Easy 10-step Korean skin care routine! Sharing the dry skincare routine with 10 products for cleansing, toning, and hydrating for healthy, glowing skin.
Korean beauty trends have taken the world by storm, with their innovative products and techniques capturing the attention of beauty enthusiasts everywhere.
From SPF-infused water creams to hydrating serums and endless varieties of sheet masks, there’s no shortage of exciting Korean beauty trends to explore.
However, one trend that has truly made a difference is the 10 step Korean skin care routine.
This comprehensive routine has not only improved the skin care regimens of countless individuals, but has also inspired them to prioritize healthy, glowing skin.
As someone who has been following the 10 step Korean skin care routine for years, I’m excited to share my personal routine and product recommendations.
Whether you’re new to the routine or simply looking to switch up your current regimen, I hope you find this review helpful in achieving your own Korean-inspired skin care goals.
In this post, you’ll find the ultimate guide to the Korean skincare routine for dry skin.
My Top Picks for Korean Skin Care Routine
The following is a list of the essential K-beauty products you’ll need to finish the 10-step Korean skincare routine.
- Best for Dry Skin: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil ($26 at Stylevana, $29 at Amazon)
- Best Budget: Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($13(150ml) at YesStyle, $16(250ml) at Style Korean, $14(150ml) at Amazon)
- My Favorite: Propolis Light Ampoule ($17 at YesStyle, $15 at Style Korean, $21 at Amazon)
- Most Popular: Mediheal Tea Tree Mask ($8(10ea) at Style Korean, $19(10P) at Amazon)
- Best Overall: Physiogel DMT Cream ($32 at Amazon)
- Most Recommended: Dr.G Green Mild Sun Up+ ($18 at YesStyle, $18 at Style Korean, $18 at Amazon)
What Is the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine?
You may be curious about the Korean skin care routine – what it involves, where it originated, and whether Korean women really use a 10-step approach.
Interestingly, while I lived in Korea, I never heard of the 10-step Korean skin care routine, and I don’t think many Koreans are familiar with it either.
It’s unclear who came up with this term, but there are certainly some helpful habits and practices that we can learn from Korean skin care.
The 10-step routine is inspired by the many ways Korean women take care of their skin to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. By following this regimen and using the recommended products, you can see significant improvements in your skin.
This approach to skin care is tied to the high beauty standards in Korea, which prioritize clean, clear skin.
As a result, many Koreans are diligent about their skin care routines and put in a lot of effort to maintain healthy skin.
While the 10-step routine may seem obsessive, it’s worth noting that not all Koreans follow it every day. Nonetheless, the Korean emphasis on skin care serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our skin.
How to Start the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine
Contrary to its name, the 10-step Korean skin care routine is not as daunting as it may seem. At its core, this routine is about setting aside time to take care of your skin and prioritize self-care.
In fact, the Korean skin care routine is more than just a daily cleansing process – it’s a ritual and lifestyle that can help you unwind and feel better after a hectic day.
So don’t worry if you can’t follow all the steps of this routine. It’s perfectly fine to adjust the routine based on your skin type, lifestyle, and specific skin concerns.
In fact, I’d suggest starting with a simpler version of the routine and gradually adding steps as you become more comfortable.
The most important aspect of this routine is that it helps you learn more about your skin and the correct order in which to apply your skin care products.
So take your time, enjoy the process, and discover what works best for you and your skin.
The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin
So, let’s get started with the 10-step Korean skin care routine. By following these steps, you’ll be able to improve your skin health and achieve a radiant complexion!
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
The first step in the 10-step Korean skin care routine is to use an oil-based cleanser. It is used to gently remove makeup and other oil-based impurities. This step is usually skipped in the morning routine.
Oil cleansers are the first part of a double cleanse and they effectively dissolve oil-based debris such as makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
I personally love using the ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil, which is packed with nutrient-rich natural oils like Argan Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil. It does a great job of removing all traces of makeup and is gentle enough to use every day.
To use the cleansing oil properly, apply it to dry skin and massage in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Then, wet your face with lukewarm water to emulsify the oil and rinse it off thoroughly.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
- Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($13(150ml) at YesStyle, $16(250ml) at Style Korean, $14(150ml) at Amazon)
After the oil-based cleanse, it’s time to move on to the water-based cleanser, which is the second step in the double cleanse.
I have a few different options that I like to rotate through, but my current favorite is the Etude House Soonjung 6.5 pH Whip Cleanser.
I can’t recommend this cleanser enough – it’s gentle yet effective, lightweight, and easily removes any leftover debris. It’s the perfect follow-up to the oil-based cleanse.
When it comes to double cleansing, I like to use the ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil followed by the Soonjung Whip Cleanser. This combination works wonders for my skin!
Step 3: Exfoliator
- Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X ($14 at Style Korean, $16 at Amazon)
Moving on to the third step, which is exfoliation, but I must mention that this step is not mandatory for everyone, including me.
As someone with dry skin, I usually feel that my skin is already exfoliated after doing a double cleanse and using a toner.
However, when I feel like my skin needs an extra boost, I like to use the Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mask.
