In Skin Care, as in Life, Change is Good – Charlotte Cho
I’ve heard of the 10-step Korean Skincare Routine before, but, at first, I wasn’t interested in trying it. I had a simple 3-step regimen (cleanse, tone, moisturize), and the 10-step is just way too much for me.
As I got older, my skin became drier and duller. I knew it was time to change some of the products I’m using and try other skincare lines that will help brighten and rejuvenate my skin.
I began to read more about skincare online, and I came across The Little Book of Skin Care by Charlotte Cho. The title of the book sparked my interest, so I downloaded it right away. And, little did I know it was going to be the start of a wondrous skincare journey.
What I Learned
There are so many things I’ve learned from this book. Let me share with you some of the lessons that made me rethink my skincare game.
1. Skin First
A great skincare routine is essential to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Most women in Korea effortlessly pull off the “no-makeup makeup” look because their skin doesn’t need a lot of makeup to cover up imperfections.
2. Be Consistent
It’s not about finding the holy grail product. It’s the consistent use of well-formulated products that will bring your skin to a healthier state.
3. Skincare Isn’t “One Size Fits All.”
You don’t need to follow every step of the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine. The routine serves as a guide on how to layer different products to achieve the best result. Your skin is unique and continuously changing. What works for me may not work for you. It’s pretty much a trial-and-error process before you’ll find what is right for your skin.
4. Mix and Match
Feel free to mix and match various products based on your skin type or concerns. Try different brands and discover the latest innovations in skincare. Just make sure to do a patch test first to check if your skin is sensitive to the new product.
5. Have fun
Caring for your skin doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Give yourself a nice massage with the cleansing oil. Listen to your fave music while pampering your skin. Light a scented candle, place a sheet mask gently on your face, put your feet up, and relax!
What I Did
I bought a few K-beauty products (oil cleanser, essence, sunscreen) to try and incorporate into my skincare routine. My skin loooves the products so much, so I got more items to complete the 10-step routine. And after two months of trial and error, I finally figured out a good regimen for my skin.
My Skincare Routine
I have combination/sensitive skin. My T-zone is oily, while I suffer from dry patches on other areas of my face. Maskne was also a big issue, plus pimple scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Because of these, I’ve been using different products for morning and evening. My AM routine is geared to fight maskne and protect my skin from harmful UV rays (hello sunscreen). The PM routine is more tailored to treat, repair, and nourish my skin.
AM Routine
1. Oil Cleanser – Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil (BHA)
2. Water-Based Cleanser – Acwell Bubble Free ph Balancing Cleanser
3. Toner – D’Alba Piedmont Peptide No-Sebum Balancing Toner
4. Moisturizer – Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream
5. Sun Protection – Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin
PM Routine
1. Oil Cleanser – Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
2. Water-Based Cleanser – Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel
3. Toner – Acwell Licorice ph Balancing Cleansing Toner
4. Essence – Son Reve Tri-Bio Treatment Essence
5. Treatments – The Plant Base Time Stop Collagen Ampoule
6. Eye Cream – Elensilia CPP Collagen 80% Intensive Eye Cream
7. Moisturizer – SkinRX Lab Madecera Cream
Once a week, I’ll add an Exfoliator and a Sheet mask to my routine. Putting on the sheet mask is one of my favorite things to do!
Oh! What a Journey!
I’m hooked. I never thought I’d be having so much fun with this Korean skincare regimen. Sorry guys, I don’t have a “Before” photo because I wasn’t planning to write about this. When I saw the changes in my skin after a month, I got inspired to document and share this newfound experience with you.
I still get small and red bumps on my skin once in a while, but they don’t last very long or develop into cystic acne. My skin also feels smoother and looks much more radiant. Though, It might take some time before I’ll ever achieve the Korean “glass skin” status. I’m ok with that… coz I’m really enjoying every step of my skincare journey.
Have you tried the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine? If not, what’s your current skincare regimen? Any favorite products? I’m always on the lookout for new products to try. Please share in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Life With Fritzie 
29 responses to “I Tried the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine And This Is What Happened”
Korean beauty products are always the best for skin. That’s why I only used K-Beauty brands since the past eight years.
