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K-Beauty 10-Step Routine: The Only Way To Korean Glass Skin?
If you’ve spent any time on skincare blogs or social media, you’ve probably encountered the K-beauty 10-step skincare routine. It’s become almost synonymous with achieving that coveted “Korean glass skin” look – smooth, luminous, and ultra-hydrated.
But with so many products and steps involved, you might wonder: is the K-beauty 10-step routine really the secret to perfect skin, or is it just a passing trend? Read on to know if it’s something you should adopt or if you would be better off working with a simpler routine.
The K-Beauty 10-Step Routine: What It Is and How It Works
K-beauty experts have designed the 10-step routine to maximise the effectiveness of different products, accounting for hydration, nourishment and protection throughout the day.
While the exact steps may differ depending on skin type or personal preference, the core of the routine often includes:
- Oil Cleanser – To remove makeup and impurities. An oil cleanser dissolves sebum and dirt, clearing the path for other products to penetrate more effectively.
- Water-based Cleanser – To deep clean and balance your skin. It ensures that no residue or leftover oil clogs your pores, which helps maintain the clear, poreless look characteristic of glass skin.
- Exfoliator – To slough off dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation reveals a fresher, brighter layer of skin, which enhances light reflection for that luminous glow.
- Toner – To balance the pH and prep your skin for better absorption. A well-balanced pH helps the skin stay hydrated and calm, setting the foundation for a supple, dewy texture.
- Essence – Lightweight hydration and skin-strengthening. It adds a boost of moisture and promotes cell turnover, creating that bouncy, plump skin for which glass skin is known.
- Serum – Targeted treatment for specific concerns. Whether you’re treating dullness or fine lines, serums help improve skin tone and texture for a smoother, more even appearance.
- Sheet Mask – Deep hydration and soothing. It drenches your skin in concentrated ingredients, giving you an instant glow and enhancing that dewy, glass-like sheen.
- Eye Cream – To work on puffiness and dark circles. Brightening the under-eye area contributes to an overall radiant and well-rested look.
- Moisturiser – To seal in all the benefits from the previous steps. Sealing in hydration keeps your skin barrier strong and your skin surface soft and reflective.
- Sunscreen – Essential for daily protection against UV rays. It prevents sun damage and pigmentation, which helps preserve your bright, even-toned complexion – a key part of glass skin.
Do You Really Need 10 Steps?
You might be asking yourself, “Is 10 steps really necessary? Can’t I achieve great skin with fewer products?” While the 10-step routine can be seen as an optimal form of skincare, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Why the 10-step Routine Is Not for Everyone
For some people, especially those with sensitive or irritable skin, the 10-step routine might be overkill. If your skin is prone to irritation, layering 10 products could lead to clogged pores or breakouts. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a minimalist approach, sticking to this regimen every day may feel overwhelming.
Skincare should be an enjoyable part of your routine, not something that stresses you out. The 10-step routine can be particularly cumbersome if you’re starting your skincare journey or have other skin concerns you need to address first.
You should personalise your routine based on what your skin needs rather than adhering to a strict set of steps. After all, skincare isn’t about following a trend; it’s about finding what works best for you.
Can You Get Glass Skin with Just a Few Steps?
The dream of glass skin, a complexion so flawless and radiant it seems to be as clear as glass, is achievable without the 10-step routine or, at least, all its parts.
How a Simpler Routine Can Still Give You Glowing Skin
If you streamline your routine to focus on the essentials, you can still achieve good results. At its core, glowing skin comes down to hydration, exfoliation, and sun protection. Even with just a few key products, your skin can look and feel luminous.
Let’s look at a simple 4-step routine anyone can follow:
- Gentle Cleanser
Look for a pH-balanced, sulphate-free cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin. Gel or cream-based cleansers with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, green tea, or ceramides are great for maintaining your skin barrier. Cleansing your face thoroughly allows your products to work better and helps prevent breakouts.
- Hydrating Serum
A serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or panthenol can deeply hydrate and brighten the skin. These ingredients retain moisture, plump your skin, and improve its tone, all essential traits for glass skin. Pick a formula that feels lightweight and absorbs quickly without tackiness.
- Moisturiser
Even oily skin types need moisturiser. Choose one that suits your skin type: gel-based for oily or combination skin, creamier textures for dry skin. Look for moisturisers that contain humectants (like glycerin), emollients (like squalane), and occlusives (like dimethicone) to seal in hydration and smooth the skin surface.
- Sunscreen
You shouldn’t skip SPF. Applying sunscreen daily protects your skin from dark spots, and slows signs of ageing. Go for lightweight formulas that don’t leave a white cast. Korean sunscreens are especially popular for their soft textures and skin-friendly ingredients.
The key is consistency and ensuring that your skin is getting what it needs. A simple, thoughtful routine that supports your skin’s natural functions can absolutely help you achieve that glass skin glow.
Professional Treatments
Sometimes, at-home skincare routines just aren’t enough to get that Korean glass skin. That’s why many people turn to professional facials. Facial treatments like chemical peels, and laser treatments can help shed dead skin cells and brighten and rejuvenate the skin.
For optimal results, skincare professionals recommend getting a facial treatment once every 4 to 6 weeks. This timeframe aligns with the skin’s natural renewal cycle, helping to maintain a clear, balanced, and glowing complexion over time.
However, your ideal frequency will also depend on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals. One treatment you can consider is SkinLab’s Luminous Glass Skin Treatment.
SkinLab's Luminous Glass Skin Treatment
 The Luminous Glass Skin Treatment is a high-concentration brightening and rejuvenating facial treatment that combines multiple active ingredients to tackle skin concerns like pigmentation, rough texture, and dullness. Some of the active ingredients include:
- 10% Arbutin – Helps to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
- 5% Citric Acid and 5% Lactic Acid – Gentle exfoliants that refine skin texture.
- 5% Kojic Acid – Reduces pigmentation and brightens the skin.
- 3% Salicylic Acid – Helps with deep cleansing and acne prevention.
- 20% Glutathione – A powerful antioxidant that inhibits melanin production.
This treatment smooths and brightens your skin without irritating it, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin. The treatment exfoliates while preserving moisture, leaving your complexion luminous and refined. After one session, your skin will feel brighter and smoother.
The Best Facial Treatments for Korean Glass Skin
Achieving Korean glass skin doesn’t depend on how many steps your skincare routine has. It depends on consistency, finding the right products, and caring for your skin in a way that suits your needs. Whether you choose the K-beauty 10-step method or a more simplified approach, the goal is to ensure your skin is hydrated and glowing.
If you’re in Singapore and want to explore facial treatments to achieve Korean glass skin, consider SkinLab. Besides the Luminous Glass Skin Treatment, SkinLab also offers other facial treatments that focus on hydration, brightening, and exfoliation.
Depending on your needs, some other options you can consider include:
- Hydrafacial: A non-invasive treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturises the skin, leaving it glowing and clear.
- Brightening Facials: Target pigmentation and dull skin with treatments that focus on even skin tone and radiance.
- Microneedling: Promotes collagen production and can help with skin texture, pigmentation, and scars.
Want that luminous, glass-like glow? book a consultation and let us help you find the perfect treatment.