Taking the world by storm over the last decade, the 10-step Korean skincare routine promises results thanks to effective formulas at affordable prices. The question is, does it work?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the steps of a Korean skincare routine, what each is supposed to do for your skin and where you can buy the best products to maintain your new routine.
10-step Korean skincare routine kit
For those of us who are proud if we can at least manage to cleanse, tone, and moisturise before bedtime, all these steps might sound excessive. But a little hard work never hurt anyone!
1. Cleansing balm/oil
With this routine, you’ll want to start with a soft cleanser such as a balm or oil. An ideal product for this first step is the Anew Clean Transforming Cleansing Balm. Massage a pea size amount in your hands to turn it into oil before applying, wiping the product away with a damp muslin cloth.
2. Foaming cleanser
If you suffer from breakouts, a good option at this stage is to use a foaming cleanser aimed at targeting spots and blemishes. One solution is the Clearskin Blemish Clearing Fresh Bubble Cleanser. Apply to wet skin, then wash away any remaining product with warm water before exfoliating.
3. Exfoliator
When shopping for an exfoliator, there are two ways to go. Choose either a chemical exfoliator or a physical exfoliator that contains ingredients like sugar. You could try an exfoliating scrub like the Clearskin Facial Exfoliator for Pore & Shine Control. Again, be sure to rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
4. Serum
There are several different types of serums for different skin types. The best skincare routine for dry skin benefits from intensely moisturising serums, like the Planet Spa Heavenly Hydration Neck & Chest Serum. When applying a product as nourishing as this, don’t forget to smooth over your neck and decolletage to fully feel the benefits. For more mature skin trying to fight the impacts of ageing, serums such as the Anew Skin Reset Plumping Shots or Anew Renewal Protinol Power Serum are game-changers for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
5. Essence
Next, it's time to apply essence. The Distillery CBD Batch 420 Facial Elixir helps to brighten dull or tired-looking skin, plus it can be particularly effective on days where you’re feeling most tired. It also has soothing qualities that make it ideal for those of us with sensitive or blemished skin.
6. Toner
If your skin tends to be oily and shiny, you’ll next want to use a toner that combats this, such as the Clearskin Pore & Shine Control Mattifying Charcoal Toner. Alternatively, if blackheads are more of a problem for your skin than tackling shine, you might wish to use something like the Blackhead Clearing Face Toner
7. Sheet mask
Retinol is the magic ingredient in any Korean skincare routine because it helps combat the signs of ageing. Although this step can be time-consuming, applying a sheet mask can make all the difference to your skin’s appearance. For hydrated, youthful, glowy skin, try the Anew Protinol™ Skin Hero Hydrogel Plumping Mask. Apply it to your face for 15 minutes, then massage any remaining serum into the skin.
8. Moisturiser or night cream
Your penultimate step should always be a moisturiser if you’re heading out or a night cream if you’re off to bed. Ideal in the mornings, the Anew Platinum Day Lifting Cream boasts SPF25, so it can even help you skip the next step, which is, of course, to use sunscreen. If heading to bed, however, a thicker night cream is in order, such as the Anew Platinum Night Replenishing Cream.
9. Eye cream
Our eyes are where many of us start to show the first signs of ageing, but you can help delay this by moisturising your eye area twice a day. Apply an intensely moisturising cream around the eyes unless your skin is oily. The skin around your eyes is a lot thinner than the rest of your face and, therefore, can dry out a lot quicker. Why not try the Anew Instant Eye Smoother?
10. Sleeping mask or an SPF
If you’re heading out and your daily moisturiser doesn’t contain SPF, it’s essential to apply sunscreen – even if you're not going anywhere particularly sunny. If you’re off to sleep, an overnight face mask can help you out, like the Anew Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask.
10-step Korean skincare routine for sensitive skin
The Korean skincare routine for sensitive skin is similar and includes moisturising ingredients. However, if you find that some of the recommended products cause you irritation, the best thing to do is stop using them immediately, then reintroduce one new product each week to determine which one is causing you problems.
Once you’ve found which product is causing sensitivity, remove it and find something else. You could consider something from our sensitive skin range, like the Nutra Effects Soothe Hydrating Day Cream with SPF20.
And there you have it, the lowdown on the Korean 10-step skincare routine.