K-Beauty Series: Part 2 10-Step Routine vs. Skinimalism

 

K-Beauty Series: Part 2 

 10-Step Routine vs. Skinimalism

Which path to radiant skin? Let’s decode the trend.

Tap to explore the full K-Beauty series on VivianStory.com

1. Introduction – Why This Debate Matters

In recent years, Korean beauty has gone far beyond a regional trend—it has become a global skincare movement. From glowing glass skin to multi-step regimens, K-Beauty has reshaped how we view self-care. At the heart of this movement lies a growing conversation: Should we commit to the full 10-step Korean skincare routine, or is it time to simplify with skinimalism?

This question is more than just a lifestyle choice; it reflects how we adapt our routines to fit our time, values, and skin needs. Some embrace the ritual of layering, while others are opting for simplicity and mindfulness. Whether you're new to K-Beauty or a longtime fan, understanding both approaches will help you make smarter choices—and find joy in skincare again.

In this post, we’ll explore the essence of the 10-step routine, the philosophy behind skinimalism, and how each serves a unique purpose. Let’s find the path that fits you best.

2. The Classic 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

The 10-step routine is the crown jewel of K-Beauty. It's often misunderstood as being excessive, but for many Koreans, it’s a ritual of self-care and layering hydration rather than a strict rule. It’s not necessarily about using 10 products every single day, but about understanding your skin and building a routine that’s adaptable, seasonal, and intentional.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the traditional 10 steps:

1.Oil Cleanser – Removes makeup and excess sebum without stripping the skin

2. Water-Based Cleanser – Deeply cleanses pores and removes impurities

3. Exfoliator – Sloughs off dead skin for smoother texture (used 1–2x a week)

4. Toner – Balances pH and preps the skin for better absorption

5. Essence – Hydrating fluid that supports cell turnover

6. Serum/Ampoule – Targeted treatment for specific concerns (e.g. pigmentation, wrinkles)

7. Sheet Mask – A 10–15 minute boost of moisture and nutrients

8. Eye Cream – Delicate care for the under-eye area

9. Moisturizer – Locks in all previous layers and provides deep hydration

10. Sunscreen (AM) / Sleeping Pack (PM) – Protect or seal in moisture overnight

Each step serves a purpose, and the beauty lies in customization. You may not need all 10 steps every day, but having the knowledge to adjust your routine is a form of skincare empowerment.

Some people find comfort and mental calm through this process—it feels almost like a spa treatment at home. For those with dry, sensitive, or aging skin, layering hydration can make a noticeable difference. However, critics point out that over-layering may not suit everyone, especially those with acne-prone or oily skin.

So, is this method still relevant today? Yes—but it’s evolving. And that’s where skinimalism enters the conversation.

3. The Rise of Skinimalism: A Modern Shift

Tap to explore the full K-Beauty series on VivianStory.com

As skincare shelves grew more crowded and beauty influencers layered product after product, a quiet rebellion began to form. Skinimalism, short for "skin minimalism," emerged as a response to product fatigue, overcomplicated routines, and an industry that often prioritizes sales over skin health.

At its core, skinimalism is about doing more with less—focusing on essential products that work for your skin, rather than chasing every new launch or trend. It’s a mindset that embraces skin in its natural state, with texture, pores, and all. Instead of trying to perfect the skin, the goal is to support it with a simplified, intentional approach.

Several factors contributed to the rise of skinimalism:

• Pandemic Lifestyle Shifts

  During the global lockdowns, many people stopped wearing makeup and had more time to observe how their skin reacted to products. This break from heavy routines led to a more minimalist perspective: fewer products, fewer breakouts, more balance.

• Overuse & Skin Barrier Damage

  Dermatologists began sounding the alarm about over-exfoliation, product overload, and sensitized skin. More wasn't always better. Consumers started seeking products with fewer ingredients but higher efficacy.

• Sustainability Concerns

  With rising awareness about environmental impact, skinimalism gained traction for promoting less waste, fewer packaging materials, and conscious consumption. Minimalism wasn't just good for skin—it was good for the planet.

• Mental Health & Decision Fatigue

  For many, simplifying routines helped ease stress. Rather than making 10 skincare decisions every night, people found peace in routines they could stick to. The beauty industry had glorified abundance for too long; now, less was finally enough.

