Skincare is an essential practice to support skin integrity. Skincare enhances appearance and relieves skin conditions. According to Vogue, your skin can showcase how you feel on the inside. So if you are feeling depressed, stressed, or just tired, it shows on your skin.
Good skin does not solely depend on DNA. Your daily habits and your confidence impacts what you see in the mirror and how others see you. That being said, everyone has a different skin type, what works for me may not work for you. Like I stated above, it heavily depends on your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Skincare is a topic of conversation at every moment, but Korean skincare products are taking over the market. Everyone who knows or cares about skincare has probably heard of the 10-step Korean skincare regimen. This statistic includes me, and below is my documented experience.
Skin history
I have oily skin that’s very acne-prone. I have breakouts when I am on my period or when I have stressful situations around or within me. At some point, the acne started becoming a part of my face. It bothered me so much, and that’s why I decided to embark on this journey.
Before starting, I did a lot of research about the 10-step Korean skincare regimen. I downloaded a PDF by Soko which is available for you at the end of this article. Soko Glam is the most trusted source for Korean skin products and makeup brands.
I started to follow the routine with my products. According to Soko, the 10-step Korean skincare regimen is a lifestyle and a habit. So before you do this, make a dedication to yourself and make your skin a priority.
Step One: Oil Cleanser
Purpose: The oil cleanser is the base of Korean skincare. It is there to remove the dirt or makeup buildup from your skin. You apply it straight to your dry skin in the morning or at night and massage all over your face. It breaks down sunscreen, makeup, particles and dirt parasites on your skin.
My experience: I got my oil cleanser from ‘the ordinary’. The ordinary has multiple options for oils, but I used vitamin B oil for this step. You could use any skincare brand that usually works for you. Every morning and evening, I massaged vitamin B oil cleanser all over my face. It felt like a deep cleanse for my skin.
Step Two: Water-based Cleanser
Purpose: It removes the dirt on your skin and washes out the oil cleanser. While the oil breaks down, the water-based cleanser washes the dirt out.
My experience: I use the Dr Belmeur acne-prone cleanser, this product is light on my skin. It washes out the dirt and makes me feel anew. I think this is the prime step because washing your face day/night is an essence in the skincare journey.
Step Three: Exfoliator
Purpose: The purpose of an exfoliator is simple. It removes dead cells and deeply cleanses your pores allowing for newer alluring skin. According to Soko, you should exfoliate twice a week. This is important to note because excessive exfoliation leaves your skin exposed to germs.
My experience: I use a natural exfoliator for my skin. I use a homemade recipe that consists of three ingredients (turmeric, water and salt). If I am feeling a little generous, I add natural honey. This turmeric exfoliator helps remove acne and acne scars. The anti-inflammatory qualities target your pores and deep cleanses your skin. Turmeric is known for reducing scarring and acne.
Step Four: Toner
Purpose: Simply put, the toner balances your skin pH levels so your face stays hydrated. After the exfoliation and deep cleanse, your skin is very delicate. The toner hydrates the skin and it preps the skin for the rest of the routine.
My experience: I use the Dr Belmeur water-based toner. It is very light on my sensitive skin. I use a cotton pad and rub it all over, making sure I get every single part of my face. The cotton shows the dirt I’m getting out so it makes me feel like I did something right!
Step Five: Essence
Purpose: According to Soko, the essence is the heart of the Korean skincare. It’s like an extra level of hydration.
My experience: I use the Kombucha facial treatment essence, and I credit this step for reducing the minor discoloration on my face. I continue to use the Kombucha essence day and night; it is a staple in my routine.
Step Six: Treatments
Purpose: Here comes the serum and boosters for perfect skin. They target hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
My experience: Since acne is a problem for me, I got a serum that focuses on acne and hydration from the face shop. This step went straight to my problem area and took care of it. It was like a one-on-one with my acne. I recommend that you don’t miss this step.
Step Seven: Face Mask
Purpose: This is like a spa day at home. According to Soko, Face masks promote meditative ritual and relaxation. Use the face mask twice a week. The nutrients of the mask absorb into your skin which gives you radiance.
My experience: I would get different types of face masks that focused solely on brightening, acne, or bumps. I recommend getting ones with ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber.
Step Eight: Eye cream
Purpose: This focuses on the dark circles and fine lines under and around your eye. It also helps with the puffiness and is beneficial for under the eye. Soko emphasizes that this step is essential for the overall appearance of the skin.
My experience: Truthfully, I skip this step because I have never found a good eye cream. I am still searching but for right now, I am yet to find a product that works for me.
Step Nine: Moisture
Purpose: Even the most basic routine requires you to moisturize. Moisturizing helps your skin in every aspect.
My experience: I look forward to moisturizing my skin every day. I use the Dr Belmeur moisturizing cream for oily skin; it digs in and makes my skin look shiny and bright.
Step Ten: Sunscreen
Purpose: This is easily the most ignored step in skincare. Most people don’t think that sunscreen is an important part, but it helps protect your skin from the sun.
Read: Dear Black Girl, This Is The Importance of Sunscreen
My experience: I use the [Cosrx] Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50. As a black woman, I have used sunscreen that’s too light or too heavy for my oily skin. However, this sunscreen works perfectly to protect my skin from damaging UV rays.
