10 Step Routine: Korean Skin Care for men in 2024
The evolution of grooming has been remarkable. The traditional soap-and-flannel regimen that served men for generations has been replaced in the last decade by a deluge of scrubs, masks, moisturizers, serums, and balms. Now, it might be time for another upgrade.
A detailed 10-step Korean skincare routine is gradually gaining global popularity, promising to maintain a youthful appearance well into middle age. Known as Korean skincare or 'K-beauty,' it has long charmed women's bathroom cabinets, and Western men are now catching on to its effective formulas and indulgent routines.
10-step routine demands commitment. It's a regimen that might not align with the simplicity of guys who wash their faces with shower gel and casually spray deodorant down their trousers. It's a dedicated form of self-care (fun fact: one of the most Googled terms in 2019), but the transformation it brings is nothing short of remarkable, winning over people with truly unbelievable results.
Korean skincare is renowned as the pinnacle of skincare science, introducing ingredients like green tea, egg white, and even snail mucus (surprisingly great for hydration). The skincare innovations from Korea are so abundant that a typical three-step routine of exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize is practically obsolete – leading to the widespread adoption of a much more comprehensive strategy that's currently making waves.
In Korea, there's a belief that your face holds glimpses of your future. Many Koreans invest time in crafting the best possible future by prioritizing the health of their skin. Similar to caring for any organ, this involves a holistic approach addressing various concerns such as hydration, nourishment, and protection. It's a 360-degree method for ensuring your skin is as healthy as can be.
Embracing the full Korean skincare routine, with its traditional 10 steps, may appear lavish at first glance. However, once integrated into your daily regimen, you'll find that it's surprisingly straightforward and even enjoyable. Here's the correct sequence of products and the proper methods for using them—all aimed at achieving a complexion worthy of a K-pop star.
Step 1: Oil Cleanse : Dermalogica Precleanse (Amazon)
Conveniently, the initial step in the comprehensive Korean skincare routine has seamlessly integrated into Western practices. Aptly named, oil cleansers, unlike their water-based counterparts, excel at breaking down oil-based impurities such as pollution, sebum, and sunscreen. Not only are they often nourishing and hydrating, but they also provide a deeply relaxing experience with a natural scent and soothing texture.
Benefits: Clears the skin of dirt, debris, and bacteria.
How To Use It: Apply morning and night, incorporating a deep massage.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Silica dimethicone silylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl, and Aqua | Size: 9.3oz | Skin Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Step 2: Water Cleansing : Bioderma Sensibio (Amazon)
Dermatologists, aestheticians, and facialists have consistently endorsed double cleansing—a practice the Koreans have embraced for quite some time. The logic is sound: oil dissolves oil, but to eliminate water-based impurities entirely, another cleanser is essential. Opt for mild cleansers like a cleansing milk, effectively removing what needs to be sloughed off without compromising the skin.
Benefits: Eliminates any lingering water-based dirt and debris.
How To Use It: Gently massage onto the skin in circular motions both in the morning and at night.
Active Ingredients: Aqua, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Cucumis sativus, Propylene glycol, Cetrimonium bromide, Disodium EDTA. [BI 446] | Size: 9.3oz | Skin Type: Sensitive, Normal | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Step 3: Exfoliating : Murad AHA/BHA (Amazon)
By now, most guys understand the purpose of this step, but did you know there are various types? Physical exfoliators consist of abrasive scrubs—using ingredients like walnut, rice, or salts—that can be more robust on the skin, making them ideal for those with beards or struggling with dry skin. For everyone else, opt for a chemical exfoliant containing an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) such as glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid for a more thorough removal of dead skin.
Benefits: Eliminates dead skin and enhances the absorption efficiency of subsequent products.
How To Use It: Twice a week in the evening, focusing on specific problem areas.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids, Jojoba beads, Sodium PCA | Size: 6.75oz | Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry | Cruelty-Free: No
Step 4: Essence : Neogenlab Real Ferment Micro Essence (Amazon)
Among the highly praised elements of Korean skincare, essences delve into the deeper layers of the dermis, preparing the skin for the subsequent steps in the routine. "These are watery lotions or thin gels that are more concentrated with active ingredients, often formulated with a higher dose of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other natural extracts," explains Cho.
Benefits: An active lotion that hydrates and fortifies the skin.
How To Use It: Apply a small amount morning and night, gently patting it onto the face and neck.
Active Ingredients: Aqua, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Betula Alba Juice, Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate| Size: 5.07oz | Skin Type: All | Cruelty-Free: No | Benefits: Hydrating, Illuminating, Strengthening
Step 5: Serums : Jack Black Protein Booster Serum (Amazon)
The powerhouses of the skincare realm, serums serve as the fundamental components for achieving radiant skin. Boasting the highest concentration of active ingredients, they have the capability to address a spectrum of concerns, ranging from hydration to aging. This is the stage where skincare becomes tailor-made, requiring you to pinpoint your specific desires. Enlarged pores? Niacinamide is your ally. Lackluster complexion? Embrace Vitamin C. Wrinkles? Opt for a peptide complex.
