How to Korean Skin Care Routine

June 5, 2025

Imagine your skin as a canvas, ready to be transformed into a radiant masterpiece. The Korean skin care routine, often celebrated as the 10-step method, has captivated beauty enthusiasts worldwide with its promise of glowing, youthful skin

This luxurious ritual, designed for all adult skin stages, blends science and tradition to deliver hydration, brightness, and anti-aging benefits. By focusing on premium ingredients like gold and gentle, preventive care, it offers a holistic approach to skincare

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of this transformative routine, sharing practical steps and insights to help you achieve that coveted “glass skin” look

What is the 10 Step Korean Beauty Method?

The Korean skin care routine, often referred to as the 10-step method, is a comprehensive approach to skincare that prioritizes cleansing, hydration, and nourishment. It’s not about rushing through a quick wash but treating your skin to a thoughtful ritual that enhances its health and radiance over time.

Overview of the 10 Steps

The 10-step Korean beauty method includes a series of steps tailored to address various skin needs. Here’s a breakdown of the steps, which combine to form a complete routine:

Oil Cleansing: Removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, ensuring a clean base.
Water Cleansing: Follows up to eliminate any remaining impurities like sweat or dirt.
Toner: Balances your skin’s pH and preps it for better product absorption.
Essence: Delivers a lightweight layer of hydration and nutrients.
Serum: Targets specific concerns like fine lines or uneven tone with concentrated ingredients.
Sheet Mask: Provides an intensive treatment, used 1-2 times weekly for a hydration boost.
Eye Cream: Nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes to reduce puffiness and fine lines.
Moisturizer: Locks in hydration to keep skin soft and supple.
Sunscreen: Protects against UV damage during the day.
Night Cream: Supports overnight repair and deep hydration.

Think of these steps like preparing a gourmet meal: each ingredient builds on the last, creating a harmonious result. Not every step is used daily—sunscreen is for mornings, night cream for evenings, and sheet masks are occasional treats.

Benefits of the 10-Step Method

This routine shines because it addresses multiple aspects of skin health. It promotes hydration, keeping your skin plump and resilient, much like watering a plant to keep it vibrant. It also enhances brightness, giving your complexion a natural glow. The anti-aging benefits are significant, as the routine supports skin repair and prevention, suitable for all adult skin types. By layering gentle products, it strengthens your skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors like pollution.

Luxury Ingredients in Korean Skincare

Korean skincare is renowned for its use of premium ingredients that elevate the experience. Gold, often found in high-end serums and creams, is prized for its anti-aging properties, helping to firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, holding moisture to keep skin hydrated. Snail mucin, a K-beauty favorite, supports skin repair and radiance. These ingredients, carefully selected for their efficacy, make the routine feel indulgent while delivering visible results.

Korean Skincare Routine Day and Night

Your skin has different needs throughout the day, and the Korean skin care routine adapts to meet them. The morning routine focuses on protection, while the evening routine emphasizes repair and nourishment.

Morning Skincare Routine

Start your day with a fresh, protected complexion using these steps:

Oil Cleansing: Gently removes overnight sebum or residual products.
Water Cleansing: Ensures a clean canvas by washing away any remaining impurities.
Toner: Balances pH and preps skin, like priming a wall before painting.
Essence: Adds lightweight hydration to plump the skin.
Serum: Targets concerns like dullness or fine lines with potent ingredients.
Eye Cream: Hydrates the delicate eye area to minimize puffiness.
Moisturizer: Seals in moisture for a soft, smooth feel.
Sunscreen: Shields skin from UV rays, a must for daytime protection.

This routine is like putting on armor for your skin, preparing it to face the day’s challenges.

Evening Skincare Routine

At night, your skin shifts into repair mode. Follow these steps to nourish and restore:

Oil Cleansing: Removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities.
Water Cleansing: Completes the double-cleansing process for a thorough clean.
Toner: Refreshes and balances your skin.
Essence: Delivers deep hydration and nutrients.
Serum: Addresses specific concerns, such as anti-aging, with concentrated formulas.
Sheet Mask (optional): Used 1-2 times a week for an intensive hydration boost.
Eye Cream: Targets fine lines and dark circles around the eyes.
Moisturizer: Locks in all previous steps for maximum benefit.
Night Cream: Provides rich hydration and supports skin repair overnight.

