Is the 10 step Korean skincare routine truly capable of giving you flawless glass skin, or is it just elaborate hype?
With its global popularity and countless success stories, it’s hard to ignore the allure of this self-care phenomenon originating from South Korea.
One aspect that caught the attention of many was the sheer number of steps involved — ten, a far cry from the traditional cleanse-and-moisturize routines.
But does the extra effort truly translate into superior results? Some skeptics of the Korean beauty industry argue that too many products may lead to increased skin issues.
In this article I’m going to explore each step of the Korean skin care routine for night in detail to understand their purposes and determine the truth behind this popular beauty regimen.
The first thing you should know is that all Korean skincare routine steps serve a specific purpose.
The emphasis on multiple steps stems from the philosophy of thorough skincare and the belief that for each specific skin concern, there is a specific solution.
PRO TIP: If you’re in a hurry, you may prefer the shorter version – 5 step Korean skincare routine. You can do it both at night and in the morning. According to many women it’s enough to get that glowing radiant skin!
K-Beauty 10 Step Night Skincare Routine
Here’s how to do the 10 step Korean skincare routine before bedtime1:
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Our K-beauty routine starts with double cleanse method, which means washing your face twice: with oil-based cleanser, and then with water-based cleanser.
In the first step of the Korean skincare routine, an oil cleanser is used to remove oil-based impurities such as makeup and sunscreen. Oil cleansers work by dissolving and lifting away these impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.
The goal is to ensure a thorough cleanse and prevent clogged pores. The benefits include deep cleansing, preventing breakouts, and maintaining a clear complexion.
Oil-based cleansers are usually available in two forms: as liquid oil or makeup remover balm.
For oily or acne-prone skin, choose oil-based cleansers with lightweight formulas and non-comedogenic ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid.
Sensitive skin types should opt for gentle, fragrance-free and alcohol-free oil cleansers, while dry skin can benefit from nourishing oils like argan oil or jojoba oil.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Following the oil cleanse, a water-based cleanser is used to remove remaining residue and water based impurities.
This type of cleansers work by lathering up and emulsifying with water, effectively cleansing the skin without leaving a greasy residue. The goal is to ensure a complete cleanse and leave the skin refreshed.
The benefits include removing impurities, maintaining a balanced complexion, and promoting clearer skin.
For sensitive skin, choose gentle water-based cleansers without harsh ingredients or fragrance. Milk or cream cleanser would be best choice if your skin is ultra-delicate or reactive.
Dry skin types may benefit from creamy and hydrating cleansers, while combination skin can opt for gel or foam cleansers.
On the other hand, oil-control cleansers with ingredients like AHA, BHA2 or tea tree oil are best for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Exfoliation is an important step in the Korean skincare routine, typically done two to three times a week. It involves using exfoliating products to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal smoother and brighter skin3.
You can choose from physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants with alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs)4. The goal is to promote skin cell turnover, improve texture, and enhance the absorption of subsequent products.
If you have sensitive skin types you should go for gentle exfoliators and definitely avoiding harsh scrubbing. Remember that PHAs are the most gentle acids for chemical exfoliating.
Dry skin can benefit from AHAs to remove dead skin cells and promote hydration.
Oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from BHAs to reduce breakouts and get rid of blackheads.
Just remember not to over-exfoliate because that will do more harm than good.
If you’re unsure which acid would be best for you skin type, read my article with comparison: AHA vs. BHA vs. PHA. Choosing the right acid is crucial to get the best result, without drying out your skin!
Step 4: Toning
Toning is a crucial step to rebalance the skin’s pH level and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent products.
Toners come in various forms and provide hydration, soothing effects, and additional benefits.
The goal is to hydrate, refine pores, and address specific skin concerns. Customizing toners based on specific skin concerns ensures tailored care and support.
Sensitive skin types should choose alcohol-free and fragrance-free toners with soothing ingredients like chamomile or centella asiatica. You can even use natural toners such as aloe vera gel or rose water5.
Dry skin can benefit from hydrating toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
For combination skin you can choose toners that balance oil production while providing hydration.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, toners with pore-minimizing and acne-fighting ingredients like AHA, BHA or witch hazel can be beneficial.
For mature skin I recommend toners with mugwort – a star ingredient in K-beauty products, which has excellent anti-aging and soothing properties.
Apply the toner using a cotton pad or by gently patting it onto the skin with clean hands.
Step 5: Essence
After toning your facial skin, it’s time for the next step: essence.
