps involved, so this second step is to get your face extra clean. Following up with a foam cleanser takes away extra sweat and grime accumulated on your skin’s surface.
“If it doesn’t nourish your skin, or your soul, let it go.”
Get products with green tea or rice extracts for this double-cleanse step.
3. Exfoliation
This is the secret to having flawless, bright, youthful skin. Massage the exfoliator into your skin to eliminate any dead skin and unclog your pores.
“Don’t hate. Hydrate and Exfoliate!”
Ideally, skip a day or two between exfoliators, and for those with extra-sensitive skin, limit it to once a week. Ingredients like lactic acid and grainy sugar are key to scrubbing your face clean.
4. Grab a Toner
Facial toner is a light, gentle moisture coating that softens your skin. The first three processes make your skin more delicate than usual. So the toner aids in nutrient absorption to replenish your skin. Your toner helps regulate your pH level, which, when off, can cause breakouts.
“Be picky with your time, your inner circle, and your toner.”
A toner can also be used to diminish the appearance of black marks. This procedure will be especially beneficial for those who have coped with the scarring aftereffects of acne. Aloe vera is the holy grail of all cleansers, so check the ingredients when looking for the right product.
5. Apply Essence or Serum
This, ultimately, is the heart of the Korean beauty regimen. It’s significant since the function of essence or serum is similar to that of a booster or ampoules for your skin. The mixture is packed with powerful, active components that give you a youthful glow, assist in intense hydration, and help balance your pH.
“Life is short. Buy the Serum.”
They’re also great for helping you fight various skin issues while giving your skin an extra boost. Rice is a common ingredient, as well as hyaluronic acid.
6. Treatments
At their most basic, treatments are serums applied to relieve specific skin conditions like skin pigmentation or acne. Ingredients like vitamins C are great for problem areas and tea tree oil.
“Book your appointment and avoid dissappointment.”
Before engaging in any sort of routines, consulting your skincare esthetician is the best thing you can do. Your esthetician will be able to tell you whether your skin needs treatment or if the damage can be solved with specific products.
7. Sheet Masks
Different skins need different masks at different times. If you’re feeling dehydrated, something hydrating like cucumber or ingredients like green tea work best. For brighter skin, honey-based masks would be ideal.
“Friday-night plans: getting sheet faced”
For oily skin types, stay away from creamy masks that will make your skin even oilier and cause breakouts. Masks have numerous benefits, such as restoring damage caused by, e.g., UV damage while also calming skin irritation from itchy spots around acne breakouts. Use these every other week to infuse your skin with essential nutrients.
8. Eye Creams
These moisturize the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes, helping to minimize fine lines, to eliminate dark circles and inflammation. The best products are those with honey extracts.
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for eye cream.”
The fact is we all need eye creams. Once you enter your mid-20s, the late nights, the stress, and the uneven sleeping patterns all seem to add up only to create huge dark circles beneath your eyes. In that case, you need your eye cream to save you from dark circles.
9. Moisturize
Hydration is the key to happy skin, and different skin types require different moisturizers. Oily skin might benefit from water-based products, while dry skin might need oily or cream-based moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid and bamboo are key in helping lock in the moisture.
“I glow better when I’m moisturized.”
If you don’t moisturize, especially if you have dry skin, the benefits of the enire skincare routine will be lost in your skin. In fact, children in Korea are taught the significance of the same from a very young age so that they can take care of their skin.
10. Sunscreen
Many people assume sunscreen is only to be worn when stepping out on a hot summer day. However, even if it’s cold or you won’t leave the house, don’t skip it.
“All I need is glassy skin, sunscreen, and 5 million dollars.”
It plays an important role in massaging zinc oxide and other metallic oxides to protect your skin from UV damage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which Korean Skincare Is Best?
The most popular Korean skincare products are as follows,
- Glass Skin Refining Serum,
- Mugwort Essence,
- EGF Collagen Ampoule,
- Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, and
- Renewing Rich Beauty Cream
2. Is Korean Skincare More Effective?
Yes, the Korean skincare routine is considered to be one of the most effective skincare routines in the world. Wondering why? The secret is in the natural, chemical-free ingredients that are used for making these skincare products. Moreover, even children are taught the importance of an SPF while growing up.
3. Why Is Korean Skincare So Popular?
The reason why Korean skincare is so popular is that it uses natural ingredients sourced from Mother Nature and is free from any harmful toxins. Moreover, people these days are leaning more and more towards ingredients that are natural and free from any harsh chemicals – aren’t Korean products exactly like that?
But First, Skincare!
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy good skincare which is kind of the same thing.”
So there we have it! In Korea, beauty is big business, and it caters to both genders. With the emphasis on preventive care and moisturization, it stands to reason that investing in a youthful, glowing face will require a significant amount of time!
Let us know if you’ve tried this 10-step Korean skincare routine and if you’ve been converted! We certainly think it is!
Read Also: