Does the term ‘Korean skincare’ and k-beauty bring to mind the hyped 10-step skincare routine? We’re here to break it down for you.
Step 1 – The Oil Cleanse
Welcome to the double cleanse. This first step draws out oil-based impurities such as sebum, SPF, and pollutants which is vital before being able to fully cleanse water-based debris such as sweat and dirt. The goal for this step is to remove all non-polar molecules.
Read more about the oil cleanse here or shop oil cleansers.
Step 2 – The Water Cleanse
When you have applied and rinsed off an oil-based cleanser, you can then move on to using a water-based cleanser, which is essential to remove any remaining oil from your skin. Water-based cleansers’ main difference is that they are able to get rid of polar molecules like dirt and sweat. The goal for this step is for your skin to feel clean, soft and hydrated.
Find out more about this step here or discover our range of water based cleansers.
Step 3 – Tone
Toners are formulated to do one thing: balance the pH level in your skin. When it comes to Korean toners, they tend to be milder and are also designed to help prep skin for the next steps that follow in your k-beauty 10-step skincare routine. The goal for this step is to provide that first and essential layer of hydration.
Find out more about this step here (coming soon!) or shop toners here.
Step 4 – Serum
Serums are the secret sauce that will really put you on the path toward the glow you seek. These magic bottles are concentrated in active ingredients that effectively target and treat skin issues such as dark spots and pigmentation, wrinkles, and dullness. The goal for this step is to target specific skin concerns you may have.
Find out more about this step (coming soon) or shop serums here.
Step 5 – Eye Care
Late nights, early mornings, long days… K-Beauty recognises that the skin under your eyes is the thinnest and the most sensitive, so ingredients included for eye creams are soft, gentle and non-irritating, offering that extra boost. The goal for this step is to moisturise, de-puff and minimize signs of ageing.
Find out more about this step (coming soon) or shop our range or eye care here.
Step 6 – Moisturise
Something to swear by is moisturising. It gives skin the water it needs to stay well hydrated and keeps all the goodies you’ve just applied locked in. They should be used almost last because most contain occlusives. These are ingredients that create a seal on the surface of the skin that retains moisture and gives that smooth, plump and healthy glow. The goal of this step is to keep your skin hydrated and your skin barrier balanced and protected.
Find out more about this step (coming soon) or shop moisturisers here.
Step 7 – Sun Cream
Whether you’re spending the day inside or out, regardless of whether it’s summer or winter – wear SPF! It should always be the last step in your routine too, otherwise it will end up mixed with all other products and not be at its most effective. The goal of this step is to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent further damage.
Find out more about this step (coming soon) or shop our sun creams here.
Step 8 (Option 1) – Sheet Mask
The very nature of the application means the maximum amount of product will be directed into your skin, flooding it with hydration. Often soaked in an essence, sheet masks give the skin a whopping dose of moisture and give it that glow – you know the one we’re talking about! The goal of this weekly option is to infuse your skin with concentrated goodness as an extra boost.
Find out more about this step here (coming soon) or shop sheet masks.
Step 9 (Option 2) – Wash Off Mask
Wash-off face masks come in a huge variety of formulas but the two main categories you will find are hydrating or oil reducing masks. Hydrating formulas can be left on the skin for far longer than peel off or mud masks as they don’t run the risk of drying out the skin if left on too long.
Wash off mud or clay face masks will either stay wet on the skin after application depending on whether oils or other hydrating ingredients were used or they will dry down and then need to be be rinsed off with warm water. Clay masks are great for controlling excess oil and are best for oily skin types.
Find out more about this step here (coming soon) or shop our clay masks here.
Step 10 (Option 3) – Exfoliate
Another option to finish off the K-beauty 10-Step routine is to exfoliate! This power-tool of a skincare product rids your complexion of dead skin cells, so you can benefit the best from the rest of your skin regime. To boot, if you regularly exfoliate, the results are immense! It helps slough away your dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover and rejuvenation. The main goal of this weekly option is to allow other skincare products to have the most impact by going layers deep.
Find out more about this step here (coming soon).