Essence is a lightweight, watery product that penetrates deeply into the skin to provide hydration and deliver active ingredients6. It helps to improve skin texture, brightness, and overall radiance.
The goal is to enhance skin’s hydration, promote cell turnover, and address specific concerns. Some people consider this is a moisturizing step as well7.
K-beauty offers essences suitable for all skin types. Sensitive skin can benefit from gentle, soothing essences with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea or centella asiatica.
For dry skin type choose hydrating essences with hyaluronic acid or ceramides. For combination skin you should use lightweight, balancing essences.
Oily or acne-prone skin can opt for oil-free essences with ingredients like tea tree oil or niacinamide.
Apply essence by gently patting it onto the skin with clean hands.
Step 6: Serum / Ampoule
Serums or ampoules are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns such as brightening, anti-aging8, or acne-fighting. They contain potent active ingredients in higher concentrations than other products.
For sensitive skin, choose gentle serums with soothing ingredients like chamomile, peptides or squalane.
Dry skin can benefit from hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
Oily or acne-prone skin can opt for serums with acne-fighting ingredients like AHA serum or retinol.
If you have problems with hyperpigmentation and dark spots, you can choose vitamin C serum or niacinamide serum.
Apply a few drops of serum or ampoule onto the skin and gently pat it in for better absorption.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet mask is pre-soaked in beneficial ingredients and it’s super convenient to use – you just need to placed it on the face to deliver intensive hydration and nourishment9.
Sheet masks come in various formulations to target different concerns such as dry skin (extra boost of hydration), uneven complexion (brightening), irritated skin (soothing), signs of aging (smoothing out those fine lines).
Apply the sheet mask onto clean skin and leave it on for the recommended time before removing. Gently pat any remaining essence into the skin.
Some sheet masks are even made to be left on overnight so you can wake up with glowing skin, which works great the night before special occasion.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Because K-beauty is all about prevention – especially of signs of aging – eye cream is a MUST.
Eye creams are specially formulated to address the delicate skin around the eyes. They help to hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles10, and diminish dark circles or puffiness.
The goal is to nourish and protect that delicate eye area.
Sensitive skin can benefit from gentle eye creams with soothing ingredients like cucumber extract or peptides.
For dry skin choose hydrating eye creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
Oily or acne-prone skin can choose oil-free, non-comedogenic eye creams, that are not too heavy.
Gently pat a small amount of eye cream around the orbital bone using your ring finger.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizers are crucial for maintaining skin hydration and providing a protective barrier against external factors.
They come in various textures such as creams, lotions, or gels (with the latter being fantastic option for oily skin).
The goal is to hydrate the skin, seal in moisture, and maintain its health and elasticity.
Sensitive skin can benefit from gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides or oat extract.
Dry skin types can choose richer, emollient moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter or squalane.
Combination skin can opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that balance hydration.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin you should look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil, cica11.
Apply moisturizer evenly to the face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin.
Step 10: Sleeping Mask
A sleeping mask, also known as a sleeping pack or night mask, is a leave-on treatment that provides intensive hydration and nourishment while you sleep.
It forms a protective layer over the skin, preventing moisture loss and allowing active ingredients to work overnight.
The goal is to deeply hydrate, repair, and revitalize the skin.
Apply a moderate amount of the sleeping mask as the final step of your skincare routine and leave it on overnight.
Thanks to the best Korean night moisturizer, your skin will be rejuvenated and deeply hydrated when you wake up!
Benefits of Korean Night Skincare Routine
Maintaining flawless skin throughout all stages of life is rare without proper care. Most people have at least one or more skincare issues they wish to address, which is where this routine comes into play.
By diligently following a series of steps, you can effectively care for your skin and ensure comprehensive coverage for optimal skin health, regardless of your skin type.
In South Korea, where this practice originated, taking detailed care of your skin is seen as maintaining your general health12, like brushing your teeth daily, eating healthy or exercising. In fact, some Koreans even say that going to bed with makeup on, sounds as bad as not brushing your teeth for a week.
By adhering to a Korean skincare routine, not only do you cultivate healthier skin, but you also create a dedicated space for self-care and rejuvenation13.
This daily ritual fosters a positive mind-body connection, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
Additionally, the focused attention on self-nurturing promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life14.
How Often Should I Use Korean 10 Step Night Skin Care?
When it comes to the Korean 10-step night skincare routine, not every step needs to be followed every day. Each step serves a specific purpose, and the frequency of certain steps can vary to suit individual skin needs.