This evening ritual is like a soothing bedtime story for your skin, helping it recover while you sleep.

Products to Use in Each Routine

Choosing the right products is key to a successful Korean skin care routine. Here’s a guide to product categories:

Product Type	Morning Routine	Evening Routine	Purpose
Cleansers	Oil-based and water-based cleansers suited to your skin type	Oil-based and water-based cleansers for thorough cleansing	Remove impurities without stripping skin
Toner	Alcohol-free to balance pH	Alcohol-free to refresh and prep	Prepares skin for better absorption
Essence	Lightweight, hydrating formula	Nutrient-rich for repair	Boosts hydration and nourishment
Serum	Brightening or anti-aging (e.g., vitamin C, retinol)	Anti-aging or reparative	Targets specific skin concerns
Eye Cream	Gentle, hydrating formula	Anti-aging focus	Nourishes delicate eye area
Moisturizer	Lightweight for day	Rich for night	Locks in hydration
Sunscreen/Night Cream	Broad-spectrum SPF 30+	Rich night cream	Protects (day) or repairs (night)

Select products based on your skin type—oily, dry, or combination—and specific concerns, like fine lines or uneven tone. Serums, in particular, are versatile, offering benefits for all adult skin stages.

Korean Skin Care Routine for Glowing Skin

The Korean skin care routine is synonymous with achieving a radiant, dewy complexion, often called “glass skin.” This section explores how to get that luminous glow.

Essential Steps for Glowing Skin

To achieve radiant skin, focus on these key steps:

Double Cleansing: A clean canvas allows products to work effectively, like clearing a path for nutrients to reach your skin.
Essences and Serums: These lightweight layers deliver hydration and active ingredients deep into the skin.
Sheet Masks: Used weekly, they provide a surge of moisture and nutrients, like a spa treatment at home.

These steps ensure your skin stays hydrated and nourished, the foundation of a glowing complexion.

Ingredients That Promote Radiance

Certain ingredients are stars in achieving that radiant look:

Hyaluronic Acid: Holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping skin plump.
Vitamin C: Brightens and evens skin tone, reducing dullness.
Niacinamide: Smooths texture and minimizes pores for a polished look.
Gold: Enhances firmness and radiance, a luxury touch for anti-aging.

These ingredients work together to create a luminous, healthy complexion.

Achieving the Coveted Glass Skin Look

“Glass skin” refers to a flawless, dewy complexion that looks smooth and reflective, like polished glass. Achieving this requires consistent hydration and nourishment through the Korean skin care routine. By prioritizing cleansing, layering hydrating products, and using targeted ingredients, you can transform your skin into a radiant masterpiece. It’s not just about aesthetics—glass skin reflects a healthy, well-cared-for complexion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean skincare different from other routines?
Korean skincare emphasizes a multi-step approach focusing on prevention, hydration, and gentle care, using a variety of products to address diverse skin needs.
How long does it take to see results from a Korean skincare routine?
Results vary, but with consistent use, many notice improved hydration and texture within a few weeks to months.
Can I adjust the 10-step routine for my skin type?
Yes, the routine is customizable. You can skip or add steps based on your skin’s needs, like reducing frequency for sensitive skin.
What are the key products I should include in my routine?
Essential products include oil and water-based cleansers, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, and night cream.
Is Korean skincare suitable for all skin types?
Absolutely, with proper product selection, it benefits oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin.
How do I incorporate anti-aging products into my routine?
Use serums and creams with ingredients like gold, retinol, or peptides to target signs of aging effectively.

Conclusion

The Korean skin care routine is a luxurious, effective path to radiant, youthful skin. By embracing its multi-step approach and premium ingredients like gold, you can craft a routine that suits your skin’s unique needs. Consistency is key—over time, this ritual can enhance hydration, brightness, and resilience, giving you a healthier, glowing complexion. Dive deeper into skincare insights on Devoue de Nature to elevate your journey to beautiful skin

**Disclaimer: This blog, authored independently from the Devoue founding team, provides general information on skincare and beauty products for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Product claims are based on common industry knowledge and have not been evaluated by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. Always verify information before making decisions. Individual results may vary. Conduct a patch test and consult a dermatologist before using new skincare products, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. The author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences from the use of products or information provided.**

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