10 STEP KOREAN SKIN CARE ROUTINE

The 10-step skin care routine is a hallmark of Korean beauty and has been popular in Korea since the 1960s. This phenomenon later spread to America and has become increasingly popular in Europe as well. Many here in Sweden have already discovered the products' natural and effective ingredients, often combined with innovative technology.

Although this known routine has 10 steps, it is important to note that the number of steps is flexible. It changes not only based on skin type, but also with the seasons. Each step has an important function that improves the skin and brings you one step closer to the desired result.

OIL BASED CLEANING : STEP 1

The famous Korean double cleanse begins with an oil-based cleanser / cleansing balm and follows up with a water-based cleanser. Oil-based cleansing is the first step where makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and other oil-based impurities are dissolved. The skin is cleaned gently and effectively while preserving its natural lipid barrier. Regardless of skin type, oily or dry, over- or under-production of sebum will balance out over time. Use a cleansing balm to remove any oil-based impurities.

WATER BASED CLEANING : STEP 2

The famous Korean double cleanse begins with an oil-based cleanse and is followed by a water-based cleanse. The water-based cleanse is the second part of the double cleanse method. Here, the skin is cleaned of remaining residues that the oil cleansing did not pick up. In this second step, the cleanser is more focused on the skin problem and treats the skin while leaving it clean and ready for toner.

PEELING/EXFOLIATION : STEP 3

Peeling or exfoliation helps the skin to remove excess dead skin cells, clean deeply and reduce clogged pores and impurities in the form of pimples and blackheads. This step is performed 1-3 times a week depending on needs and skin type. It is also recommended as a preparation of the skin before face masks for maximum exchange of valuable ingredients. This is an extra step and does not need to be included every day.

TONER : STEP 4

A toner balances the skin's pH value and prepares it for the next steps in the skin care routine. The use of toners is central to Korean skin care and has various properties. Some contain acids and gently exfoliate the skin, others moisturize deeply, while some calm the skin and reduce redness. Use a toner to balance the pH and start the hydration.

ESSENCE : STEP 5

Acting as a mix between toner and serum, essences are very essential in Korean skin care. They often contain cell-renewing ingredients that naturally renew your skin in a gentle way, leading to smoother, healthier and more resilient skin. Essences are aimed at boosting hydration.

SERUM , AMPOULES: STEP 6

Serum is the treatment step in the skin care routine where active ingredients target specific skin problems such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dehydration and acne. Just like serums, ampoules contain an even higher amount of active ingredients for targeted treatment. Serums often have a less runny consistency than the previous steps such as essence and toner. These are the most personalized steps in your routine, where the properties target your specific skin concern.

MASK : STEP 7

Masks are mainly available in two varieties, sheet mask and wash-off mask. Sheet masks are usually made of a thin cotton fabric soaked in nourishing essence. It is effective and practical as it is easy to use and remove. A spa mask or wash-off mask usually comes in a jar or tube, and is a mask that is applied to the face. Some masks are sleeping masks that are applied before going to bed, while others should be washed off after 15-20 minutes. Face masks pamper the skin and are good in it, visible and fast results, because they often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients.

EYE CREAM : STEP 8

The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest and most delicate things we have. An eye cream is specially developed for the thin and sensitive skin and therefore contains mild but effective ingredients that increase elasticity and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Other properties that an eye cream can have are cooling, moisturizing and reducing swelling and pigment changes.

MOISTURE CREAM : STEP 9

Seal, encapsulate everything with a moisturizer, this is the last step in the skin care routine before sun protection. A Korean moisturizer can have many properties, unique ingredients, and you can choose between a lighter water-based or a heavier oil-based cream. In addition to choosing a cream that is adapted to your skin type and skin condition, face creams also act as a protective barrier for your skin.

SUN PROTECTION : STEP 10

Every morning you always finish with sunscreen. Sunscreen is your best weapon against premature aging. Sunscreens from South Korea are completely unique when it comes to consistency, effectiveness and content of caring ingredients. They feel very light on the skin, do not clog any pores, do not destroy the make-up and treat while protecting against dangerous UV rays. They also contain PA+++, which provides the best protection against the sun and the risk of getting sunburned. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product on the market and should be a regular part of your skin care routine all year round. It protects the skin from the sun and preserves the skin's moisture, youth and elasticity.

You do not need to complete all 10 steps. You can do five or you can do more. It's about what your skin needs and what's right for you. The most important thing in the K-Beauty concept is that you create good skin care routines. Get to know your skin and see what's right for you based on your skin type or condition.

Many of our customers have more than ten steps in their routine, this becomes a habit as the routine only takes a few minutes every morning and evening. A multi-step routine does not have to take a long time or in any way be difficult in your everyday life! It is your "own time" and it should be exactly as you please.