Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- The 10-step Korean routine layers cleansing, hydration and protection in a set order, from oil cleanser to sunscreen.
- Glass skin means a smooth, hydrated, luminous look — not flawless, poreless skin or a permanent transformation.
- Exfoliation is only 1–2 times a week, and sheet masks are 1–3 times a week, not daily steps.
- More steps are not automatically better: using too many strong actives at once can overwhelm skin.
- Sensitive skin should start with fewer steps — cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen — and add steps slowly.
Glass skin is a Korean beauty term for skin that looks smooth, deeply hydrated and luminous, with a reflective finish. The original article describes it as flawless and poreless, but real skin has pores and texture.
That look is also often helped by makeup, lighting and photography, and it is not permanent. A routine can support hydration and smoothness, but it cannot change your skin type or remove pores.
What the 10-Step Routine Is Trying to Do
The routine emphasises deep hydration, careful exfoliation and protective layering, applied from the lightest product to the thickest. Each step has a specific job, and the steps build on the cleansing and hydration that come before them.
It also does not have to be ten steps for everyone, every day. The article itself says the full routine suits the evening, mornings can be shorter, and sensitive skin can start with three to five steps.
Steps 1 and 2: Double Cleansing in the Evening
Step 1 is an oil cleanser, which dissolves makeup, sunscreen and oil-based impurities. Apply it to dry skin, massage gently for 30 seconds, add warm water to emulsify it, then rinse completely, once daily in the evening.
The article notes that double cleansing is mainly an evening step. In the morning, most people only need the water-based cleanser or a simple water rinse, and dry skin may prefer more nourishing oils while oily skin may prefer lighter formulas.
Step 2 is a water-based cleanser, which removes water-based dirt, sweat and leftover residue. Apply it to a damp face, massage in circular motions for 20 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water, twice daily.
Step 3: Exfoliation, Used Sparingly
Step 3 removes dead skin cells and improves overall texture, using a chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) or a gentle scrub. The article advises applying it gently, waiting 10 minutes, then rinsing, and doing this only 1–2 times per week at most.
Do not overdo this step. Over-exfoliating — scrubbing too hard or too often — damages the skin barrier and causes redness and irritation, and sensitive skin should use gentler exfoliants and never harsh scrubs.
Steps 4 and 5: Toner and Essence for Hydration
Step 4 is toner, which the article describes as balancing pH and hydrating skin so later products absorb better. Pour it onto a cotton pad or use your hands, pat it gently onto face and neck daily, morning and night, and wait about 30 seconds before the next step.
Step 5 is essence, a hydrating step that bridges the gap between toner and serum. Apply it with a cotton pad or your hands and pat gently until absorbed, daily, morning and night.
The 10 Steps at a Glance
| Step | Job in the routine | How often in the article |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Oil cleanser | Dissolves makeup, sunscreen and oil-based impurities | Evening |
| 2. Water-based cleanser | Removes dirt, sweat and residue | Twice daily |
| 3. Exfoliate | Removes dead skin cells, improves texture | 1–2 times a week |
| 4. Toner | Balances pH and hydrates | Morning and night |
| 5. Essence | Adds hydration before serum | Morning and night |
| 6. Serum | Concentrated actives for specific concerns | Daily, usually at night |
| 7. Sheet mask | Intensive hydration boost | 1–3 times a week |
| 8. Eye cream | Gentle care for the thinner eye area | Morning and night |
| 9. Moisturiser | Locks in hydration | Twice daily |
| 10. Sunscreen | Protects from UV damage | Every day |
Steps 6 and 7: Serum and Sheet Mask
Step 6 is serum, which delivers concentrated active ingredients — such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide — for specific concerns. Apply a small amount to face and neck, tap gently to absorb, daily and usually at night for stronger actives.
Use only one strong active serum at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin. The article also warns against using a bunch of strong products together, such as vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide all at once, and advises adding new products slowly, a week or two apart.
Step 7 is a sheet mask, for an intensive hydration and nourishment boost. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes, 1–3 times per week — not daily — for example before an important event or when skin needs extra care.
Steps 8, 9 and 10: Eye Cream, Moisturiser and Sunscreen
Step 8 is eye cream, for the delicate eye area, where skin is thinner and needs gentler, richer products. Tap it gently around the eye area with your ring finger, which uses the lightest pressure, daily, morning and night.
Step 9 is moisturiser, which locks in hydration with a texture suited to your skin type. Apply it to face and neck with upward circular motions, twice daily — a lighter lotion for the day and a richer cream for the night, in the article’s suggestion.
Step 10 is sunscreen, which protects skin from UV damage, described in the article as the leading cause of premature aging. Apply SPF 30 or higher 15 minutes before sun exposure, every single day, even on cloudy days, and do not skip this step.
Morning, Evening and Doing Fewer Steps
You do not need all 10 steps every day. The article suggests the full routine at night, and a quicker morning version of just cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen.
If you have very sensitive skin, start with just three to five steps — cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen — and slowly add more as your skin adapts. Sensitive skin should do less, not more, and gentler choices matter more than completing the count.
Breakouts can happen when introducing new products. If that happens, stop adding new items, let your skin settle, then restart slowly, adding one product every one to two weeks, as the article advises in its questions section.
Common Mistakes That Undermine the Routine
Layer in the right order: start with the lightest product and layer up to the thickest, waiting 30–60 seconds after each step. Choosing products for popularity rather than for your own skin type is another mistake the article highlights.
Adjust textures to your skin: oily skin needs lighter products and dry skin needs richer ones, and the routine can be used by men as well as women. The article suggests most people start seeing improvements within 2–4 weeks of consistent use, with fuller results after 8–12 weeks — patience matters more than adding products.
Inconsistency also works against results, so keep the routine regular rather than switching it too fast. At the same time, consistency does not mean pushing through irritation — if a step stings or leaves skin red, doing less is the right response.
The Bottom Line on the 10-Step Routine
The 10-step Korean routine is best understood as a menu of steps for cleansing, hydrating and protecting skin, not a compulsory daily count. Pick the steps that fit your skin, introduce them slowly, and keep exfoliation and strong actives in check.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.