Do You Really Need a 10-Step Routine?

Ah, the infamous 10-step skincare routine — the one that promised glassy, glazed-donut skin and left the rest of us wondering if we were lazy, broke, or both.

So, do you actually need all ten steps?

Let’s dew this.

First: Where Did This Even Come From?

The 10-step routine popularized in K-beauty isn’t something most people in Korea were actually following daily — it was more of a marketing moment mixed with a philosophy: skincare as self-care, not a chore.

It typically includes:

1. Oil cleanser

2. Water-based cleanser

3. Exfoliator

4. Toner

5. Essence

6. Serum

7. Sheet mask

8. Eye cream

9. Moisturizer

10. SPF (AM) or sleeping pack (PM)

Yes, it’s a lot. No, you don’t need to do it all.

Why It Stuck

It was a marketing moment — a way to capture the Korean philosophy of layering with intention and treating skincare as self-care.

It resonated because it felt ritualistic and mindful — everything U.S. routines weren’t. But even in Korea, few people were doing ten steps daily. The point was never more; it was better, layered thoughtfully.

What You Actually Need

Most skin doesn’t need a dozen products. It needs consistency, hydration, and barrier support.

A strong everyday routine can be as simple as:

Cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF (AM)

Cleanser → Treatment → Moisturizer (PM)

Add-ons like toner, essence, or eye cream? Great if they serve a purpose, but not mandatory. If your skin feels overwhelmed or you’re not seeing results, stripping things back can actually help.

And one of the best parts of K-beauty? You don’t have to spend much for real results. If you want proof, explore my $100 Routine — a full lineup of under-$100 favorites that actually perform.

What’s Worth Borrowing from the K-Beauty Playbook

Double cleansing

A non-negotiable if you wear sunscreen or makeup. Oil first, then water-based to fully remove buildup.

• Try: Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil + COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Hydration layering (Essence & Toners)

Lightweight toners and essences help your skin absorb moisture and prep for treatments.

• Try: COSRX Snail Mucin or Good Light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

Targeted serums

Stick to one or two that truly earn their place.

• Try:

  • Vitamin C → Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum 10% Vitamin C

  • Niacinamide → AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

  • Retinol → KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum

Sheet masks

K-beauty made them iconic for a reason. They’re not essential, but they can deliver an instant moisture boost and a genuine moment of calm — especially before events or after flights.

• Try: Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask

Mindful skincare

The real K-beauty secret isn’t ten steps — it’s intention. Take time with your skin. Notice what it needs.

When More Isn’t More

Over-layering, especially with actives, can weaken your barrier and trigger irritation or breakouts. If your skin feels inflamed or reactive, it’s not “purging” — it’s protesting. Pull back, rebuild, protect.

TL;DR

You don’t need ten steps to have great skin. You need the right ones — chosen for your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle. Start simple. Add only what serves a purpose.

Because dewy skin isn’t about doing the most — it’s about Dewing what works.

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