The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: What Happened When We Tried It for a Week
Over the last few years, Korean beauty—or K-beauty—has taken the global skincare scene by storm. In the UK, it’s gone from niche trend to a mainstream must-try for skincare lovers.
With glowing influencers and celebrities praising its benefits, one thing stands out: “Glass skin”—that smooth, clear, luminous look—is the ultimate goal.
To see what the hype was really about, our team at Procoal decided to try the full 10-step Korean skincare routine for one week. Was it hard to stick to? Was it worth the time and effort?
We found out. And we’re sharing every step, product, result, and thought with you.
First, What Is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine?
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a strictly universal 10-step routine. Most guides share a similar structure, but there are slight variations depending on skin type and personal preference.
After some research, we followed this version:
Oil Cleanser, Foam Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Emulsion, Serum, Sheet Mask, Eye Cream, Moisturiser, SPF
Let’s break it down, step by step.
1. Oil Cleanser
The first step is an oil-based cleanser that removes makeup, SPF, and pollution. This is applied to dry skin and massaged in before rinsing with warm water.
We used Dermalogica Precleanse Balm, known for its deep-cleaning abilities and gentle feel. It melted makeup effortlessly without stripping the skin.
2. Foam Cleanser
Step two is about cleansing again—but this time using a water-based product to remove sweat, dirt, and leftover oil.
This “double cleansing” method is central to K-beauty. We chose the Biore Baking Soda Cleanser for its exfoliating and blemish-fighting properties.
3. Toner
Toners in K-beauty aren’t harsh or alcohol-based. They’re hydrating and prep the skin for the next steps by balancing pH and adding light moisture.
We opted for Pixi Glow Tonic, a cult-favorite that’s technically an exfoliating toner, helping improve texture while adding a gentle glow.
4. Essence
Essence is one of the most distinct K-beauty steps. It’s a lightweight, watery product that hydrates and helps with anti-aging by prepping the skin to absorb serums better.
We used Estée Lauder Micro Essence, which has a soft texture and left our skin feeling plump and calm.
5. Emulsion
Think of emulsions as lightweight moisturisers. They’re usually water-based and offer an extra hydration layer before you move to richer products.
Jess didn’t have a dedicated emulsion in her collection, so she used L’Oréal Hydra Genius Aloe Water, which offered a similar lightweight texture and hydration boost.
6. Serum
Serums target specific concerns—fine lines, acne, dryness, pigmentation. Ours contained Vitamin C to brighten skin and reduce uneven tone.
We went with the Vonza Vitamin C Serum, which had glowing reviews and was lightweight enough for layering under other products.
7. Sheet Mask
This is the longest step but also the most indulgent. A sheet mask is soaked with serum and worn for 15–20 minutes.
We tried the Marine Moisture Sheet Mask, packed with botanical extracts and 25ml of serum per mask. It felt cooling, relaxing, and hydrating.
8. Eye Cream
The eye area is delicate and one of the first places to show signs of aging. Eye creams hydrate, brighten, and smooth fine lines.
We used the Aurelia Eye Cream, known for its calming properties and lightweight feel. It helped reduce puffiness and gave a refreshed look.
9. Moisturiser
This step locks in all the moisture from the previous layers. A good moisturiser seals everything and keeps skin nourished all day.
We used Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, Jess’s holy grail. Rich and luxurious, it made the skin feel instantly soft and smooth.
10. SPF (Sunscreen)
This is the most important step—yes, even in the UK. SPF protects against UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
We used La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Mist SPF 50, a spray that’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. No white cast, no greasy feel.
How Long Did It All Take?
On day one, the full routine took nearly an hour. The most time-consuming part? The sheet mask, which accounted for about 20 minutes.
But by the end of the week, we had our rhythm down. The full process took just 40 minutes, with everything flowing smoothly.
Variations We Found Online
While researching, we noticed different versions of the 10-step routine. Some routines included exfoliators, ampoules, or lip care. Here’s a look:
Exfoliator: Some guides added a physical or chemical exfoliator, but using one daily seemed too harsh. We skipped it for daily use.
Ampoule: These are concentrated serums often used for specific skin concerns. We felt our Vitamin C serum already filled this role.
Moisturiser with SPF: Some routines combined the last two steps with a day cream containing SPF. We separated them to keep it flexible.
Lip Balm: Often suggested as a bonus step, but we left it out since it doesn’t integrate with the rest of the facial care process.
So, Did It Actually Work?
Yes—and quite impressively so.
By the end of the week, Tom’s skin looked brighter and more even-toned, while Jess noticed smoother texture and less dryness.
Both experienced a minor breakout on day two, likely from the sudden introduction of so many products. But it cleared up quickly by day four.
The only real downside? Eye irritation. By day four, both Jess and Tom noticed stinging around the eyes, which lasted 10–20 minutes after the routine. Possibly product overload.
What Did We Learn?
Here are a few personal takeaways:
Double cleansing works but may be too much daily. Foam cleanser alone might be enough for those with drier skin.
Serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF are here to stay in both Jess and Tom’s everyday routines.
Sheet masks gave noticeable results but will now be used just once or twice a week for practicality.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely—but with tweaks.
The full 10-step Korean skincare routine is effective, but it requires time, commitment, and the right products for your skin type.
It’s perfect for a weekend glow-up or when your skin needs extra love. For daily life, a condensed version (around 4–6 steps) may be more realistic.
That said, we now understand why people rave about K-beauty. It’s not about one miracle product — it’s about layering, hydration, and consistency.
With a few adjustments, it’s a routine worth adopting in part or in full. Your skin will likely thank you.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
