If you’re looking to achieve that coveted “glass skin” look, the Korean skincare routine might be just what you need. This 10-step routine focuses on hydration, protection, and maintaining healthy skin through a layered approach.
Let’s dive into each step and highlight some of the top products you can find on Amazon to incorporate into your routine.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
An oil cleanser helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. It’s the first step to a clean slate.
Top Product: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
- Description: This sherbet-like balm transforms into a smooth oil upon contact with the skin. It effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Papaya extract (for natural exfoliation), Acerola extract (rich in Vitamin C for brightening).
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Following up with a water-based cleanser ensures that any remaining residue is thoroughly washed away.
Top Product: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- Description: Known for its gentle, non-stripping formula, this cleanser helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance while providing a thorough cleanse.
- Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil (for its antibacterial properties), BHA (for gentle exfoliation).
Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and brighter complexion. Use 2-3 times a week.
Top Product: Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
- Description: This scrub is enriched with mineral-rich Brazilian black sugar, which helps exfoliate and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and glowing.
- Key Ingredients: Black sugar (for exfoliation), macadamia oil (for hydration).
Step 4: Toner
Toners prep the skin for better absorption of the following products and restore the skin’s pH balance.
Top Product: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
- Description: This soothing toner hydrates and balances the skin without causing irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (for hydration), various botanical extracts (for soothing and anti-inflammatory effects).
Step 5: Essence
Essences are lightweight, hydrating products that enhance skin cell turnover and provide an extra layer of moisture.
Top Product: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- Description: Formulated with 96% snail secretion filtrate, this essence repairs and revitalizes the skin, improving texture and hydration.
- Key Ingredients: Snail mucin (for repair and hydration), sodium hyaluronate (for moisture retention).
Step 6: Serum
Serums target specific skin concerns such as dark spots, wrinkles, or acne with high concentrations of active ingredients.
Top Product: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule
- Description: This anti-aging serum is designed to improve skin texture and elasticity, leaving the skin youthful and radiant.
- Key Ingredients: Bifida ferment lysate (for repair and protection), lactic acid (for gentle exfoliation and brightening).
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks provide an intense burst of hydration and nutrients, making them a perfect mid-week treat.
Top Product: Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask
- Description: Ideal for calming and soothing irritated skin, these masks help control blemishes and provide a refreshing, revitalizing effect.
- Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil (for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties), chamomile extract (for soothing).
Step 8: Eye Cream
Eye creams address the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Top Product: Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream
- Description: This rich eye cream nourishes and firms the skin around the eyes, reducing signs of aging and fatigue.
- Key Ingredients: Orchid extract (for anti-aging), caffeine (for reducing puffiness).
Step 9: Moisturizer
A good moisturizer seals in all the previous layers of skincare and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Top Product: Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
- Description: This deeply hydrating cream provides intense moisture, making the skin soft and supple for up to 26 hours.
- Key Ingredients: Comfrey leaf extract (for hydration), oat extract (for soothing).
Step 10: Sunscreen
The final and most crucial step, sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and sun damage.
Top Product: Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
- Description: With a lightweight formula, this sunscreen offers SPF 50+ protection without leaving a greasy residue, perfect for daily use.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (for soothing), acai berry (for antioxidant protection).
By incorporating these steps into your daily skincare regimen, you’ll be on your way to achieving a radiant, healthy complexion. Remember, consistency is key, and using the right products for your skin type will help you get the best results. Happy skincare journey!
