Woman applying skincare cream to her face

TikTok is buzzing with all the hype around the skincare routine that includes a full 10 steps. Imagine getting ready for bed but needing to spend nearly an hour just layering product after product, all in the name of flawless skin. But is it really worth the hype? Will following this routine actually make anyone look like Korean actress Bae Suzy? The popular 10-step skincare routine has definitely built a loyal fanbase, but the big question remains… does everyone really need all ten steps to achieve healthy, glowing skin?

Where Does the 10-Step Skincare Routine Come From?

The 10-step skincare routine became popular thanks to the influence of Korean beauty, often referred to as K-beauty. This routine focuses on hydration, layering light products, and creating a moment of self-care. The idea behind it is that applying multiple gentle steps is better than using one or two strong products.

Breaking Down the 10 Steps

10-step skincare routine products on a counter

Here’s a quick overview of the standard steps in the 10-step skincare routine:

  • Oil Cleanser: Removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. . 
  • Water-Based Cleanser: Washes away remaining dirt and impurities. 
  • Exfoliator: Removes dead skin cells and helps with cell turnover. 
  • Toner: Prepares the skin for the next steps and balances pH. 
  • Essence: Adds hydration and supports skin renewal. 
  • Serum or Ampoule: Targets specific skin concerns like acne or dark spots. 
  • Sheet Mask: Gives a boost of hydration and nutrients. 
  • Eye Cream: Treats the delicate under-eye area. 
  • Moisturizer: Locks in all the previous steps and adds moisture. 
  • Sunscreen: Protects the skin from UV rays during the day.

Each step serves a purpose, but not every step is essential for everyone. For example, not all skin types need exfoliation every day. Using too many products can lead to skin irritation or even damage the skin barrier.

What Skincare Steps Are Absolutely Essential?

Dermatologists often remind us that healthy skin doesn’t require a dozen products. According to Dr. Lee, a board-certified dermatologist, the key to good skin comes down to three essential steps, done daily, morning and night: cleanse, treat, and moisturize.

  • Cleanse
    Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants from the skin’s surface. Without cleansing, all that buildup can clog pores, lead to breakouts, or damage the skin over time. People with oily or acne-prone skin are especially at risk if they skip this step.
    A gentle cleanser with a mild exfoliant like salicylic acid can help keep pores clean. For those who wear masks often or sweat during workouts, cleansing more than twice a day might be helpful. Those with dry skin should use a cream-based cleanser in the morning and a gentler exfoliating cleanser at night.
  • Treat
    This step focuses on addressing specific skin concerns, such as acne, dark spots, or fine lines. Treatment products often contain strong ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or acids.
    However, it’s easy to overdo it. Using too many active ingredients at once can irritate the skin or reduce their effectiveness. It’s better to stick to one or two targeted treatments and apply them in the correct skin routine order right after cleansing and before moisturizing.
  • Moisturize
    Moisturizing keeps the skin barrier healthy. It locks in hydration and helps prevent dryness and irritation. Even oily or acne-prone skin needs moisture. Just look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.
    At night, moisturizer helps reduce water loss from the skin. During the day, it’s essential to follow it up with sunscreen or use a combination moisturizer with SPF. Moisturizing is a must in every skincare routine, no matter the skin type.

Should You Add Steps to Your Skincare Routine?

Trying new products can be fun, especially when there’s a new “must-have” ingredient trending online. But Dr. DPP offers a gentle reminder: “Just pay attention to how your skin reacts, and don’t expect miracles.”

There are only a few ingredients that truly make a difference, and the rest is just extra. Before adding steps, it’s important to figure out if you’re even using the right products to begin with.

For example, if your pores are clogged, the solution might be as simple as using a cleanser with salicylic acid but not jumping straight into double cleansing or adding new serums. If your moisturizer isn’t doing enough, try one that’s more emollient before layering on multiple creams.

In general, treatment steps (step two in your routine) should be limited to just one or two active products at a time. To treat multiple concerns, try an alternating regimen: a couple of actives in the morning, a different set at night. Or, switch them up every other day. Keeping a small collection of effective treatments is usually better than using too many at once.

So, What Does Skin Actually Need?

Illustration of different skin types on faces

For most people, a three-step skincare routine—cleanse, treat, and moisturize—is enough to maintain healthy skin. Sunscreen should always be part of the daytime routine. Anything beyond that is optional and should be based on skin type, goals, and how the skin responds.

Using products in the right skin routine order makes a big difference. Start with a cleanser, then move on to treatments or serums, and finish with a moisturizer. In the morning, sunscreen should be the very last step.

Less is More! Try Multi-Functional Products

Instead of piling on layer after layer, it’s smarter to look for multi-functional products that can do more with less. Not only does this save time, but it can also reduce the chance of irritation from mixing too many actives at once.

And when it comes to ingredients, many are natural multitaskers. Here are a few worth keeping an eye on:

  • Hyaluronic acid: Deeply hydrates, plumps the skin, and soothes irritation.
  • Retinol: Speeds up cell turnover while minimizing fine lines.
  • Niacinamide: Brightens, reduces redness, and smooths texture.
  • Green tea extract: Fights early aging, calms inflammation, and reduces oil.

With ingredients like these, it simplifies the approach with a few key products used in the correct skin routine order that can deliver better results without overwhelming the skin.

Final Thoughts

A 10-step skincare routine may work wonders for some, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The idea that every skin type needs all ten steps is a myth. The best skincare routine is one that fits personal needs, time, and budget.

By focusing on gentle cleansing, proper moisture, and daily sun protection, many people can keep their skin looking and feeling its best. For those who enjoy more steps and have the time, there’s no harm in doing more. As long as it feels good and the skin responds well.

Choosing the right skin routine order makes all the difference. Start with the basics and build as needed. Skincare should feel like care, not a chore. Whether three steps or ten, the goal is healthy, happy skin.