The ten-step Korean skincare routine is sweeping in the beauty world – but what is it, and do you need it?
Korean skincare has been one of the most exciting areas for skincare in the last few years. There are so many innovative and exciting products.
The ten-step Korean skincare routine is designed to give you a flawless complexion. There are a few non-Korean brands that are also focusing on producing innovative products like Zo skin health. So you can really design a routine that works for you and your budget.
With so many products, it is easy to get a little bit lost, and when you are watching what you spend, it’s good to know which products can give you what you need in terms of skincare.
The great thing and often misunderstood component to the 10-step skincare routine is that it is flexible. You will just use what you need to.
In general, here are the ten steps:
- Oil cleansed
- Water-based cleanser
- Exfoliation
- Toner
- Essence
- Serum
- Sheet mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturiser
- SPF
It seems like a lot, but you might only do 1-3 a day, and some of the others every week.
So what three do you need every day, and which can you skip or use weekly?
Cleanser
Skipping cleanser altogether will mean that you don’t have a clean base to start with. While you don’t need to double cleanse, an oil cleanser will break it up better if you wear makeup.
A single cleanser with hydrating ingredients is perfect and much friendlier to the bank balance.
Moisturiser
After washing with soap and water, or using your cleanser, you will need to give your skin an extra loving dose of moisture.
Often a mistake that is made is with those who have oily skin. Skipping a moisturiser doesn’t reduce your oil levels. It has been shown that skipping moisturiser can increase skin’s oil levels as your skin will try to compensate even more.
You might not need to use as much moisturiser as you have been using, either. Test to see how much your skin is absorbing and how much is sitting on your skin. Usually, a grape-sized amount is more than enough – and can make your product last longer.
SPF
The sun causes a considerable amount of damage to our skin. So even if you are hoping to have a golden glow caused by the sun, SPF is still your best friend.
The SPF in makeup products like foundation, BB creams and CC creams isn’t enough to provide proper protection.
Choose at least 30 SPF for proper protection.
Extras
We should be doing exfoliation once a week on our faces – depending on which type you are using. Sheets masks are perfect once a week, too, for a massive infusion of products.
Eye cream is a choice; although it can reduce puffiness and wrinkles around the eyes, not everyone likes the textures.
Essences are serums that can be added daily but are better used for targeting specific skin issues. For example, if you have dry skin, you might have hyaluronic acid in your routine.
The most important thing to notice is if your skin is absorbing the products you use and if you truly need all ten steps.
Some seasons will also require an adjustment to your skincare routine; if you need extra help in the colder months, check out: Skincare Tips For Autumn.
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