Skinimalism doesn’t mean neglect—it means being selective, intuitive, and kind to your skin. A typical skinimalist routine might include just three steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Some may add a serum or gentle exfoliant if needed, but the guiding principle remains simplicity.

What’s beautiful about this shift is that it encourages people to listen to their skin, not trends. It’s a return to the basics, where glow comes not from 10 layers, but from healthy, well-rested skin.

4. 10-Step vs. Skinimalism: Pros and Cons

So, which skincare philosophy reigns supreme? The truth is, both the 10-step routine and skinimalism have their strengths—and potential drawbacks. The better question is not “Which is better?” but rather, “Which is better for you?”

Let’s compare the two side by side:

✨ 10-Step Routine: Pros

• Deep Hydration and Layering Benefits

  Multiple steps allow you to deliver hydration, nutrients, and actives in a controlled, layered manner—especially beneficial for dry or mature skin.

• Customizable and Targeted

  You can tailor the routine to specific skin concerns: pigmentation, aging, acne, dullness. It's not just routine—it's strategy.

• Self-Care Ritual

  For many, it’s a calming end-of-day ritual. Skincare becomes me-time, not a chore.

• Visible Results Over Time

  Consistency with a full routine often leads to radiant, smooth, even-toned skin. Especially when combined with healthy habits.

⚠️ 10-Step Routine: Cons

• Time-Consuming

  Let’s face it—10 steps every morning and night isn’t realistic for everyone.

• Expensive

  High-quality products for each step can add up, especially if you’re exploring premium brands.

• Risk of Overdoing It

  More products mean more potential irritants. Over-exfoliation or conflicting ingredients can harm the skin barrier.

🌿 Skinimalism: Pros

• Efficient and Time-Saving

  Perfect for busy lifestyles or skincare beginners. Fewer decisions, less stress.

• Skin Barrier-Friendly

  Simplified routines often reduce the risk of irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Budget-Friendly

  You invest in a few quality essentials rather than spreading your budget thin across 10+ items.

• Eco-Conscious

  Fewer products = less packaging, less waste. A win for the environment.

⚠️ Skinimalism: Cons

• May Lack Targeted Care

  If you have multiple skin concerns, fewer steps might not deliver the actives your skin needs.

• Not One-Size-Fits-All

  Some skin types—especially dry or mature—might feel undernourished with only a basic routine.

• Slower Results

  Fewer actives mean slower progress. You’ll need patience and consistency.

The Bottom Line?

It’s not about choosing sides—it’s about choosing what works for your skin, your lifestyle, and your values. Some people blend both approaches: using a full routine once or twice a week, and keeping things minimal the rest of the time. That’s the beauty of modern K-Beauty—it’s flexible, not rigid.

5. Which One Should You Choose?

Still torn between the 10-step ritual and skinimalism? The answer lies in knowing your skin—and your lifestyle.

If you enjoy intentional routines and see skincare as a form of meditation, you may thrive with the 10-step method. It’s particularly helpful for those dealing with dryness, dullness, or signs of aging. The structure and consistency can feel grounding and rewarding.

On the other hand, if you’re often short on time, have sensitive or acne-prone skin, or simply want to reduce clutter in your life, skinimalism might be your ideal match. This approach encourages you to slow down, strip away the excess, and focus on what your skin truly needs—nothing more, nothing less.

You don’t have to pick one and stick with it forever. Many K-Beauty enthusiasts now practice “flexible skincare”: a minimalist routine on most days, and a more elaborate version when time allows. The seasons, your mood, stress levels, and even hormones can affect your skin—so allow your routine to evolve with you.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, gentle, and consistent.

6. Final Thoughts – Balance is Beauty

The real secret behind Korean beauty isn’t just in the number of steps—it’s in the philosophy: caring for your skin with patience, consistency, and joy. Whether you go full 10-step or minimalist, what matters is how you treat your skin daily.

Sometimes, the most luxurious act of self-care isn’t about applying more products, but about taking one deep breath and asking, “What does my skin need today?”

Skincare isn’t a competition—it’s a relationship.

So embrace the 10-step ritual if it brings you comfort. Embrace skinimalism if it brings you peace. Or embrace both when the timing feels right. That’s the beauty of modern K-Beauty: You make the rules.

🧴 Coming up next in the K-Beauty Series: “Building a Personalized Routine – How to Mix and Match the Best of Both Worlds.”
Stay tuned!

(Korean readers can also check out my post on this topic in Korean here.