The Korean routine, explained in five steps
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The famous ten-step Korean routine is more of a marketing story than a rule. The idea behind it is sound, though: thin layers, from the most watery to the richest, each with a clear job. Here’s the version that matters.
01 Cleanse
In the evening, start with an oil cleanser to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. That’s the “double cleanse”. In the morning, one gentle cleanse, or just water, is enough.
02 Prep
Toners and essences add a thin first layer of hydration and help what comes next spread evenly. Pat them in with your hands. If your skin is sensitive, this is the easiest step to skip.
03 Treat
Serums carry the ingredients aimed at your main concern: hydration, dark marks, pores or a stressed barrier. One or two is plenty. More serums mean more chances to irritate.
Remember: Thinnest to thickest. Water first, richest last.
04 Seal
A moisturiser locks the layers in. Gel-creams suit oily skin; richer creams suit dry skin. Don’t skip it if you’re oily: dehydrated skin can look shinier, not less.
05 Protect, and the weekly extras
Every morning ends with SPF30 or higher. It protects everything else you do. Masks and exfoliants are weekly extras, not daily steps, and sensitive skin may not need them at all.
- Cleanse · Oil, then gel in the evening; gentle gel or water in the morning
- Prep · A toner or essence, patted in
- Treat · One or two serums for your main concern
- Seal · A moisturiser to suit your skin type
- Protect · SPF30 or higher, every morning
What you can skip
Short on time, or is your skin reacting? Keep three steps: cleanse, moisturise, protect. Add the others one at a time, two weeks apart, so you know what’s working.
The short version
Cleanse, prep, treat, seal, protect. Thin to thick. A few well-chosen steps beat ten rushed ones.
Not sure where to start? Ask JIHWA on WhatsApp or take the skin quiz.
This article is general education, not medical advice.