Korean skin care and the steps of a 10-step skin care routine

For many, the first thing that comes to mind from a Korean skincare routine is the so-called 10-step routine, where the skin is pampered with various masks, ampoules, eye serums, lymphatic massage, etc. In reality, you don't need to do all these steps every day, and you can tailor your skin care routine to your own needs.

The steps in a Korean 10-step skin care routine

1. Make-up removal with an oil-based cleansing product
2. Skin cleansing with a water-based cleansing product
3. Peeling
4. Mask (wash-off or sheet mask)
5. Toner
6. Serum, ampoule and essence
7. Eye cream
8. Moisturizer (and emulsion)
9. Night mask and lip mask
10. Sunscreen

Simple Korean Skin Care Routine in 3 Steps:

1. Double cleansing: Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser and after that, cleanse the skin with a water-based cleanser.
2. Moisturize: Use toner, serum and moisturizer.
3. Sunscreen: Remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Why double cleansing is worth it

Thorough two-step cleansing of the skin is an important part of an authentic Korean skin care routine. Oil-based cleansing effectively removes make-up, sunscreen and dirt accumulated on the skin during the day. After this, the skin is cleaned with a water-based product.

By just adding this one extra step of cleansing skin twice, can give you great results! 

Moisturizing the skin: all skin types need moisturizer

All skin types, including oily and blemish-prone, need and benefit from the use of moisturizing products. For example, acne skin can often be sensitive and dry due to repeated infections, especially if various acne treatment products are used. In this case, it is important to take care to moisturize the skin so that the skin barrier remains in good condition, because damaged skin is even more susceptible to infections and bacteria.

If you want the simplest skin care routine possible, choose an oil-based cleanser that suits your skin type, toner and moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Toner and how to use it

The first step to moisturizing the skin is toner. Toner is in no way intended to wipe away make-up residues, but instead it provides the skin with first dose of moisturizing and caring ingredients, and prepares the skin for the following treatment steps. Toner also balances the skin's pH balance after cleansing.

Korean toners come in a variety of formulations, from watery runny to thicker emulsions. We recommend that you apply moisturizing toners by patting with your hands, exfoliating ones should instead be applied to the face with a cotton pad in circular motions.

Toner pads, popular in Korea, are very convenient, as they have toner already saturated on the pad. Toner pads can be used either as regular toners or they can be left on the face for a few minutes as a mask.

If you're ready to invest a little in your skin care routine, we recommend choosing a toner, serum, and moisturizer that suits your skin type. With this combination, you can already go a long way in the pursuit of glowing skin.

What is the 7 skin method?

You may have heard of the Korean method where toner is applied to the skin more than once. Even though the method says seven, it's not really supposed to put seven layers of toner on the skin.

The idea is more that if your skin feels very dry, you can add two or three layers of toner, or even more if you want.

What is the difference between toner and essence?

Essence is the next step in the skincare routine after toner. It contains active ingredients that treat desired skin problems, such as dark spots, add additional moisture or prevent the first signs of aging.

Although essence has a water-like composition, it is also not the same as toner, as the it has more moisturizing and skin-care ingredients than toner.

As a difference to the serum, essence is usually lighter and has a more fluid consistency. The concentrations of active ingredient in essence are also not as high as in a serum or ampoule.

Essence is a water-based care product that is applied to the skin after toner. The essence is applied to the face by patting with hands, just like serum.

What is the difference between serum and ampoule?

While the skin is still damp from toner or essence, apply the next treatment product to the skin.

Serums and ampoules contain active ingredients that are absorbed deep into the skin. Active ingredients, e.g. vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and so on, are selected according to the needs of their own skin.

An ampoule contains active ingredients in high concentrations, which are intended to treat a specific skin problem, such as uneven skin tone or fine lines. Ampoules often contain only one active ingredient, such as centella, but in higher concentrations than in serum. Serums, on the other hand, often combine many different active ingredients, so that you get the benefits of several ingredients at the same time.

If you want to treat several different skin problems or if you are looking for more benefits from your skin care routine, you can layer several different serums and ampoules. A good rule of thumb is to layer different serums and ampoules no more than 3 at a time.

