You’ve heard of the 10-step Korean skincare routine, but what are all those steps, and why are they so important? Korean celebrities have porcelain skin that makes them look youthful and radiant at all times. They also have press junkets to attend to, red carpets to walk, and cameras to be in front of, so they need to look their best at all times. Because of this, it’s no surprise that they practice a full 10-step Korean skincare routine every day!
1) Cleanse and Exfoliate your Skin Every Day
In Korea, cleansing and exfoliating are part of every skincare routine. This is because cleaning helps remove dirt, grime, and makeup from your skin’s surface. Exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells so that new ones can grow in their place; both of these processes improve your complexion. Acne-prone Koreans even use exfoliating toners to fight acne breakouts and minimize pores—all while eliminating excess oil buildup (and blackheads) on your face. A good Korean skincare routine for acne involves an everyday regimen that begins with an exfoliating toner followed by a gentle cleanser; another popular approach is to follow cleansing with a hydrating sheet mask to revitalize skin overnight.
2) Moisturize Immediately after Cleansing
The outermost layer of your skin, known as its stratum corneum, is largely made up of water. When you take a shower or bath, you strip away some of that water—along with your skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). As soon as you get out of the bath or shower, follow up with an appropriate moisturizer. When it comes to the skincare routine for acne, what you put on top matters! In addition to keeping moisture in and dirt out, NMF can help protect against UV damage.
3) Use Facial Masks Twice Per Week
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Koreans are obsessed with their skin. On average, they spend upwards of $350 per year on facial masks, $123 per year on skin care products, and more than three hours weekly on skincare. It’s no wonder then that South Korea is also home to LG and Amore Pacific, two of Asia’s largest beauty product companies. If you want silky soft skin like a K-pop star, follow these 10 steps of Koreans’ well-known skincare routine for acne. A daily step-by-step skincare routine will keep your face clean and glowing while helping to clear up pesky pimples that appear around your forehead and chin area.
4) Moisturize Everyday with Products Containing Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a compound found naturally in your skin that attracts and retains water to keep your skin hydrated. Adding products containing hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can help balance out uneven skin tone, strengthen natural collagen production, and reduce existing acne scarring for healthier-looking skin. Try adding products containing hyaluronic acid to your daily skincare routine. For example, Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream ($64) or Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($85). Both products are formulated with 2% pure HA extract.
5) Use Sunscreen Every day, Rain or Shine
Every time you step outside, you’re exposing your skin to UV rays that can damage your skin. Even when it’s cloudy, those rays are still harmful. To protect your face from sunburns and wrinkles, you need to wear sunscreen every day—and reapply it regularly. Most people apply sunscreen too sporadically to get real results, but by following an effective Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin, you can use daily SPF like a pro and stop worrying about breakouts and uneven skin tone! Look no further than my 10-step Korean skincare routine as inspiration for how to properly use SPF on oily or acne-prone skin every day.
6) Stay Hydrated by Drinking Lots of Water
Drinking plenty of water may be one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Not only does it get rid of toxins, but it also keeps your skin moisturized and rejuvenated. Start your day with a glass of water to kickstart hydration in your body. Drink two liters of water every day, and try to drink at least eight glasses before you go to bed. If you don’t like drinking plain old H2O, add some lemon or cucumber slices for flavor! When choosing what kind of water is best for you, go with mineral or filtered tap water over bottled varieties, which are full of sugar or chemical preservatives.
7) Keep a Calm, Positive Attitude toward Yourself and Others
Your emotional state affects your physical state and vice versa. All of your facial skin is connected, so if you’re anxious or stressed, it can show up as redness or inflammation on your face. To improve your skin from within, focus on keeping a calm and positive attitude. It might not seem like it, but emotions can truly help you achieve healthy and glowing skin from the outside in!
8) Get Enough Sleep to Keep your Skin Glowing at its Best
Sleep is integral to your health and beauty. If you don’t get enough rest, your skin won’t receive all of its necessary vitamins and minerals. Your body needs sleep to repair itself; if you aren’t giving it enough time to recover, you will start to show signs of aging or even experience early wrinkles. Getting at least seven hours of sleep every night will help keep your skin looking great! And take a peek inside our 10-step Korean skincare routine for acne (you can do it in just 5 minutes)! The Bona Fide team has tried over 1000 Korean products and put together an amazing step-by-step guide on how to cleanse and moisturize with Korean products!
9) Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables for their Antioxidants Which Help Fight Wrinkles
Antioxidants can’t stop wrinkles, but they do fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Foods with antioxidants include fresh berries, garlic, spinach, and broccoli. For an extra antioxidant boost, take vitamin C supplements. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants which help fight wrinkles. Antioxidants can’t stop wrinkles, but they do fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Foods with antioxidants include fresh berries, garlic, spinach, and broccoli.
For an extra antioxidant boost, take vitamin C supplements. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants which help fight wrinkles. Antioxidants can’t stop wrinkles, but they do fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Foods with antioxidants include fresh berries, garlic, spinach, and broccoli. For an extra antioxidant boost, take vitamin C supplements.
10) See your Dermatologist Annually
First and foremost, you’ll want to schedule an annual checkup with your dermatologist. You don’t need to see them every month—once or twice a year is enough. During your visit, he or she will do an exam, checking for everything from skin cancer to skin tags and freckles. This visit is especially important if you have problems sleeping at night, so be sure to bring any products you use for sleep with you in case it’s time for your doctor to prescribe something new. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your doctor can help you figure out which skin care regimen works best for your unique complexion.
Final Verdict
In sum, there are 10 steps to a Korean skincare routine. These steps can be broken down into 3 categories: cleaning and detoxing, hydrating and moisturizing, and protecting against harmful UV rays. Regardless of your skin type, following these 10 steps can help you develop clearer, smoother skin like your favorite K-pop star!​
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