By now you’ve probably heard about the 10 step Korean/Japanese/Asian beauty routine which has been circling the blogosphere, accompanied by videos and images of scores of dewy skinned asian beauty bloggers. I recently decided to give it a try because, hey what have I got to lose by taking better care of my skin and,
– good skin care habits are for every ethnicity-
My skin type: Combination-oily which I inherited from my mom. Fortunately mom’s “gift” has resulted in me having no wrinkles, crows feet, or fine lines (except one that is forming a the corner of my mouth – probably from years of smirking). In exchange for this “gift” my purse is always stocked with blotting tissues and there probably isn’t a mattifying product that I haven’t tried.
I was convinced I would never ever use cleasing oil on my oily skin but after doing some online research (and after receiving a complimentary full sized Tatcha Camelia Cleansing Oil at an Everyone event) I learned that certain oils are extremely good for your face; this lead to my discovery of the 10 Step Skincare Routine.
The key to getting the most from a 10-Step Skincare Routine is to gently pat or press the products into your skin with your finger tips and to take your time.
The idea is to pamper your skin; when done properly your skin will absorb the products while you sleep and enhance the anti aging properties.
Below are the steps I routinely follow, although not all 10 are necessary done every day, just 1-2 times per week. I use a modified version of these steps for daytime (day and night are marked with an asterisk*)
Step 1: The Honest Company’s 3-in-1 cleansing towelettes*
Especially good at removing eye shadow and mascara. I use these wipes as a gentle morning cleanser as well. In the past cleansing my skin in the morning was causing irritation and likely triggering my skin to produce more oil/sebum.
Tip: don’t toss the facial wipe right away – use to cleanse your fingers of fallout from your beauty blender applied foundation after applying makeup.
Step 2: Tatcha 1 Step Camelia Cleasing Oil*
I apply this once my skin has dried from step 1; this product removes any excess makeup that the wipe didn’t take away, and conditions my skin for the next step, exfoliation.
Step 3: Tatcha Exfoliating Rice Enzyme Powder
I learned the hard way that oily skin and harsh exfoliants don’t mix. I use this gentle exfoliant 1 – 2 times per week or the night before a special event.
Tip: I like to rub the excess paste on my hands to soften the skin ( it was the youthful hands of the sake making process that signaled to cosmetics companies like SKII to incorporate ingredients such as rice bran and pitera into their skincare lines)
Step 4: Keihl’s Ultra Facial Toner*
I love that this toner doen’t dry our my skin or contain alcohol. This is also a good step before applying moisturizer.
Step 5: Nature Republic – Real Nature Sheet Mask
A friend of mine gave me 6 of these to try. I really like the cucumber ones because of the soothing qualities and light fragrance. I use the leftover liquid as an essence since I have yet to find an essence to invest in (feel free to post a recommendation in the comments!) The se are also super affordable and can be bought at many Asian grocery stores. Luxury version of special occasion is the Orogold face mask (also great when you want to post superhero photos on FB)
Step 6: Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum*
I received a full size sample of this on a Sephora favorites box. At first I was a bit skeptical upon reading numerous reviews that Lancôme products have historically contained alcohol as one of the main ingredients. So far this one has not caused any irritation so I plan to repurchase once this sample has run out.
Step 7: Aveda All-Sensitive Moisturizer*
I’ve always avoided daytime moisturizers because I mistakenly believed that my oily skin didn’t need it. Once I realized that over drying my skin was contributing to oil production I started cautiously using moisturizer during the day. The lightest ones seem to work; this one can be worn under make-up without it sliding off later in the day.
Step 8: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
I use this as a sleep moisture mask due to its thick consistency. Here is where you need to ignore the fact that your significant other is going to say you look greasy because, well you WILL look greasy after this step. But it’s well worth the ridicule; when you wake up the next day your skin will thank you.
Step 9: Retin-A (Tretinoin 0.05%)
Ahh, so this is the one product that I swear by; the one that has kept people from guessing my true age (as well as kept years of acne at bay). I learned in my teens that Retin-A (the prescription version) is the best ant-aging product around. And it’s practically free when you have a prescription co-pay ($10-$25). The debate is open as to whether to apply pre or post-moisturizer. For me, post is better; just be carefu not to mix with AHA’s (consult your dermatologist or aesthetician).
Tip: use this cream on the backs of hands to keep the looking youthful. (But also wear sunscreen during the day)
Step 10: Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream
This product claims that it”Significantly improves wrinkles, texture and elasticity”. I like that it’s light and doesn’t migrate into my eyes while I’m sleeping and has a silky texture.
Extra Credit: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve*
Finally Moisturizer that pout! I haven’t seen this step in most 10-step routines that I’ve read, but nevertheless it is an important one. Especially if you wear matte lipsticks that require a flawlessly smooth lip.
That’s it, I know this sounds like A LOT, and it is but like most habits once your do them a number of times it becomes second nature. What I like about the 10 step routine is that it is a great way to ease into a nighttime routine, thus promoting better sleep. If you are like me, juggling work, family & multiple priorities, you know how easy it is to get lost in the shuffle. The 10 step routine is a great way to claim back some of that all important “me” time at the end of a long day.
Xoxo,
Ten Key Pieces