Benefits: Targets specific concerns or infuses the entire face with potent active ingredients.Hydrating, Anti-aging
How To Use It: Apply a small amount morning and night, gently patting it onto the face, neck, or targeted areas.
Active Ingredients: Enovage, Dynalift, Organic green tea, Organic Omega-3 fatty acids| Size: 2.02oz | Skin Type: All, Aging | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Step 6: Sheet Masks : Filorga Hydra-Filler Mask (Amazon)
Korea stands as the birthplace of sheet masks, a tradition dating back centuries using paper. While the core concept remains consistent—utilizing a barrier to facilitate the absorption of humectants (ingredients that enhance water binding to the skin) and other elements into the face—the technology has evolved. Sheet masks now come in tissue, hydrogel, and bio-cellulose bodies, each offering unique advantages and efficacy. Plus, they make for a stellar Instagram selfie.
Benefits: Prolonged contact with your skin ensures thorough absorption of concentrated ingredients.
How To Use It: Apply twice a week on clean skin, let it rest for 20 minutes, then pat in the remaining essence.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera| Size: 1 sheet mask | Skin Type: Combination | Cruelty-Free: No
Step 7: Eye Cream : Peter Thomas Roth (Amazon)
A step commonly embraced in the West, eye creams focus on the delicate periorbital area (that's the region directly around your peepers), delivering skin-strengthening proteins such as peptides. Within this category, you'll find eye gels (ideal for younger skin or those targeting puffiness) and eye creams (ideal for mature skin seeking toning, tightening, and lifting). While dark circles can be a somewhat genetic trait, a brightening eye gel can assist in illuminating the area.
Benefits: Hydrates and brightens the eye area. Tightening, Smoothing
How To Use It: Apply morning and night, using your ring finger to gently tap it around the entire orbital bone.
Active Ingredients: Firm-A-Tite™ technology, Eyeliss™ complex, Eye Regener® | Size: 1.05oz | Skin Type: All, Aging | Cruelty-Free: No
Step 8 : Emulsion : The Face Shop Rice Ceramide (Amazon)
Ever encountered emulsions? No worries, you're likely not alone. Emulsions are lightweight moisturizers well-suited for male skin and are also favored by those in more humid climates who prefer to avoid the occlusive nature of a heavy cream. Similar to moisturizers, an emulsion not only seals in the benefits of the preceding seven steps but also introduces its unique blend of humectants, vitamins, and actives. The distinctive characteristic lies in their ability to penetrate deeper levels of the skin due to their typically smaller molecular structure. Science, right?
Benefits: Nourishes and binds moisture to the skin.
How To Use It: Apply morning and night, gently patting into the face and neck.
Active Ingredients: Rice extract, Ceramide | Size: 5.2oz | Skin Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Step 9: Moisturizer : La Roche-Posay Moisturizer (Amazon)
Moisturizers manifest in various forms—gels, creams, oils—each serving the purpose of securing the benefits of the preceding nine steps. The rise of moisturizers can be attributed to their ability to uphold the skin's hydration levels, effectively sealing in water within the dermis to prevent evaporation. Over time, this quintessential skincare category has evolved to encompass a myriad of formulations, predominantly catering to dry, dehydrated, and aging complexions.
Benefits: Seals in moisture to impart a smooth and plump appearance to the skin. Moisturizing, Hydrating, Restoring
How To Use It: Apply morning and night, gently patting into the face and neck.
Active Ingredients: Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water | Size: 3.38oz | Skin Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Step 10: SPF : Elta MD UV Clear (Amazon)
Completing the first nine steps and neglecting the 10th is nearly sacrilegious in Korean skincare. Sun damage stands as the primary culprit behind a myriad of external skin concerns, ranging from pigmentation and dehydration to premature aging. In Korea, where a nearly 'cloudless' complexion is highly prized, the sun is regarded as the ultimate adversary. Various defenses are employed, including visors, sunglasses, gloves, but most crucially, SPF.
Benefits: Shields the skin from UVA and UVB damage. Protection, Blemish reduction
How To Use It: Reapply throughout the day on the face, neck, shoulders, and ears.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate, Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E | Size: 1.7oz | Skin Type: All | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The realm of K-beauty transcends mere trendiness; it stands as a testament to the meticulous care and profound comprehension of skin health. While the 10-step routine may appear formidable initially, it embodies a holistic approach that addresses every dimension of skincare, spanning from cleansing to protection.
For those skeptical or time-constrained, the simplified 5-step routine serves as a condensed yet potent alternative. Like any skincare regimen, consistency and an understanding of one's unique skin needs are paramount.
Whether you're a seasoned skincare enthusiast or a novice venturing into the K-beauty realm, the allure and efficacy of the Korean skincare routine are undeniable. Embrace it, and let your skin bask in the rewards.