It’s a versatile face mask that targets excess oil and blackheads, but also gently exfoliates without causing any irritation or disruption to my skin.
I love how it effectively deep cleanses my skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and smooth.
Step 4: Toner
- Round Lab Dokdo Toner ($10(200ml) at Stylevana, $28(500ml) at Style Korean, $16(200ml) at Amazon)
Toners are an essential part of the Korean skin care routine. And they can make a huge difference in your skin’s hydration levels.
The Dokdo Toner is a fantastic option as it is formulated without alcohol, which can be drying to the skin.
Instead, it is gentle and helps to balance and prep the skin for the rest of your routine.
Simply apply a few drops onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face. Or pat it onto your skin using your hands for a more gentle application.
Step 5: Essence
- Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X ($37 at Missha USA, $37 at YesStyle, $28 at Style Korean)
After toner, I usually apply essence, but honestly, I skip this step sometimes.
Essence is great for giving your skin a boost of hydration and preparing it for better absorption of other products.
I’ve been using the Missha Time Revolution First Essence and it’s been amazing.
It’s really helped to hydrate my dehydrated skin, leaving it looking smoother and more dewy. The texture is really lightweight, like water, and it sinks into the skin easily, leaving a soft finish.
I like to apply multiple layers for extra hydration, and my skin always looks so much more glowy and smoother afterwards.
Step 6: Serum & Ampoule
- Propolis Light Ampoule ($17 at YesStyle, $15 at Style Korean, $21 at Amazon)
Now it’s time to personalize your routine! This step is all about targeting your specific skin care concerns.
Serums and ampoules have a more viscous texture than essences and are packed with nutrients to provide an extra layer of hydration and address specific issues like dark spots, wrinkles, and dullness.
For my dry skin, I love the COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule.
It has a smooth, lightweight feel that absorbs easily and leaves my skin feeling nicely hydrated without any stickiness or greasiness.
I use it mostly during colder months, but switch to a lighter serum during hot and humid weather.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
- Mediheal Tea Tree Mask ($8(10ea) at Style Korean, $19(10P) at Amazon)
Using sheet masks has become an essential part of my skincare routine, and for good reason.
These little beauties are packed with hydrating, nourishing ingredients that can work wonders on dry or tired skin.
My go-to sheet mask is the Mediheal Tea Tree, which helps soothe and calm my skin with its gentle formula.
It’s infused with natural ingredients like Tea Tree Leaf Oil and Centella Asiatica Extract, which work together to provide a refreshing and calming sensation.
Plus, it adds just the right amount of moisture to my skin. It feels soft and supple without any heavy or greasy residue.
I always look forward to using this mask for a quick pick-me-up for my skin.
Step 8: Eye Cream
- Real Barrier Extreme Cream ($20 at YesStyle, $27 at Style Korean, $25 at Amazon)
While eye creams are meant to hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes, I personally haven’t noticed any significant difference between using an eye cream and using a regular moisturizer.
Therefore, I tend to skip this step. Instead, after applying my regular moisturizer, I use a balm-type moisturizer like the Real Barrier Extreme Cream to seal in moisture around my eyes and lips.
Step 9: Moisturizer
- Physiogel DMT Cream ($32 at Amazon)
The final step of the Korean skincare routine is applying a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy-looking.
This step is especially important if you have dry or sensitive skin.
A good moisturizer will help to seal in all the products you’ve previously applied. And it ensures your skin gets the maximum benefits from your skincare routine.
My go-to moisturizer is the Physiogel DMT Cream, which I’ve been using for years and repurchased countless times.
It’s a simple yet effective moisturizer that is perfect for anyone with sensitive or normal-dry skin.
It absorbs into the skin easily and helps lock in all the goodness from the previous steps of my skincare routine.
Step 10: SPF
- Dr.G Green Mild Sun Up+ ($18 at YesStyle, $18 at Style Korean, $18 at Amazon)
The final step of my morning routine is applying SPF.
I’ve been exploring different Korean sunscreens to find one that works best for my skin type, and currently, the Dr.G Green Mild Up is my top pick.
What I love about this sunscreen is that it doesn’t leave any white residue. And it applies easily, and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin.
It has a lightweight lotion-like texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t interfere with my makeup application.
Plus, it provides good protection against UV rays, making it an ideal choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
For those who prefer mineral sunscreen, the Dr.G Green Mild Up is an excellent option that provides effective sun protection without any harsh chemicals.
Wrap Up
So, congratulations! You’ve finished the ten-step Korean skincare routine for dry skin.
This routine is a great way to nourish and pamper your skin with a focus on hydration, protection, and gentle cleansing.
While it may seem overwhelming at first, the key is to take your time and find the products that work best for your skin type and concerns.
Experiment with the K-beauty products I mentioned above, or look for ones that make your skin look and feel its best.
Remember that skincare is an ongoing process; keep trying!
Further reading on KbeautyAddiction.com: Want healthier, more radiant skin?
If you want to learn more about skincare routines or other K-beauty topics, be sure to check out these as well!
