Best Korean Skincare Routine: Simple 10-Step Regimen for Morning and Night

Following the right skincare regimen can make your life easier while bringing out the full potential of your skin. While there are more options at your fingertips than ever before, we’re excited to introduce you to the 10-step Korean skincare routine:

1. Oil-Based Cleanser
2. Water-Based Cleanser
3. Exfoliator
4. Toner
5. Essence
6. Treatment
7. Sheet Mask
8. Eye Cream
9. Moisturizer or Oil
10. Sun Protection (SPF)

Discover the role of each step in the Korean skincare regimen below along with powerful products to add to your beauty regimen to make the most of it. 

Many of the essentials are just a few clicks away at Elizabeth Mott, your trusted choice for cruelty-free Korean skincare online. Experience the best of Korean beauty today!

The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

While 10 steps sounds like a lot, it’s actually not as complex or time-consuming as you may initially think. Trust us - it’s worth the effort! Follow along as we guide you through the 10-step Korean skincare routine below, starting with an oil-based cleaner.

Step 1. Oil-Based Cleanser

Part of what makes this regimen unique is that there are two cleansing steps. The oil-based cleanser helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Look for a product with natural oils such as jojoba, olive, or sunflower. It should be non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and gentle.

Apply the oil-based cleanser to dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Add a bit of water to emulsify the cleanser, turning it milky, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 2. Water-Based Cleanser

The second cleansing step involves a water-based cleanser, which removes any remaining impurities and sweat to create a completely clean base for the following steps.

Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Look for mild surfactants like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside. Double cleansing can have drying effects if you don’t choose the right ingredients. Our vitamin C cleanser is a great choice. 

Apply the cleanser to wet skin and massage gently to create a lather. Rinse off with lukewarm water. 

Step 3. Exfoliator

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and a brighter, smoother complexion. There are two types you can choose from - physical (with gentle beads) or chemical (with AHAs like glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid). 

Whichever you choose, follow the directions on your chosen product carefully. For physical exfoliants, massage gently in circular motions. Our vitamin C face scrub is an excellent physical exfoliator. Chemical exfoliants will have more specific product instructions for application and duration.

Step 4. Toner

Toners balance the skin's pH and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent products. You need one packed with hydrating components like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and botanical extracts. 

It should be alcohol-free and soothing. This is why our hyaluronic acid toner is a great choice. Order yours, and apply it with a cotton pad or directly to your palms and pat it onto the face.

Step 5. Essence

Essences provide an extra layer of hydration and enhance the effectiveness of treatments that follow, similar to a toner. 

These can be composed of ingredients like hyaluronic acid or fermented ingredients. The common theme across styles is they should be lightweight and easily absorbed. 

Pat the product gently into the skin with your hands for better absorption.

Step 6. Treatment

This step targets specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or fine lines using serums, ampoules, or boosters. Thus, you’ll want to customize the specific products you use to your unique needs.

That means the ingredients you should prioritize depend on your skin concerns. For example, you would want retinol for anti-aging, salicylic acid for acne, and niacinamide for brightening.

We have a variety of vegan Korean skincare products you can choose from to align with your skin type and your goals. From Korean skincare for aging skin to Korean skincare for dark spots, Korean skincare for blackheads, and more!

You will need to layer these treatments based on consistency, starting with the thinnest. Allow each layer to absorb fully before applying the next. Don’t rush through the process.

Step 7. Sheet Mask

Sheet masks provide an intense dose of hydration and nutrients to the skin, and they’re one of the most soothing steps of the Korean skincare regimen. 

Look for masks made from biodegradable materials like cotton or hydrogel. Hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants are preferred.

You’ll typically leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes and pat in any remaining essence. Always follow the guidelines for your specific mask, but this is something you only need to do a few times a week. 

As you may have guessed, you’ll make this part of your Korean night skincare routine. We’ll talk about the Korean morning skincare routine step you’ll replace it with later on (SPF).

Step 8. Eye Cream

Eye creams target the delicate skin around the eyes to address issues like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. 

The most beneficial ingredients include niacinamide, peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Choose a cream that’s lightweight and non-irritating. Our vitamin C eye cream can be a great choice.

When it comes to application, less is more. Apply a small amount using your ring finger to avoid applying too much pressure.

