When I started to look after my skin, I was always trying out different skincare routines. There are hundreds of them online and not all of them will work on your skin type.
After trying out a few, I discovered the 10 step Korean skincare routine and I tested it for a few months. This routine is effective for those who have oily/acne prone skin, but if you over do it, it might also dry out your skin (speaking from personal experience here).
Given the results of this skincare routine I didn’t want to give it up, and I came up with a simpler, but very similar routine by cutting a few steps, and getting the same results without drying out my skin.
(disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience, I am not a dermatologist, just a fan of the skin care products)
1 – Triple cleansing
- Good bye makeup:
With the triple cleansing you already have 3 steps in your skincare routine. Before doing anything I remove my makeup with oil based makeup removers, since they are super effective on my skin.
My favourites:
Innisfree – green tea moisture cleansing oil
(Check the Innisfree range here: http://www.innisfree.com/my/en/product/productList.do
The Ordinary – Squalane Cleanser
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/39wSW78
- Starting off
After having removed the makeup I normally proceed to wash it with a gentle foam facial wash. I usually go for tea tree based ones.
My Favourites:
Innisfree – Green Tea Foam Cleanser
Nature Republic – Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/2SApXZW
2 – Exfoliating
As part of my routine I use gentle exfoliators daily (Edit: I use facial wash with exfoliating agents). I feel that this step guarantees that my face is 100% clean and makeup free. After finishing with the 3 step cleansing I always feel like my skin is quite firm and fresh, and I have noticed that my pores absorbed the serum and moisturisers better.
My favorite:
Skinfood – Black Sugar Mask Wash Off (Edit: I use this one 1 a week or some times a couple of times a moth as it is a scrub for deep exfoliating).
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/37h1flt
3 – Hydrating the Skin – Last Steps
- Toning
After finishing with the cleansing process I always use toners. This step helps to remove the excess dirt on your skin, traces of oil and makeup, balances the pH and helps control acne.
My favourites:
The Body Shop – Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Milky Toner
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/37pKeFX
Innisfree – Green Tea Balancing Skin
- Serums
Personally I believe this step was a game changer for me. My skin improved incredibly once I started using serums. For this step in particular I haven’t had the chance to use K-beauty Serums.
Ever since I started I have used The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. This serum has helped me to get that glowy skin I’ve always dreamt of.
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/2MBvM5K
- Moisture
Moisturisers are basic in any skin care routine, they help the skin to get all of those nutrients it needs.
There are many moisturisers on the market and each of them help with a different skin concern. The ones I use are for my oily/acne prone skin and work great for me but it might not be the best option for everyone.
Make sure to check out your skin type before purchasing any moisturiser.
My Favourites:
Nature Republic – Aloe Soothing Gel
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/39m7K8h
The Body Shop – Seaweed + SPF moisturiser
You can buy it here:
https://amzn.to/366ZQhj
- SPF For life
I would normally use Sun Protection Factor (SPF) before moisturising my skin. These days I use The Body Shop moisturisers that includes a light SPF, perfect for grey winter days, but in the summer I would definitely use it before any hydrating cream or gel.
My Favourites:
Missha – All Around Safe Block
Check it here:
https://amzn.to/39rHMAD
The Ordinary – Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Check it out here:
https://deciem.com/product/rdn-mineral-uv-filters-spf-30-with-antioxidants-50ml
Let us know if you have tried the Korean 10 step skin care routine and how it worked for you!
