The 10 Step Korean Glass Skin Routine

Ah, yes, that smooth and shiny skin that’s the envy of all. You see it online and on TV, but how do they do it? How can you do it?

We’re here to teach you how to get the Korean glass skin of your dreams by using a simplified 10 step Korean skincare routine. We’ll have you ready to glow in no time!

1. Makeup remover/Oil Cleanser

K-beauty is big on incorporating double cleansing in your nightly skincare routine to make sure all of the day's makeup and impurities are washed away.

It starts off with using an oil-based cleanser on dry skin and this Centella Cleansing Oil by Skin1004 has rave reviews and is suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone skin. 

2. Water Based Cleanser

The next step is to use a water-based cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. The Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser by Beauty of Joseon is a great gel cleanser for those with oily and combination skin types while B_Lab's Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser is perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin types. 

3. Exfoliator

An important step to help make your skin glassy smooth is to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Not only will this help even out your complexion, but it also helps your skin care products absorb more easily! 

Exfoliate using a gentle chemical exfoliator such as the PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel by Axis-Y as it helps gently unclog pores, regulate excess oils and leave you with a luminous glow. 

Another great option, is a gentle physical exfoliator like Dr. Ceuracle Ganghwa Rice Granule Pack, which uses the skin soothing and brightening power of rice to slough off dead skin cells for skin that is softer, smoother and more even-toned! 

4. Toner

Toners in Korean skincare are meant to help tighten up your pores while still providing a boost of moisture. They do this by using gentle ingredients like green tea, ginseng, and more, and they’re perfect for restoring the skin’s pH level and prepping your skin for the rest of your skincare.

If you're looking for a great overall toner that hydrates and soothes, then the Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner by Haruharu Wonder is a great choice. Those looking to incorporate daily gentle exfoliation in this step can also opt for SomeByMi's cult favourite toner, AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. 

5. Essence/Serums

Essences are a lightweight treatment meant to help with concerns like dehydration and dullness, while serums have a thicker texture and best for more targeted concerns like hyperpigmentation, blemish care and soothing. 

Both are important in this process to help your skin look and feel its best. If you choose to layer both, it is recommended to start off with the lightweight essence, followed by a targeted serum. 

If it is hydration and a plump complexion you're after, then you can't go wrong with CosRx's most popular, Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence. Pair that with a Niacinamide serum to help those with oily, acne-prone skin even out their skin tone while balancing the skin's sebum levels. 

6. Ampoules

 Ampoules are designed to address specific skincare concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. Ampoules typically have a thicker consistency than regular serums and are used as a targeted treatment to deliver intensive nourishment to the skin.

If its soothing care to help with redness and irritation, then Skin1004's star product, Madagascar Centella Ampoule is what you need. For brightening and promoting an even-toned complexion, our firm favourite is the C-Niacin Toning Ampoule by Isntree.

7. Sheet Mask

What good is a Korean skincare routine without throwing in a relaxing sheet mask a couple of nights a week? Soaked in hydrating essence, these convenient masks address concerns like pigmentation, irritation and dehydration. 

One of our favourite sheet mask is the ever popular, Peach 70 Niacin Serum Mask by Anua, which helps nourish the skin with vitamins and fights skin dullness for a radiant glow. If you're a sheet mask fan then you'll love the Collagen Peptide Vital Mask by Mary & May. It contains a box of 30 sheet masks in a convenient box to keep you positively hydrated and glowing all month long!

8. Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes deserves love too, especially as the first signs of fatigue and aging often appear around the delicate eye area. 

Selecting the best eye cream can be challenging. It is best to figure out what are your main concerns first - Are wrinkles and fine lines starting to show? or are dark circles and dullness your major concern? Using an eye cream with Retinol can help address all common concerns and SomeByMi have formulated the Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream to tackle all eye woes easily. 

9. Moisturizer

Hold on everybody- we are almost at the end of our glass skin routine! (Almost) Last, but certainly not the least, the right moisturizer will help seal in all the previous steps to leave you with an enviable glow. 

All my oily and acne-prone girls, listen up: you still need to use a lightweight moisturizer to help your skin stay balanced and not overproduce oil. Gel textured moisturizers are a great choice for those who tend to be on the shiny side. Innisfree's Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream is just the thing you need for hydration without the shine! 

10. Sunscreen

If its one thing Korean beauty just does better than the rest - it's sunscreen! Not only are the formulas lightweight, leave no white cast and provide excellent sun coverage, most also have skin loving ingredients for additional benefits. 

We all know SPF is a crucial part to that perfect skin you’re trying to achieve. This final step will help keep your skin safe from harsh UV rays, which can damage your skin and accelerate aging, skin cell damage and dullness. A definite no-no if you want to achieve that coveted glass skin! 

 We can't mention K-beauty sunscreens without a special shoutout to the OG- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics.

As you can see, this trend does have quite a few steps, but none of them are difficult to do. Anyone can get these benefits and enjoy glass skin if they follow the process and use quality cosmetic products.

K-beauty in Dubai and the rest of the UAE is a growing trend, and it can work wonders. So, hop on the train today and check out some of our K-beauty products today!