Step 9. Moisturizer or Oil

Now it’s time to lock in hydration and other beneficial ingredients you’ve applied throughout the 10-step Korean skincare routine. A quality moisturizer or oil will also form a protective barrier on the skin while providing an extra layer of nourishment.

You need to be careful in selecting ingredients that align with your skin type. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils like argan or jojoba are all common. We suggest a gel-based moisturizing agent for oily skin and a cream-based product for dry skin. 

Apply all over the face and neck. A few drops of oils can be mixed with your moisturizer.

Step 10. Sun Protection (SPF)

As part of our Korean morning skincare routine, you’ll need to put on some sun protection before heading out for the day. This will prevent sun damage from harmful UV rays, which could lead to wrinkles, dark spots, or worse, skin cancer.

Choose a broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30. Consider your unique climate and the duration of time you spend outdoors.

Apply generously as the last step in your morning skincare routine and reapply every two hours when exposed to sunlight.

Why Follow a Korean Skincare Regimen?

Hopefully, you feel confident and capable of performing the 10-step Korean skincare routine yourself at this point. But if you’re still on the fence as to whether or not this regimen is right for you, let us provide a bit more detail on the philosophy.

Korean skincare is rooted in the belief that healthy, glowing skin is achieved through consistent and gentle care. It emphasizes prevention, hydration, and the use of natural, effective ingredients. 

Instead of relying on harsh treatments to fix skin problems, the Korean approach focuses on nurturing the skin daily to maintain its health and vitality. It seeks to undo the damage caused by more aggressive skincare habits. 

Here are just a few of the reasons to consider implementing this Korean skincare regimen:

• Holistic Care: By addressing the skin’s needs from multiple angles you can prevent issues before they arise.
• Hydration and Protection: Hydration is a key component in just about every step in the routine, keeping the skin barrier strong and resilient. Regular use of SPF protects against UV damage as well.
• Customizable: The regimen can be tailored to fit different skin types and concerns, making it versatile and adaptable. Whether you need Korean skincare for oily skin or dry skin, or if you’re trying to address wrinkles or acne, you can use the routine.
• Innovative Ingredients: Korean skincare is known for its use of cutting-edge ingredients and formulations, offering effective and gentle solutions for a variety of skin issues.

Tips on Performing the Korean Skincare Routine Steps

We know that transitioning to a new skincare regimen can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here for you every step of the way. Here are some more tips to make the most of your skincare ritual:

• Korean Morning Skincare Routine: Prepare the skin for the day with hydration and protection against environmental stressors. Use water-based cleanser, toner, essence, treatment, moisturizer, and SPF.
• Korean Night Skincare Routine: Nighttime is ideal for deeper treatment steps, allowing the skin to repair and regenerate during sleep. Focus on oil-based cleanser, water-based cleanser, exfoliator (1-3 times a week), toner, essence, treatment, sheet mask (2-3 times a week), eye cream, and moisturizer. 
• Consistency is Key: Follow the routine consistently for the best results. Adjust steps based on your skin’s response.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts and modify the routine as needed. Not all steps need to be performed daily.
• Layer Products Thin to Thick: Apply products in order of their consistency, from the thinnest to the thickest.

Remember, you can always reach out to Elizabeth Mott for guidance on performing this Korean skincare regimen. After all, we’re your one-stop shop for Korean beauty and skincare essentials!

See Firsthand What a Difference the Right Routine and Products Can Make in Your Skin at Elizabeth Mott!

At Elizabeth Mott, we bring the best of Korean beauty to you with products that combine Korean innovation with formulations adapted for the American market. They’re crafted in Korean factories using custom formulations that cater to diverse skin types and concerns.

We proudly offer Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free products so you can give your skin the love it needs without compromising on your morals. We never test on animals.

Plus, our products are super easy to incorporate into your routine. We have it all, whether you’re looking for Korean skincare for hyperpigmentation, Korean skincare for redness, vitamin C Korean skincare, Korean primer, or anything in between.

Join our community of satisfied customers and see the transformation in your skin with our curated range of skincare and makeup products. 

Discover the perfect balance of fun and function with Elizabeth Mott today!

Bringing Our Simple Korean Skincare Routine Guide to a Close

The 10-step Korean skincare routine is more than just a trend - it’s a comprehensive approach to achieving healthy, radiant skin. 

Each step plays a pivotal part in bringing out the best in your skin. Choose the right products and tailor the routine to align with your unique needs. Consistency and gentle care are the keys to long-lasting skin health.