Discover an Effective 10-min Skincare Routine with Me
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care can feel like a luxury. But as someone who juggles a corporate career and a busy lifestyle, I’ve discovered that a glowing complexion doesn’t have to come at the cost of hours in front of the mirror. Enter my 10-min skincare routine—minimalist, effective, and perfect for combination skin (yes, I have combination skin).
If you’re looking for a skincare regimen that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, especially if you’re always on the go, this routine is for you. Using quality Korean drugstore products, I’ll guide you through the steps to achieve smoother, glowing skin with just a daily 10-min skincare routine.
Step 1: Double Cleanse with an Oil Cleanser
The first step to any effective evening skincare routine is removing the day’s grime, sunscreen, and makeup. I start with a gentle oil cleanser to break down these impurities without stripping my skin of its natural oils.
Why it’s essential: Double cleansing ensures your skin is thoroughly cleaned, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. An oil cleanser balances oily areas for combination skin while keeping drier patches hydrated.
My pick: Look for a lightweight Korean oil cleanser that emulsifies quickly and leaves no greasy residue. I’ve been using the Anua Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil Cleanser, and although it started a little rocky with breakouts, it’s treating me well and has left me moisturised already. Alternatively, my pick will be the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Oil Cleanser.
Step 2: Cleanse Again with a Water-Based Cleanser
Next, I follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. This step leaves my skin feeling fresh and ready for future products.
Why it’s essential: This second cleanse ensures a deeper clean, especially for combination skin prone to excess oil in the T-zone.
My pick: Choose a gentle foaming cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight. The Round Lab Birch Juice Cleanser has been popularised for a reason! I’ve been using this cleanser for a year, and I have fallen in love with it over and over again. It leaves your skin supple and light, ready to absorb anything good after that wash.
Step 3: Tone It Up
After cleansing, pat your face with a soft towel, and it’s time to start your “dry” skincare routine. First, I apply a toner to hydrate and prep my skin. Toners are a great way to balance your skin’s pH and lay the foundation for better absorption of subsequent products.
Why it’s essential: Toners help address dry areas while controlling oil for combination skin. They also enhance the efficacy of your ampule and moisturiser.
My pick: Opt for a toner with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or soothing properties like green tea extract. For toners, I do change from time to time; Fresh’s hydrating rose toner was a consistent favourite, but it got tough to maintain cost-wise (also I had a hard time getting the product out due to the rose petals), thus changing to the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. Fresh and watery, it’s done well for my skin so far.
Step 4: Target Skin Concerns with an Ampule
Here’s where I tackle my specific skin concerns: texture and smoothness. I apply a small amount of ampule and gently pat it into my skin for maximum absorption.
Why it’s essential: Ampules are packed with concentrated ingredients that target particular concerns. A smoothing ampule works wonders in refining my skin’s texture.
My pick: Look for ampules with niacinamide or peptides for combination skin. My concern has been textured skin and breakouts from time to time. This stressed me out as I don’t usually have breakouts and didn’t know how to handle them. After much research, I came across this much-loved SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampule, my holy grail. I plan to expand my ampule collection under the same brand to target other concerns – so stay tuned for the review!
Step 5: Lock in Hydration with Moisturiser
A good moisturiser is non-negotiable in any skincare routine. I use a lightweight yet nourishing formula that keeps my combination skin balanced overnight.
Why it’s essential: Moisturizing prevents water loss and keeps your skin barrier healthy. Even if you have oily areas, skipping this step can lead to dehydration and excess oil production.
My pick: Choose a gel-based moisturizer for oily skin or a creamier formula for drier patches. Another major love of mine is the Torriden Dive In Soothing Cream, which I’ve been using consistently for 2 years now and never looked back. As a final application step, it locks in so much moisture that I don’t feel dry throughout the night. There’s a reason this product has been one of the best picks in Korea for a number of years.
Step 6: Enhance Absorption with the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
To wrap up, I use the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro in “booster mode”. This handheld device helps my skin absorb all the products more effectively, ensuring I get the most out of my routine.
Why it’s essential: Tools like this enhance product penetration, giving you maximum benefits in minimal time. It’s a product that brings your skincare to the next level. Sure, it takes 5 minutes of your time waving the device around your face but trust me to stay consistent – make it a habit and you’ll see the results!
