The 10-Step Routine

You’ve probably heard that Korean skincare consists of a 10-step routine, which is way above and beyond what most people have time to do in the morning or evening.

However, the phrase “10-step routine” is misleading, because all 10 steps shouldn’t be done more than twice or three times a week at most. Think of the 10-step routine more as a reference for ordering your skincare steps, as opposed to a routine you should do every day.

Ultimately, the number of steps you have in a routine should be however many you need to get the results you want.

More information about the 10-step routine

The chart above illustrates a sample AM routine. The PM routine is essentially the same, minus the SPF. Some people (usually with dry skin) will sub a sleeping pack for a moisturizer. This is typically a heavier moisturizer with additional benefits that is typically too thick to wear during the day, but gives the skin an extra boost at night.

You’ll also notice that I recommend only using only one cleanser in the daily routine. If you wear makeup, I would recommend removing it with an oil cleanser and following up with a water-based cleanser if necessary. If you aren’t removing makeup, a water-based cleanser should be enough on its own.

And if nothing else, you always need sun protection. No exceptions.

Building Your Own Routine

Even a simplified version of a Korean skincare routine can be intimidating, but don’t worry! This guide will help you understand what you’re looking for and how to get there.

1. Identify your skincare goals

Do you want to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles? Shrink your pores? Get rid of blackheads? Something else? All of the above? That’s exactly what the K-beauty routine was designed for! The best part of a multi-step skincare routine is that you can address multiple issues at once.

2. Identify your skin type

Knowing that you’re oily/combo/normal/dry will help you narrow down product choices, but don’t feel limited by your skin type. If a product achieves the skincare goals you’re looking for, but wasn’t made for your skin type, use it anyway! Skincare is incredibly personal and at the end of the day should be something that makes you feel good about yourself.

3. Research the products you want to add to your routine

Where blogs like yours truly come in! There are quite a few places online (Soko Glam, Skin & Tonics, Snow White & the Asian Pear) that have suggested products for different skin types

4. Add one product at a time

Always add in one product at a time to make sure you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients and that each product layers well with the rest of your steps. You may not hit VIB Rouge just adding one step at a time, but your bank account will thank you.

It can be tricky to tell the difference between essences/serums/ampoules/emulsions/moisturizers at times, so when in doubt, layer your skincare in this order:

watery/lightest product  —–>  creamy/heaviest (or oil-based) product

5. Patch test each product

Whenever you add a new product/step to your skincare routine, always always always patch test the product first. You’d be surprised what can cause a reaction, and it’s much better to deal with a small patch than trying to repair your whole face.

You can patch test different areas to find out different things

•  Behind the ear to check for allergies
• Where you’re most sensitive to check for irritation
• Where you break out the most to check for acne/breakouts

Patch test until you’re sure you don’t react to a product. This takes anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, and depends on how long it normally takes your skin to react to something.

5. Try new things and don’t get discouraged!

It can take some trial and error to get a handle on the ingredients and techniques that work best with your skin, but the more products you try out, the better idea you’ll have of what works for you. Take notes on products you’re testing out to keep track of things you like and things you don’t. I have a weekly sheet you can print out and use to keep track of the products you’re using on a weekly basis.

I’m still not sure how to start building a routine…

If this still seems like way too much to you, check out my Skincare 101 guide for ways to get started with a very straightforward, easy routine. You won’t get as many anti-aging or anti-acne benefits out of a multi-step routine, but it’s a great place to start, and then slowly build on as you get more comfortable with skincare.