Most of the active ingredients can be used at the same time, but when using stronger ingredients such as retinoids (retinol, retinal) and peeling acids, you should use judgment in the combination. This is mainly so that you don't accidentally stress your skin too much at once, with products that are too strong. This easily leads to damage to the skin barrier. If you are unsure about the combination of products or ingredients, you can always ask for advice in our store or from our beautician.

Face cream is added after serum

Moisturizer is an important final step in hydrating the skin. Choose a product that suits your skin type, for example, a face cream for aging skin contains skin elasticity and elasticity and ingredients that fade lines. The best moisturizer for oily skin is light, often gel-like, and doesn't clog the pores. The busiest and those who want a skin care routine as simple as possible can try a face cream with an added sun protection. However, we primarily recommend a separate face and sun cream to get the best results and protection.

What is Korean emulsion and how to use it?

Emulsion is definitely one of the most confusing Korean skincare products out there, as it can't be directly categorized into a specific purpose. Essentially and simplistically, an emulsion is (for the most part) a very light moisturizer. Its composition is more runny and lighter than a cream, thicker than a serum and quickly absorbed into the skin. In this case, the emulsion is added to the skin care routine after the serum, before moisturizer or sunscreen.

However, emulsion can also mean a product that prepares and softens the skin like an essence. In that case, the product is then intended to be used after toner and any essences, before an ampoule and serum. The intended use of the product can be found not only based on the composition, but also most easily directly from the instructions and description.

For some, an emulsion alone may be enough as the last moisturizing step in skincare, but emulsions are at their best when used in addition to a moisturizer in a skincare routine. Emulsion is by no means the most important step in skin care, but rather a special supplement that can be used to get additional benefits from your skin care routine. So you can also replace face cream with an emulsion, if its moisturizing properties are sufficient for your skin's needs.

Sunscreen is the last step in your skin care routine

Sunscreen completes the skin care routine. Whether you prefer chemical or physical filter, the most important thing is to use sunscreen regularly and sufficiently. Meaning choose sunscreen you actually want to use!

For the face and neck, a rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen with two lines the length of a finger. The problem with this measuring method is of course that the cream comes out in different amounts from different tubes and our hands are different sizes. If in doubt, according to the instructions, apply 0.25-0.5 teaspoons of sunscreen to your face.

Official guidelines from different countries on the necessity of sun protection in winter vary, but the sun's rays have been shown to cause a large part of the signs of skin aging, so there is absolutely no harm in using it in winter. Inside, however, you don't need sunscreen, unless you're standing in front of a window in direct sunlight most of the day.

Tinted tone up cream with SPF protection and covers a light Like a BB cream, speeds up busy mornings tremendously. But remember that you usually don't get as high protection from a BB cream as from a regular sunscreen, since you don't apply as much tone up or BB cream as you would sunscreen. So treat tone up and BB creams more like an additional protection, instead of actual sunscreen.

Facial peeling

All skin types benefit from exfoliation, including dry and sensitive skin. Peeling removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and thus prevents clogged pores which, among other things, cause blackheads. Also, skin care products can work more effectively when you remember to exfoliate your skin regularly.

When we are younger, our skin can effectively remove dead skin cells, but as we age, our skin starts to need help.

You should also remember moderation when exfoliating. Excessive exfoliation can cause, among other things, skin infections and worsen acne.

Use a face mask

You can choose face mask according to your own taste; either washable or disposable sheet mask. A mask is an effective addition to your skin care routine, even though it's not necessity. But if you dream of Korean glass skin, the mask will add a nice boost to your skin care routine.

You can use the masks every day if you want! You'll get the best benefit by adding a mask or more to your skin care routine each week.

In what order are the skin care products placed?

Skincare products are always added starting with water-based products and oil-based products are added last. This ensures that all products are absorbed into the skin.

Products are added from the most runny to thickest compositions: toner, serum, moisturizer, oil and sunscreen.

Products with a water-based formulation are absorbed deeper into the skin (like a serum or an ampoule) and if a thick face cream was added before them, its bigger molecular structure would prevent thinner skin care products from being absorbed where they belong.

Remember that no product is guaranteed to suit everyone, even if the skin type is the same. If you want tips and individual advice regarding your skin care, come to our expert Yeppo & Soonsoo store or ask for advice from our beautician.