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I always thought the Korean skincare routine was interesting with all of the different steps… But I have seen Korean skin where it’s beautiful – so it has to work!! It is great that you found some learning points from the read. I agree that skincare is different for everyone. My skin doesn’t work well with some brands. I love how you mix and match with the different products. Your skin looks gorgeous!! Love the results!!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
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So interesting. I’m too lazy for that right now but something to consider for the future. Your skin (and you) look great.
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Consistency is important, but it’s a lot to commit too!
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I travelled to Japan a year ago and have been using a lot of their products since and I love them! Sourcing them in Australia is a bit tricky. Thanks for your article, I’ll keep an eye out for some of the products you mentioned
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Wow, there is a definite difference in your skin between the months so I love that this routine works so well for you! I love that you point out skincare is not a ‘one size fits all’ thing; I have to experiment and experiment to find what works for me. 🙂
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Loved reading this! Trying to up my skincare routine. Quite intrigued to try this
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Forgot to leave me name in my last comment!
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My skincare routine is about 7 steps, my skin has always been very dry so I have to work pretty hard consistently to get it looking healthy. But I totally agree about the most important part about your makeup looking good is a great skincare routine. Mixing and matching is key too. You might have amazing products but your skin doesn’t always require the same things every day. Your skin is looking wonderful x
Sophie
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Wow, I’ve never heard of the Korean skin care routine. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m going to look into it.
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Great post! I’ve heard such good thinks about Korean skincare and I think I’ll have to have a look at these products. Thank you for sharing!
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Happy to see that it’s working for you!
Part of what makes skin look “glassy” is the dewy factor in much of K-beauty/makeup. I personally don’t like it nor do I try to achieve it (my oily skin has traumatized me from anything that gives my face “shine”) but it’s a great healthy-looking look!
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Your skin is beautiful! Thanks for the information – this is something I will be looking into.
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I’ll be entirely honest, I know practically nothing about skincare other than my own routine that a make up artist told me to follow. But I do know that my problem is that I don’t stay consistent with it. However this was a really interesting post and gave me a lot to think about.
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I really enjoyed this post and love your detailed explanations of the products as well as your pics. i haven’t ever tried Korean skincare products and this has definitely inspired me to try!
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I never heard of this before definitely sounds like something I should look into. I’ve never been good with skin care and slowly getting myself into a routine. Thanks for sharing
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Wow.. The results are really good. A very well written post. Thanks for sharing!
MagicandBliss | https://magicandbliss.com/
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Like you, I thought 10 steps was about 7 steps too far so I’ve been using a 3-step routine morning and night, which seems to be working for now. But I enjoyed reading this post, thank you for sharing your recommendations and results 🙂
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I absolutely love Korean skincare but can never find myself to commit to all the steps. Glad your skin improved! 💜
Natalie – http://www.lucyandtherunaways.com
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I’m impressed you still manage to do the 10-step korean skin care for months! I can’t even make it a habit to do a normal skin care routine hahaha. Anyway, the result is visible based on your photo 🙂
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I sadly have no regime which I feel like I will be paying for dearly someday!
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I’m so glad that you have found a skincare routine that works for you, you and your skin look beautiful! I’ve not heard of the Korean skincare routine before and 10 steps sounds a lot, I do need to make more of an effort though and think perhaps get back into using masks because they are so nourishing which my skin needs xx
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So many good tips from the book, thank you for sharing. Your skin looks beautiful so it certainly must be working.
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This is brilliant! Like you, I love skincare and always invest in it. In the last couple of years I’ve really stripped back my routine and try to use more natural products. My favourite find is the By Sarah London Organic Facial Oil but I don’t think they’re in the States, just UK based for now. I’m really happy you’ve found a regimen you’re really happy with – your skin looks glowing! xxx
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Very interesting as I’m looking at developing my skin care and make up products. Your skin is a great testament to your skin care routine. https://overtherhinestonerainbow.blog
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I love K-Beauty! I recently wrote a post about my favourites from an amazing affordable brand “Innisfree”. My skincare routine is almost always filled with k-beauty products! 😊 I love it. Thank you for sharing your experience!
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
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[…] tried a Korean skincare routine a few months ago, and it did help my maskne clear up faster. However, I still get red bumps here […]
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What a difference! Your skin looks so bright and radiant!
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Thank You. Korean skincare products really did wonders in nourishing and hydrating my skin. I’m so glad I tried it.
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