My pick: The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their skincare game. This skincare device has 6 different modes to choose from that can tend to your skin concerns – from the classic “Booster Mode” which uses electroporation for maximised absorption of the products to the “Air Shot Mode” which shoots electric needles that aids with pore and skin elasticity.
Weekly Treats
While my daily routine keeps my skin in check, I also incorporate a couple of indulgent steps weekly to maintain a radiant complexion. These treats go the extra mile in addressing deeper skincare needs.
1. Gentle Exfoliation
Twice a week, I add a gentle exfoliation step to my routine using a facial scrub. This helps slough off dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion underneath. This can be used either before or after oil cleanser, but I use it before for convenience since oil cleanser should be used on dry skin.
Why it’s essential: Regular exfoliation prevents dullness and allows your skincare products to penetrate more effectively. For combination skin, it’s key to target rough patches without over-drying.
My pick: To avoid irritation, choose a scrub with fine particles and soothing ingredients like oatmeal or jojoba beads. The only non-Korean product worth mentioning is Fresh’s Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash. One of my friends referred me to it about two years ago, and I’ve been using it religiously ever since. I initially used it once a week, but since it’s not harsh on the skin, I’m now using it twice a week. This has changed the game entirely!
2. Microneedling
This is pretty new to me but I believe it works wonders ever since I’ve embarked on this journey of microneedling. I do this comfortably at home twice a week to boost collagen production and improve skin texture. While this might sound daunting, it’s actually a simple and effective process.
Why it’s essential: Microneedling enhances your skin’s natural renewal process, encouraging collagen production and improving the absorption of active ingredients. Over time, it helps to smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
My pick: With the trusty VT Cosmetics’ Reedle Shot, my skin cleared up and my skin feels more moisturised than ever. Reedle Shot is a huge revelation – a convenient and safe option for at-home microneedling, and beginner-friendly designed to suit all skin types. There are many varieties, from the original to targeted such as Cica (for calming) to collagen (for regeneration). Also, there are different number of “shots” starting from 100, which is the mildest. When I came across this product, I’ve no idea why I started straight from 300, but I’ve never looked back, currently finishing my first cica 300 bottle and moving onto try collagen 300; can’t wait!
3. Face Masks
Once a week, I indulge in a nourishing face mask as the final step in my routine. This is my moment to unwind and give my skin an extra dose of care.
Why it’s essential: Masks deliver concentrated benefits, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or calming. For combination skin, alternate between hydrating and clarifying masks to address both dry and oily areas.
My pick: I’ve been splurging on the viral Biodance Collagen Face Mask every weekend as a reward. It’s an overnight mask that I believe acts as a shield from the impurities while sleeping, locking in all the active ingredients you’ve applied on your skin while injecting massive amount of collagen into your face for that dewy finish when you wake up. The mask peeling upon waking up is just so satisfying, damn.
Why This Routine Works
This 10-minute skincare routine is designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. By focusing on high-quality products and targeted treatments, I’ve created a regimen that delivers results without wasting too much time. It’s perfect for busy women who want glowing skin without the fuss.
Tips for Building Your Own Skincare Routine
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Know Your Skin Type: Tailor your routine to your skin’s needs. Combination skin requires balancing hydration and oil control.
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Research Products: Not all popular products are suitable for your skin. Look for reviews and ingredient lists that match your concerns.
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Be Consistent: A simple routine done consistently is better than an elaborate one you can’t maintain. Give it 1 to 3 months (unless irritable to your skin), get into the habit and be patient for jaw-dropping results.
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Invest in Tools: Devices like the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro can elevate your routine and improve product efficacy. Again, do your research and decide if it’s something you’d like to invest in. For me and many others, it seems like a worth-it product!
Final Thoughts
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a 10-min skincare routine every evening, plus bi-weekly exfoliation and a weekly mask, you can achieve glowing, healthy skin using a minimalist approach and premium Korean products. Whether you’re a corporate girl like me or simply looking to simplify your skincare, this routine proves that less is truly more.
Got your own tips or go-to products for a 10-min skincare routine? Share them in the comments below, and let’s glow together! Follow @leblissfulescape for more skincare tips and stay tuned for more!
