#1 Remove Makeup/Oil Cleanse
This is the first step in the popular double cleansing and ideally should be the first in any proper night time routine. Oil cleansing removes makeup and grime that clog pores and trigger breakout.
Oil cleansers we love are The Faceshop Rice Water bright light Cleansing Oil and the Missha M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing oil
Related Post: The Oil Cleansing Method – A Beginner’s Guide
#2 Foaming Cleanser/ Water-Based Cleanser
The second step in the 10 step Korean Skincare routine is cleansing the face with a foaming wash. This gives a deeper clean and removes impurities and excess oil residue leftover after oil cleansing. Foaming cleansers we love are the Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh foaming cleanser and the Etude House Baking Powder Cleansing Foam
#3 Exfoliator
Two to three times a week use a mild exfoliator to gently slough off dead skin cells that make the complexion dull and clogs pores. Moderation is the key with exfoliation you don’t want to go overboard and damage the skin barrier. We love the Klairs Gentle Black sugar facial polish and the Skinfood black sugar mask
#4 Toner
Toners balance the skin’s PH and prepare it for the next steps. Gone are the days of alcohol toners which burnt out the skin and only worsened matters. Always reach for a hydrating toner after cleansing and exfoliating. Toners we love are the Klairs supple Preparation unscented Toner and Missha Time Revolution, Clear Toner.
#5 Essence
An essence is essentially a hybrid between a toner and a serum. it balances the PH of the skin and preps the skin for better absorption of skincare products to come. Some essences are formulated to target specific skin problems. Essences we love are the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence and the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence.
#6 Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face and as a result, signs of aging are first noticed here. Use eye creams packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. These keep the area supple and wade off wrinkle formation.
Eye creams we love are the Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream and the Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream
#7 Serum
These are much thicker than the toners and essences. They are concentrated treatments designed to tackle specific skin concerns like skin brightening, unclog pores, acne scars, hydrate, exfoliate and antiaging. Serums we love are the Cosrx Centella Blemish Ampule and the Mizon Snail Repair intensive ampoule for face with 80% snail Mucin
#8 Face Mask
These like exfoliators don’t need to be used every single night. 2-3 times a week will cut it. Face masks provide another layer of nourishment for your skin and like the serums, they are also formulated to target various skin issues. Masks we love are the Cult-favorite Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and the Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
#9 Moisturizer
Moisturisers seal in moisture and hydration have delivered to the skin in the above steps. They could come in the form of a gel, face oils or creams. Use moisturizers formulated for your skin type. remember gel moisturizers work best for oily skin while creams are better suited for dry skin. Moisturizers we love are the Cosrx oil-free Ultra-moisturizing lotion with Birch sap.
#10 Spf Protection
UV rays from the sun are the major cause of premature aging. This can be greatly prevented by protecting the skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB. We love the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++.