Dr. Rebecca Baxt Gives Expert Advice
The K-beauty craze has taken over social media, promising “glass skin” through a 10‑step ritual. But Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board‑certified dermatologist, and Medical Director of BAXT CosMedical® can’t help but wonder: does healthy, glowing skin really require this much work? Or are we overcomplicating what our skin actually needs?
What is the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine?
What exactly goes into this marathon of skincare? These are the 10 steps that built the Korean skincare obsession adopted by so many influencers:
Step 1: Oil Cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
Step 2: Foamy water-based cleanser to lift remaining impurities for a deeper clean.
Step 3: Exfoliator to help smooth the skin’s texture and clear dead skin cells.
Step 4: Refresh or toner to rebalance the skin and prep it for the upcoming skincare layers.
Step 5: Essence to hydrate the skin. This step is considered the most important with claims of speeding up cell turnover.
Step 6: Ampoule or treatment serums to deliver concentrated active ingredients to address specific skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
Step 7: Sheet Mask (used twice a week or more if face is on the dry side)
Step 8: Eye Cream to address the delicate under-eye area.
Step 9: Moisturizer to lock in hydration and seal the previous skincare layers.
Step 10:
AM: SPF Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
PM: Night cream to nourish the skin and lock in moisture while you sleep.
The Korean skincare routine can feel intimidating because it’s time-consuming, expensive, and packed with multiple layers. So, is the 10-step ritual really worth the effort? “I always try to keep it simple,” says Dr. Baxt. “I never recommend to my patients more than three skin care steps in morning or the evening for their skincare routine.”
Dr. Baxt explains that it isn’t that the steps are complicated, it’s that they all aren’t necessary to have healthy and radiant skin.
Three Essential Skincare Regimen Steps Dr. Baxt Recommends
“In my career as board-certified dermatologist and years of helping thousands of patients with their cosmetic and medical skin health concerns, I stick to what is proven and known to work well,” says Dr. Baxt.
These are the three essential skincare steps recommended by Dr. Rebecca Baxt:
Step 1: Cleanser – Use a mild cleanser or an acne-focused cleanser depending on your skin concerns.
Step 2: Moisturizer – Choose a light or heavier moisturizer based on how dry or oily your skin feels.
Step 3: Sunblock – Apply sunscreen every morning (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply throughout the day for consistent protection.
Additional Skincare Boosters (If Needed)
- Vitamin C cream in the morning under sunscreen for added antioxidant and sun-defense benefits.
- Retinol or Retin-A in the evening to support cell turnover and collagen production.
Personalized Care for Acne & Rosacea
Patients with acne or rosacea often require a personalized skincare regimen that may be a bit more complicated. These patients require specific prescription-strength treatments to address their conditions. Their routines typically included a cleanser followed by no more than three carefully layered products to avoid irritation and maintain skin balance.
Dr. Baxt’s Perspective on the Korean Skincare Trend
Dr. Baxt believes that the 10-step Korean skincare routine is largely driven by internet trends and social media buzz. As she puts it:
“Who has time for that and how can you possibly know that all those chemicals work well together and do not interfere or negate each other? The reality is that no one needs more than a few steps morning and night. Patients should cleanse, moisturize, use sunblock, and some active ingredients depending on your skin type and issues.”
Want to Know What Dr. Baxt Uses Herself?
Many patients ask Dr. Baxt about her personal skincare routine. She shares exactly what she does for her own skin, hair, and nails in her Season 4 podcast episode, “What I Do For My Own Skin, Hair, and Nails.”
Get Expert Advice & Treatments at BAXT CosMedical®
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board certified dermatologist, has seen the disadvantages of patients trying many of these social media trends and products. She continues to education women and men on safe and effective skin, hair, and nail products and clinically-proven cosmetic enhancement treatments that actually work!
Dr. Rebecca Baxt offers a large array of non-surgical cosmetic enhancement services and procedures at her premier cosmetic and medical dermatology office, BAXT CosMedical®, located in Paramus, NJ (Bergen County, NJ).
You can schedule your consultation by requesting an appointment online or by calling 201-265-1300 today.