For example, exfoliation is a step that should not be performed daily. Over-exfoliation can lead to skin irritation and damage. Instead, it is generally recommended to exfoliate 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliator you’re using.
On the other hand, steps like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing should be done daily to maintain healthy skin. It’s important to listen to your skin, observe its response, and adjust the frequency of each step accordingly.
By being attentive to your skin’s needs and adapting the routine as necessary, you can achieve the best results and maintain a healthy skincare balance15.
So to answer your question how often you should use 10 step Korean skincare routine, I would say use it every day for best results, but remember about adjusting specific steps to your skin needs.
K-Beauty Night Skincare Routine – FAQ
This section holds the answers to some of your burning questions about the K-Beauty routine so get ready to gain some valuable insights and satisfy your curiosity.
Find out if following all 10 steps is necessary and whether you should follow them before or after showering.
And of course, let’s dive into the secret ingredients that Koreans love to apply on their faces during their nighttime skincare rituals.
Should Korean Skincare Be Done At Night Or Day?
Personalization is key. Some people strive for flawless and glass-like skin, and for them, maintaining a thorough routine both day and night is worth it.
Knowing which steps, how many steps and whether to do them in the morning vs. night requires you to get familiar with the steps first.
Here’s an example: the Korean night skin care routine is famous for the double cleanse method. If you wear makeup every day, this has the potential to transform your skin.
The Korean skincare morning routine advises you to wash your skin using only water-based cleanser, assuming you already did a thorough cleanse at night. If you’ve performed the night routine it could make the morning routine easier for you to follow.
Tailor your routine to your skin’s unique requirements. Skip some steps if you need to simplify it day to day.
Should I Do My Night Skincare Routine Before Or After Shower?
For optimal results, it’s best to do your night skincare routine after showering16. A steamy shower session not only helps you unwind but also opens up your pores, creating the perfect canvas for your skincare products to work their magic.
By cleansing your face after showering, you ensure that any lingering dirt, grime, or stress of the day is washed away, allowing your skincare products to do their job effectively.
If you do the routine before taking a shower, you’ll need to cleanse again after showering. This is to ensure that any impurities, residue, or sweat that may have accumulated during the shower are thoroughly removed from your skin.
While the warm water of the shower helps to open up your pores, it can also leave behind traces of cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, or other products.
In addition, all the beneficial products such as serum and moisturizer could get washed away.
If you want to give real meaning to the phrase “beauty sleep”, stick to the routine after taking a shower so the products remain on your skin all night.
What Do Koreans Apply On Face At Night?
The transformative journey from being the kind of person who falls asleep with their makeup on to becoming someone who maintains a nightly cleansing and moisturizing routine doesn’t happen overnight.
The transition from dull and blemished skin to a clear and radiant complexion serves as a powerful motivator along the way. The products you will apply as part of your nighttime Korean skincare are the ones that might yield the most dramatic results17.
At night, the skin goes through a restorative process aided by its internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm18.
During this time, the hormone melatonin increases, providing antioxidant protection and helping to synchronize the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
The skin’s barrier function is also strengthened at night, reducing water loss and improving moisture retention. Various essential processes, such as cell renewal, DNA repair, collagen production, and blood circulation, peak at night, facilitating skin healing and rejuvenation.
By using skincare products with targeted ingredients during this time, you can leverage the skin’s natural healing processes. You already know the 10 steps, so here are some active ingredients to be on the lookout for in product formulations.
Korean skincare embraces specific ingredients for nighttime use:
- Plant Extracts
Ingredients like green tea, ginseng, mugwort and centella asiatica provide antioxidants, soothe the skin, and promote overall skin health.
Utilizing these botanical extracts at night allows them to work harmoniously with the skin’s natural healing processes, aiding in restoration and rejuvenation.
Some plant extracts can be very specific in what benefits they provide, making it fun to try new sheet masks19 and see how much your skin improved by morning.
- Niacinamide
This ingredient regulates sebum production, refines skin texture20, and strengthens the skin barrier. Nighttime application allows it to work uninterrupted, improving skin condition while you sleep.
- Hyaluronic Acid
Known for its excellent hydrating properties21, hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and plumps the skin. Applying it at night ensures prolonged and deep hydration, replenishing the skin while you rest.
- Peptides
These powerful compounds22 stimulate collagen synthesis, enhancing skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Nighttime application maximizes their rejuvenating effects during the skin’s repair phase.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
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