The ultimate 10-step K-beauty regime

An elaborate guide to soft, supple and radiant skin

Korean beauty has been all the rage for a while now, thanks to its much-talked-about 10-step skincare regime that has won hearts around the globe. Grounded in Korea's cultural obsession with healthy skin and backed by decades of scientific advancement, the step-by-step routine is not about having multiple products, but having the right products and using them in the right order.
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
An oil cleanse is part one of the infamous double cleanse. The logic here is that 'like attracts like', so an oil cleanser will pull the oily gunk out of your skin, effectively removing makeup and sunscreen. Use this in the pm, and as you massage it into your skin, feel your makeup melt away. Now, rinse.
Step 2: Double-cleansing
Part two of the double cleanse is a foam cleanse. After removing your makeup and sunscreen with an oil cleanser, use a foam cleanser to gently remove the oil residue and water-based impurities from the day. While traditional foam cleansers are a mainstay, cleansing sticks are gaining popularity in Korea for their ease of use.

Step 3: Exfoliation
Twice a week, use a gentle enzyme or bead-based exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells that can make the complexion appear lacklustre whilst blocking pores and preventing key product ingredient absorption.
Step 4: Toner
Toners tend to put in a scare in a few. Thankfully, Korean toners are a totally different breed, designed to lovingly plump your skin with hydration so that the products get absorbed more effectively. Following a thorough exfoliation, apply a toner to balance the skin's pH levels.
Step 5: Essence
Ironically, it can be a little hard to grasp the essence of essence. It's neither a toner nor a serum, but a beautiful hybrid of both, capturing some of the prepping properties of the former and the treatment of the latter. Korean and Japanese women swear by this step for its ability to help cell turnover and brighten the skin. To make the most of the product, tip the essence into your palm and gently pat it into your skin.
Step 6: Ampoule
If you're wondering where the bulk of the treatment action happens, it's here. Whether you're trying to get rid of fine lines, acne or hyper-pigmentation, nothing works as well as a serum or ampoule packed with potent ingredients. By applying this supercharged serum at night, your skin will be able to absorb all the hydration it needs following a long day's work.

Step 7: Serum
Apply generous amounts of serum over specific areas of concern. Face serums act like lightweight moisturisers, but they penetrate much deeper to deliver active ingredients to your skin.
Step 8: Sheet mask
The sheet mask is a Korean beauty favourite - a cloth saturated with skin-loving ingredients! Perfect for all skin types, everyone can benefit from these masks that deliver a deeply hydrating and anti-ageing treatment.
Step 9: Eye cream
Don't forget that your peepers are surrounded by skin that is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, making it prone to fine lines. The favoured ingredient for eye cream is snail filtrate because it's full of elastin, proteins and hyaluronic acid.
Step 10: Moisturiser
Lastly, select a night-time moisturiser to keep those skin-loving ingredients locked in, allowing you to wake up to a beautifully rejuvenated complexion.
The best part? Korean beauty products are quite affordable, so you do not have to worry about breaking the bank. A few great brands where you can stock up on Korean beauty in the UAE include The Face Shop and Etude House.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com