Last updated on: November 11, 2025
Why I Decided to Try the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
Let’s be honest — if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably stopped mid-scroll, staring at that glowing, glass-like Korean skin. I did too. I couldn’t help but wonder, how do they do it?
For years, I kept my skincare pretty basic — cleanser, moisturizer, maybe SPF if I remembered. But my skin was always either too dry or too oily, never that smooth, hydrated look I wanted. So, when I saw so many women raving about the Korean 10-step skincare routine, I decided to give it a real try — for 30 days.
I wanted to know: is it worth the hype, or just another time-consuming beauty trend?
What Exactly Is the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine?
Korean skincare isn’t just about products — it’s about a philosophy. It focuses on hydration, consistency, and prevention, rather than quick fixes. Instead of scrubbing your face raw or loading it with actives, the idea is to treat your skin gently and layer moisture to build long-term health.
It’s not a “rulebook” — more like a framework that encourages you to listen to your skin. Still, I went all in for 30 days, following the original 10 steps (yes, all ten!).
The 10 Steps, Explained Simply
Here’s what the full routine looks like — and what each step does for your skin:
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Oil Cleanser – removes makeup, sunscreen, and any oily residue.
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Water-Based Cleanser – gets rid of leftover dirt and sweat.
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Exfoliator – smooths rough skin and removes dead cells.
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Toner – balances skin’s pH and helps with product absorption.
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Essence – adds hydration and preps for serums.
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Serum/Ampoule – targets skin issues like acne or dullness.
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Sheet Mask – gives deep moisture and glow.
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Eye Cream – helps with puffiness or dark circles.
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Moisturizer – locks everything in.
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SPF (AM) / Sleeping Mask (PM) – protects or seals in moisture overnight.
Yes, it sounds like a lot — and it is — but it also felt like giving my skin the attention it deserved.
My Skin Before Starting
Before I started, my skin was tired. I have combination skin — dry cheeks, oily T-zone — and lately, it had been looking dull. My texture felt uneven, and I had a few breakouts that wouldn’t go away.
My old routine was minimal: cleanser, moisturizer, done. I wasn’t expecting miracles from the 10-step routine, but I wanted to see if all that layering could make a real difference.
Week-by-Week Journey: The Real Experience
Week 1: The Overwhelming Start
The first few days were… a lot. Ten steps felt like running a skincare marathon every night. My bathroom counter looked like a beauty store shelf.
But after three nights, I noticed something surprising — my skin felt so soft. Even my dry patches around the nose looked calmer. I didn’t see any visible glow yet, but I could feel my skin slowly waking up.
Week 2: Adjusting and Learning
This week, I learned how much product my skin actually needed — less than I thought. I had a small breakout (which I later learned was “purging,” normal when you start new skincare).
I started using products from Cosrx, Laneige, and Innisfree — all gentle, hydrating Korean brands. My face started to feel balanced: not too oily, not too dry. The routine started feeling less like a chore and more like a self-care ritual.
Week 3: The Glow Begins
By the third week, my skin genuinely looked different. It had this soft, hydrated glow — the kind that makes you want to go makeup-free. My pores looked smaller, and the texture around my forehead smoothed out.
I started getting little compliments like “Your skin looks really nice today” — and honestly, that felt good. I found myself looking forward to my night routine. It was 15 minutes just for me — no phone, no stress, just skincare and calm.
Week 4: The Final Glow-Up
By the last week, I was obsessed. My skin looked clearer, brighter, and felt firmer. I wasn’t waking up with that tight, dry feeling anymore.
I did, however, start skipping one or two steps on busy mornings (usually the exfoliator or mask). Still, my skin stayed happy. I realized the secret wasn’t doing every step every day — it was being consistent and paying attention to what your skin needs.
What I Learned About Korean Skincare Philosophy
One of the biggest things I learned is that skincare isn’t about quick results — it’s about patience. Korean skincare teaches you to slow down, layer moisture, and build healthy habits.
It’s also incredibly mindful. Spending time massaging in each product felt like a tiny act of love toward myself. I started treating my routine as me-time, not a task. It made me more aware of my well-being — like, if I could commit to caring for my skin every night, what else could I care for better?
My Before & After: The Honest Verdict
After 30 days, the difference was real. My skin tone evened out, my dryness disappeared, and that tired dullness? Gone. I wouldn’t say I achieved “glass skin” like the influencers, but I was pretty close — soft, glowing, and smooth.
Was it worth the effort? Absolutely. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to do all 10 steps forever. I now stick to about 6 — cleanser, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and SPF — and my skin still thrives.
Tips If You Want to Try It
If you’re curious to try the Korean skincare routine, here’s my advice:
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Start small. Begin with 4–5 steps and add more if your skin likes it.
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Listen to your skin. If something irritates, skip it.
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Hydration is key. It’s the heart of Korean skincare.
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Always wear SPF. No glow lasts without sun protection.
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Enjoy the process. It’s not just skincare — it’s self-care.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
Yes — 100%. But not because it’s a magic fix. I recommend it because it teaches you to slow down, care for your skin intentionally, and find beauty in the little rituals.
Following the 10-step Korean skincare routine for 30 days didn’t just change my skin — it changed how I think about self-care. It reminded me that taking time for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential.
So if you’ve been thinking about trying it, go for it. You deserve that glow — inside and out. 🌷
