Korean Skincare in 10 Steps
Korean skincare in 10 steps β¨
Spoiler alert: you don't have to do all 10 steps all the time . You just have to do the right ones, at the right time. Here's how, with simple words, concrete examples, and a pinch of humor.
πΈ Korean cosmetics: a global phenomenon
Korean skincare, or K-beauty, wasn't born yesterday: it has its roots in East Asian skincare traditions, where glowing, even skin has always been synonymous with health πΏ. Natural ingredients such as rice, green tea, and ginseng have been used for centuries.
The international boom, however, is more recent: since the 2000s, South Korea has begun exporting its products and rituals, accompanied by a wave of pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas). The result? Millions of people intrigued by innovative textures, delicate and effective formulas, and irresistible packaging π.
Why so famous?
-
π‘ Continuous innovation (new active ingredients, new textures, new ideas every year).
-
πΈ Accessibility: effective products at prices often lower than in the West.
-
π± Philosophy: don't mask, but care for the skin over time.
Fun fact: South Korea invests heavily in cosmetic research π¬; it's considered a living laboratory where many of the trends that later reach Europe are born.
The 10 steps, explained well (correct order)
1) Oil Cleanser
Korean skincare begins here: an oil that melts away makeup, pollution, and SPF like snow in the sun. Skin is left clean yet soft.
β¨ Recommended: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Β· Urang Natural Cleansing Oil
2) Foaming cleanser (Water Cleanser)
Completes cleansing and leaves skin fresh, ready to receive the rest.
β¨ Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Β· Mizon Cicaluronic Low pH Cleansing Foam Β· G9 Skin White in Milk Whipping Foam
3) Exfoliation (1β3 times a week)
It removes dead cells and brightens. Not every day, but when needed, it makes a difference.
β¨ Recommended: G9 Skin Self Aesthetic Butterfly Nose Strip Β· House of Dohwa White Rice Wash Off Mask
4) Tonic
Rebalances, refreshes and prepares the skin to better absorb the subsequent steps.
β¨ Recommended: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
5) Essence
The heart of K-beauty: lightweight hydration that makes the skin more receptive.
β¨ Recommended: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence
6) Sheet mask (1β2 times a week)
A hydration and relaxation booster: use after the essence and before the serum.
β¨ Recommended: G9 Skin Waterful Mask Β· 107 Beauty Avocado Cuddle Sheet Mask Β· G9 Skin Pore Clean Bubble Mask
7) Serum / Ampoule
Targeted treatment: blemishes, wrinkles, pores, brightness.
β¨ Recommended: Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum+ Β· Belif Super Drops Niacinamide & Vitamin C Β· Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum
8) Eye contour
A delicate area that deserves dedicated attention: it hydrates, illuminates, and prevents marks.
β¨ Recommended: G9 Skin Pink Blur Hydrogel Eye Patch Β· Village 11 Factory Miracle Youth Eye Cream
9) Moisturizing cream
It seals in all the benefits of the previous steps and strengthens the skin barrier.
β¨ Recommended: Mizon Hyalugen Le Lift Cream Β· Urang Rose Ceramide Cream
10) Sunscreen (daytime only)
The most important step: it protects from UV rays, prevents blemishes and premature aging.
β¨ Recommended: Suntique I'm Pure Perfect Cica SPF50 Β· Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50 Β· House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen SPF50
π Where do I start? (Ready-made mini kits)
π©π Mini Teen Kit (young skin, first imperfections)
The day begins with double cleansing : first the Anua Cleansing Oil and then the G9 Skin soft foam π«§. Afterwards, the Anua Heartleaf 77% toner rebalances and calms πΏ. For small imperfections, here is the Belif Niacinamide & Vitamin C serum , followed by the COSRX Snail Essence π which hydrates without weighing down. The routine ends with the Suntique Cica SPF50 sunscreen βοΈ. And when you want to have fun, try the Bubble Mask or the G9 Skin Nose Strip π.
πΈ Mini Kit for Young Women (20β40 years, prevention + glow)
Start with double cleansing : Urang oil and COSRX cleanser. Anua Heartleaf 77% toner prepares the skin. Then come the treatments: Klairs Vitamin Serum for luminosity β¨ and Benton Snail Bee Serum to regenerate. For the eyes, the Village 11 Eye Cream and G9 Skin Pink Patch duo π. The skin is nourished with Mizon Hyalugen Cream , while the extra masks (107 Avocado π₯ + G9 Skin Waterful π§) offer moments of relaxation. It ends with the Beauty of Joseon Sun Serum SPF50 βοΈ.
πΉ Mini Kit for Mature Skin (nourishment + anti-aging)
Thorough cleansing with Urang oil and Mizon Cicaluronic mousse. Then the Anua Heartleaf 77% toner . The heart of the routine is the trio: COSRX Snail Essence π, Benton Snail Bee Serum and Klairs Vitamin Serum , which work on elasticity and luminosity π. The eye area is pampered with Village 11 Eye Cream and G9 Skin Pink Patch ποΈ. To nourish, alternate Urang Rose Ceramide Cream πΉ during the day and Mizon Hyalugen Cream π at night. Extra masks? The House of Dohwa Rice Mask π and the 107 Avocado Sheet Mask π₯. Final protection with the House of Dohwa Rice Bran Sunscreen SPF50 βοΈ.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
-
Too many actives at once: choose one priority at a time.
-
Skipping sunscreen: it's like going on a diet... and having 4 croissants for dinner π₯.
-
Exfoliate when your skin screams: redness = break + ceramides.
-
Rubbing: skin loves gentle gestures π€².
How to choose products
-
Skin type: dry (looks for lipids and ceramides), combination/oily (light texture, niacinamide), sensitive (few fragrances, centella).
-
Season: In summer βοΈ lighten up; in winter βοΈ layer up.
-
Budget: Better to have 3 good products π than 10 random ones.
In the shop, you'll find carefully designed step-by-step selections ποΈ. Each product is chosen to be effective, pleasant to use, and easy to incorporate into your routine.
Quick Questions
Do I always have to do 10 steps? No. Think of the 10 steps as a βtoolboxβ π§°. Choose the ones that are useful today.
Can I use retinol and acids together? It's best to alternate them (e.g., retinol one night π, acids the next).
Is Korean skincare suitable for acne-prone skin? Yes, with targeted active ingredients (BHA, niacinamide) and light textures. If you use medications, consult a dermatologist π©βοΈ.
Pregnant/breastfeeding? Always ask your doctor π©Ί; prefer soothing and simple routines.
Ready to get started?
Discover our kits by level (Teen, Glow, Anti-aging) and bundles by goal (Blemishes, Pores, Sensitivity). Have questions? Contact us π©: we'll help you build your customized routine.
Your skin... more serene every day! πΈ
Continue reading