Although this routine is popularly known as the steps, there are actually a few additional steps that offer an even greater level of care. Thus, we can speak of a total of 10 steps, with some being part of the daily routine and others performed several times a week, depending on the skin’s needs.
7 Steps of Korean Skincare and Additional Steps
At first glance, a multi-step skincare routine may seem complex, but each step has its unique purpose. Each step helps the skin achieve optimal hydration, cleanliness, and regeneration, making it healthier and more resilient to external influences. The essential steps include cleansing, hydration, and protection, while the additional steps provide targeted care for specific skin needs.
A Detailed Overview of Each Step and Its Importance:

1. 1. Oil-Based Cleansing
   The evening routine starts with oil-based cleansing, a step that is indispensable for removing makeup, SPF, and oily impurities accumulated throughout the day. The oil binds to oily impurities like makeup and sebum, enabling thorough cleansing without drying out the skin. This is the first step of double cleansing and is essential for maintaining clean pores.
2. Water-Based Cleansing
   After oil cleansing, the second step involves using water-based cleansers, such as foams or gels, to remove any remaining impurities. This step ensures deep pore cleansing and helps prevent acne and irritation. In the morning, this step may be sufficient on its own, as there is no need to remove SPF or makeup.
3. Toner
   Toners help balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps of the skincare routine. Korean toners often contain moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which restore essential moisture to the skin after cleansing. This is a crucial step for balancing and refreshing the skin.
4. Essence
   Essences are the heart of Korean skincare and a key step for deep hydration and regeneration. They contain a high concentration of active ingredients that penetrate the skin, promoting cell renewal and ensuring long-lasting hydration. This step helps the skin become softer and more elastic.
5. Serum/Ampoule
   Serums and ampoules are concentrated treatments targeting specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or dehydration. These products contain powerful active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide and are used for targeted care, making the skin more even and refreshed.
6. Eye Care
   The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive, so it requires special attention. Using specialized eye creams helps reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. Korean eye care products often contain peptides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrate and smooth this delicate area.
7. Moisturizer
   A moisturizer helps to “lock in” all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients applied in the previous steps, preventing moisture loss and making the skin softer. Korean moisturizers are often lightweight yet effective, suitable for all skin types, and ideal for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Additional 3 Steps for Complete Care:

1. Exfoliation
   Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, smooth complexion. Korean products often use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHA or BHA, which open up pores, reducing the risk of clogging and acne, while also improving the absorption of other products. This step is done once or twice a week, making it an important addition to the routine, but not a daily
   step.
2. Mask
   Sheet masks are one of the most recognizable symbols of Korean skincare. They provide intense hydration and quickly improve the skin’s appearance, making it soft and radiant. These masks, soaked in essences rich in vitamins and nourishing ingredients, are used once or twice a week for an extra boost of hydration and deep care. Some sheet-masks are designed for every day use.
3. Sun Protection (SPF)
   Sun protection is an indispensable part of the Korean morning routine. Using SPF prevents premature aging, dark spots, and harmful effects of UV rays. Korean sunscreen products are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and offer long-lasting protection, making this step crucial for maintaining skin health.

What Do We Gain by Following the Korean Skincare Routine?
Adhering to the Korean 7 (or 10) step routine provides thorough care and helps the skin reach its full potential. Each step complements the previous one, creating a balance between cleansing, hydration, and regeneration. Over time, the skin becomes more resilient to external factors, has a healthier glow, fewer imperfections, and fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable.
However, not all steps need to be part of a daily routine. Exfoliation and masks are used weekly, while double cleansing is reserved for the evening routine. Sun protection (SPF) is, of course, applied only in the morning, and products like essences and serums provide additional targeted care, tailored to specific skin needs.

It’s also important to note that there are shorter versions of this routine, more suitable for those with a busy schedule or for beginners in skincare. The key to success in the entire process is to listen to your skin’s needs and adjust the steps according to its current condition.
Sometimes, a smaller number of steps is enough to maintain a healthy complexion, while at other times, the skin may require additional care and attention.
The Korean skincare routine is not just a passing trend – it is a holistic approach based on innovative ingredients and consistent care, ensuring that the skin remains healthy and radiant in the long run. Through a disciplined and adaptable approach, this routine ensures that your skin is always at its best.