Trying out the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine

I bet you was all thinking 10?! My thoughts exactly. At first, I thought it was 10 steps in the morning and 10 steps at night everyday when in fact it’s not. Some steps can be skipped or aren’t suitable for the time of day. It is known that Koreans spend more on skincare and can thank their innovative skincare technology for their amazing, glowing skin. These are the basic steps:

Remove makeup/oil based cleanser
Water based cleanser
Exfoliate/Wash off masks
Toner
Essence
Serums, ampoules, boosters
Sheet masks
Eye cream
Moisturise
SPF

As you can see, some will be morning only (SPF), others will be night only (oil based cleanser) whilst some are once a week or whenever needed (exfoliating/wash off masks, sheet masks). There are some routines that are more than these so called 10 steps. They may include a clay mask, sleeping mask/oil, more serums, more sheet masks etc. It all sounds overwhelming doesn’t it? The way this routine works is to apply them according to their consistency, thinnest to thickest. This will allow all products to sink into the skin properly.

I’ve been doing this since January and it’s turned into a habit, becoming my skin care routine. Below are my day and night skin care routines, listing all of the products I currently use.

Not all of the products I use are from Korean brands, I have a good mix. In the end, this routine is all about nurturing your skin.

Before starting this, I had just cleansed, toned, moisturised and spot treatment. I did add in the occasional mask here and there. The typical Western routine I guess? This was more like a shock to my skin without any negative, visible effects. Doing the routine can take me as little as 15 minutes to over an hour.

In the serums and ampoules section, I actually use all three products listed above and in that order too in the morning and evening. Looking at it now, it looks OTT but my skin actually likes it. In the evenings, I’ll only pre cleanse if I’m wearing makeup. I’ll exfoliate and use wash off masks one to two times a week depending on how my skin is, but never both on the same night. I’ll use a sheet mask every other day. Koreans tend use them everyday and even one sheet mask after another! The evening moisturiser will depend on how my skin is behaving at the time.

In reality, most days aren’t actually 10 steps. It’s only when I incorporate more steps such as extra serums, masks. Some women may have 18 steps. Say whaaat.

So what did I think of it? Initially, effort and a chore! I mean, who has the time nowadays. I guess when you get into a routine, it gets easier. I must admit, there are times where I’m rushing in the morning and end up skipping steps. The bigger question is, any skin improvements? Actually, yes! I don’t break out as much on my chin when it’s the time of the month, the texture of my skin is a lot better, it’s smoother. Skin tone is more even and brighter. I can go out wearing just concealer under the eyes and that’s it. Being oily and spot prone, I’ve always thought, the more products use on my skin, the worse it gets but nope it hasn’t.

Would I recommend it? If you have the time and are committed (results aren’t overnight), then yes. Don’t go out of your way to try it if you’ve already got a working routine though. It’s nice to try it out but it’s not for everyone. I’m actually going to carry with this “10” step routine.

What are your thoughts on this routine?