Over the past few years, beauty enthusiasts around the world have embraced the magic of the Korean Skincare Routine. Known for its multi-step method and glass skin results, this skincare philosophy emphasizes hydration, consistency, and gentle care. Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to upgrade your regimen, adopting the Korean Skincare Routine can completely transform your skin.
At Makeovers by Sugandha, the best beauty parlour in Dehradun, many women ask us about Korean beauty techniques. In the third line of our consultation, we usually explain that the Korean Skincare Routine isn’t about expensive products—it’s about commitment to a healthy skin ritual that works long-term.
Let’s break down the science, steps, and benefits of this global skincare phenomenon.
What is the Korean Skincare Routine?
The Korean Skincare Routine is a structured and intentional way of caring for your skin using gentle, layered steps. While it’s commonly known as a “10-step routine,” the number of steps can be personalized based on your skin’s needs.
What sets Korean skincare apart is:
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Focus on prevention, not correction
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Deep hydration rather than harsh exfoliation
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Use of lightweight, layered products
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Emphasis on natural ingredients like green tea, snail mucin, rice water, and ginseng
Why Choose the Korean Skincare Routine?
If you’re tired of harsh products and want to develop a mindful beauty habit, the Korean Skincare Routine is ideal.
Top Benefits:
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Boosts long-term skin health
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Promotes glowing, even-toned skin
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Hydrates at multiple levels
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Minimizes pores and texture
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Slows down visible aging
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Treats acne without drying out the skin
Step-by-Step Guide to the Korean Skincare Routine
Here’s a complete breakdown of the Korean Skincare Routine, explained step by step:
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
The first step focuses on removing oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and sebum.
Why it’s important:
Cleansing oils dissolve stubborn residue without stripping the skin.
Best Ingredients:
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Rice bran oil
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Olive oil
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Green tea seed oil
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
This second cleanse removes any leftover dirt and sweat.
Why it’s important:
It ensures your skin is fully clean, preparing it for absorption in later steps.
Look For:
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Low pH formulas
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Gel-based or foam textures
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Mild and fragrance-free products
Step 3: Exfoliator (2–3 times a week)
Use a chemical or physical exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Key Exfoliants in K-Beauty:
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AHAs (like glycolic acid)
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BHAs (like salicylic acid)
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Natural scrubs (like rice powder)
Tip: Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier. Start slowly.
Step 4: Toner
Unlike astringent Western toners, Korean toners are gentle and hydrating.
Why it’s important:
Balances pH and preps the skin to absorb serums and essences better.
Ingredients to Try:
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Rose water
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Green tea
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Liquorice root extract
Step 5: Essence
Essences are a unique part of the Korean Skincare Routine. They are lightweight, watery formulas that deeply hydrate and enhance cell turnover.
Look For:
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Snail mucin
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Fermented yeast
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Hyaluronic acid
Step 6: Serum / Ampoule
This step targets specific skin issues like pigmentation, wrinkles, or dullness.
Power Ingredients:
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Vitamin C (for brightening)
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Niacinamide (for pores and texture)
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Canella Asiatica (for calming)
Serums are the core treatment step of the Korean Skincare Routine.
Step 7: Sheet Mask (2–3 times a week)
A sheet mask drenched in essence offers an intensive hydration boost.
Best Use:
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Before special events
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After exfoliation
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When your skin feels dry or tired
At Makeovers by Sugandha, we often use Korean sheet masks during facials for instant glow.
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is delicate and the first to show signs of aging.
What to Use:
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Peptides for firming
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Caffeine for puffiness
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Ceramides for hydration
Step 9: Moisturizer
A good moisturizer locks in all the layers underneath and protects the skin barrier.
Texture Options:
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Gel for oily skin
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Cream for dry skin
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Lotion for combination skin
Step 10: Sunscreen (AM only)
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in the Korean Skincare Routine. Korean sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and offer broad-spectrum protection.
Look For:
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SPF 30+
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PA+++ or more (for UVA protection)
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Ingredients like aloe or canella for calming
Korean Skincare for Different Skin Types
For Oily Skin:
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Use gel-based cleansers
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Try niacinamide or tea tree serum
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Avoid heavy creams
For Dry Skin:
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Use cream or balm cleansers
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Go heavy on essence and sheet masks
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Choose rich moisturizers
For Sensitive Skin:
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Use minimal steps
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Stick to fragrance-free products
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Include centella and panthenol for calming
Tips to Personalize Your Korean Skincare Routine
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Start slow. Don’t try all 10 steps on Day 1.
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Listen to your skin—adjust based on how it feels.
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Use lukewarm water for cleansing.
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Avoid alcohol-based or harsh exfoliants.
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Be consistent—results take 3–4 weeks to show.
How Makeovers by Sugandha Incorporates Korean Skincare
At Makeovers by Sugandha, we offer facials inspired by the Korean Skincare Routine. Each session includes double cleansing, exfoliation, essence therapy, and sheet masking—perfect for hydration and glow.
Popular K-Beauty Services at Our Salon:
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Korean Hydration Facial
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Glass Skin Treatment
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Snail Mucin Therapy
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Brightening Vitamin-C K-Facial
Our expert staff chooses products based on your skin type and helps you build a practical Korean skincare routine for home use.
FAQs About the Korean Skincare Routine
Q: Do I need to follow all 10 steps every day?
A: No. You can customize it based on time and skin needs.
Q: How long before I see results?
A: Typically 2–4 weeks of consistent use will show visible changes.
Q: Can I combine it with Indian skincare products?
A: Yes, as long as they’re gentle and compatible with layering.
Q: Is this routine safe for acne-prone skin?
A: Absolutely. Korean skincare focuses on calming, not stripping the skin.
Conclusion
The Korean Skincare Routine is more than just a beauty trend—it’s a philosophy of loving and caring for your skin with patience and intention. With time, it helps you achieve the healthy, radiant, and dewy complexion you’ve always wanted.
If you’re ready to start your K-beauty journey or want professional guidance tailored to your skin, visit Makeovers by Sugandha, the best beauty parlor in Dehradun. Our trained experts and premium services will help you embrace skincare that truly works.
