The 10 step Korean skincare routine has become a major trend and staple in the beauty community within recent years, and for good reason! There are many methods ancient Koreans would use to improve their skin that contributed to perfecting the products we use today. Let’s take a look at how Koreans in the ancient eras used the 10 step skincare routine.
Double cleansing
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: For fresh skin
We know that washing your face twice a day is important, and so are the products we use! During the Goryeo period of ancient Korea, powder created from ground mung beans was combined with water to cleanse the face. Today, we use the double cleansing method. We wash our face with an oil cleanser to reduce oil-based impurities including sebum, pollutants, and SPF. We also use a foam or cream cleanser after oil cleansing to reduce sweat and dirt. This cleanser also gives us more freedom to choose the best one for our skin type! Purito’s From Green Cleansing Oil is made with natural oils for a more traditional and healthy approach. For foam cleanser, From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser has a pH level of 5.5 using Centella extract, beneficial for all skin types.
Toner
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To soften and prep skin
The people of the Joseon era would apply lard to the skin in order to soften it. Today, we use toner to regulate our pH and soften our skin! This also prepares our skin for the following steps, allowing products to absorb more easily. Toners with BHA and AHA can additionally help to prevent aging, acne damage, and fine lines. That’s a big transition from using animal fats! Real Barrier Aqua Soothing Toner is a hydrating toner that achieves many of these benefits. It calms the skin using hyaluronic acid and allantoin to protect the skin barrier.
Essence
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To glow and hydrate
In order to remove freckles and liver spots throughout the Goryeo period, using apricot and peach oils was the trend. To enhance our complexions nowadays, we use essence to help our skin achieve a healthy glow and hydrate our skin. It has anti-aging benefits too! To get the best hydration and soft, supple skin, Urang’s True Rose Repair Essence is recommended.
Emulsion
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: For radiance and moisture
Those in the Goryeo era would make lotion from plant juice. Scents were created by using plants such as dried clove buds. Emulsion products today contain botanical extracts as well, which is not surprising given their long history. Using emulsion provides moisture and is generally best for those battling with dry skin. Blooming Rose Water Emulsion by Jayjun provides these effects and gives a more radiant look, rich with vitamin C.
Serum
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To nourish
In ancient Korea, another method of softening the skin was to use a massage technique – rubbing one’s palms until warm, then rubbing them on the forehead. This massage was also said to help the skin achieve a glow. Although massages can be a treat, we currently use serum to achieve this glow and add more moisture to our skin. Modern serums use ingredients that are nourishing such as antioxidants and peptides. We recommend the Vitamin Oil Serum by Urang, as it targets signs of aging and repairs the skin. For those sensitive to aromatic product and essential oils, the Glow Oil Serum is also a fantastic alternative!Centella Unscented Serum is a fantastic alternative!
Urang’s oil serums will keep your skin fresh and glowing
Sheet masks
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: A little something extra
Sheet masks have existed for centuries, using cloth dipped in botanicals such as herbs and flowers. They could even be made using pearls! The use of masks was to brighten the skin, give it a glow, and dispel signs of aging. Masks created in ancient Korea have little difference from the ones we use today, providing different effects depending on the sheet mask we use. Usually soaked in serum, sheet masks add another layer to our skincare routine. Jayjun’s Essential Mask collection addresses several of these benefits, including firming, brightening, and calming. To reduce scars, calm skin irritation, and hydrate the skin, Urang’s Love Mask Set is also a great choice.
Eye cream
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To prevent fine lines
During the Joseon Dynasty, following the Dongui Bogam for health advice was common. To maintain the brightness of the eye area, it was recommended not to spit out saliva from one’s mouth. Fortunately, today we use eye cream to moisturize the thin skin around our eyes and reduce under-eye circles. We also use it as a preventative measure to avoid wrinkles and crow’s feet. Centella Green Level Eye Cream by Purito addresses these concerns and helps to prevent protein reduction, protecting sensitive skin. Jayjun’s Tea Eye Gel Patches are also excellent for those interested in a more customized eye-care experience.
Moisturizer
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To prevent dry skin
Vitamins are essential for the skin. In previous eras, vitamin E and safflower oil would increase skin moisture. They also gave a glossy appearance! We now use moisturizer, which helps to seal in and absorb previously applied products. Sometimes moisturizers can be troublesome for oily skin types, but it depends on the type. To improve the skin’s moisture barrier without stickiness, Intense Moisture Cream from Real Barrier works miracles.
Real Barrier Intense Moisture Cream is long-lasting for 48 hours!
Sunscreen
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To reduce aging
People would use mugwort and garlic during the Joseon period to maintain the purity of the skin, along with using parasols to avoid sunlight. Sunscreen provides this same benefit during the day, protecting our skin from both UVA and UVB rays as long as we re-apply every two to three hours! Now we can enjoy summer days at the beach while keeping our skin free from sun damage. Purito’s Centella Green Level Safe Sun and unscented alternative protect the skin from sun rays and improve skin elasticity without a slimy feeling.
Sleeping mask
Importance in the 10 step skincare routine: To provide nutrients
Kimchi has provided minerals and A, B, and C vitamins for ages, showing to be beneficial for skin and gut health. While we can still indulge in kimchi to ensure healthy skin, we also use sleeping masks at night to provide hydration, vitamins, and prevent wrinkles. There are many benefits that vary by product type, so be sure to do a lot of research! JayJun’s Intensive Shining Sleeping Pack is perfect for those wishing to restore moisture and vitality into the skin.
Now that we’re aware of the long-lasting success of these ingredients and their history, we can fully trust in the 10 step Korean skincare routine.