Back to Basics: 10-Step Skin Care Routine

The 10-Step is more than just a routine—it’s a lifestyle. It’s not about having more products than you can count, but rather about having the necessary products and using it in the right order; to resolve each one’s unique skin care concern based on their skin type.

1. Make-up Removers or Oil Cleansers – Make-up lovers definitely need this step. Many makeup products are formulated for long-lasting wear and your trusted water-based cleanser might not be able to rid of all that gunk at the end of the day.
2. Water-Based Cleansers – After clearing up the skin gently with oil, it’s now this step’s job to rid of that residual oil on your face and other impurities the oil cleanser didn’t pick up.
3. Exfoliator – No this is a tricky one. Depending on your skin type, product, and needs, this step can be done twice or thrice a week. Removing all that dead cells from the surface of your skin will ensure better absorption of the following products and give you a fresher skin surface. This step also aids in fading some hyperpigmentation and prevents clogged pores.
4. Toners – This step is the ultimate prep. Toners are formulated to ready the skin and hydrate it enough to better the absorption of your next products. Dehydrated skin will have difficulty in absorbing hydration and nutrients.
5. Essences, Serums and Ampoules – This is where you address your skincare problems. These products are designed and concentrated to target a specific concern (e.g. acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness and etc.)
6. Moisturizers – These products are what seal in the ingredients from the previous step, plumping the skin and rid of those fine lines.
7. Eye Creams – The skin around your eye are of different structure. It’s more delicate and thin, thus it requires a product that especially caters to its needs.
8. Sheet Masks – This step is hailed as the soul of Korean Skincare. The sheets are made to give prolonged contact with your skin, which allows optimum absorption of nutrients and moisture. This step is typically optional (I personally only sheet masks on exfoliating days too). Some do it on the weekend as part of their pampering ritual, some do it when needed only, and some even go for it on a daily.
9. Night Creams or Sleeping Packs – Many do skip this step as usually, your typical moisturizers do the trick. But some do need that heavier and extra hydration, concentrated treatments, and repair of their skin barriers.
10. Sun Protection – UV exposure is the major cause of all skin care problems. So this step is the most important of them all. All the previous steps would be for nothing if you’d be running out in the sun unprotected. More sun protection tips can be found in this link: