No matter how many steps you implement in your skincare regime, there's a correct order you should layer your products. Whether it's a luxurious serum or an effective acid, they'll be useless if you don't apply them correctly. Now, if you're a big fan of Korean skincare, you've already heard about the 10 step process they use. Continue reading and learn about the top ten steps to follow in the morning if you want to go all the way. Also, check out our Top 10 Face Care Steps Now That We're All Wearing Masks list.

10. Oil Cleanser

You want to use this product because it's gentle and dissolves the oil your skin produces. Additionally, it will get rid of any dirt that's deep in your pores. Just put it on a dry face, massage it lightly, and rinse it off with lukewarm water. However, if a cleanser doesn't contain surfactants, it's not recommended for oily and combo skin type.

If you're on a budget, try out Neutrogena Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil, which costs around $10. You can find the product at any drugstore, and it's a good choice for any skin type as it's non-comedogenic. However, if you decide to splurge, pick something like Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48), which won't strip you of the moisture.

9. Water Cleanser

Water-based cleansers contain surfactants, which remove any dirt or sweat in combination with water. Additionally, they will remove sebum collected by an oil-based one. Choose it according to your skin needs, as they come in three forms, such as foams, gels, and milk.

We recommend Mediheal Intensive Pore Clean Cleansing Foam containing charcoal and zinc, which are great ingredients when dealing with acne and oiliness. If you're on the drier side, you should pick something like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. This creamy wash is free of any irritants, including soaps, parabens, and fragrances. On the other hand, it's packed with ceramides and glycerin, thus leaving your skin moisturized.

8. Toner

Toners can especially be beneficial for our skin, as they're able to replenish it through hydration and remove dead skin cells and dirt. It's important to use it right after cleansing by tapping it, either with your hand or a cotton pad. A specific toner can help you minimize large pores' appearance or even exfoliate your skin if it contains any acids. But what it mainly does is that it prepares your skin for other products.

Try out Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner that's great for everyday use. Or if you want to add active ingredients through it, check out OLEHENRIKSEN's Glow20H Dark Spot Toner that has AHA's that will help you even out your skin tone.

7. Antioxidant Serums

When you've cleansed and toned your skin, now's the time for a serum. Antioxidants are a powerful thing that keeps your complexion radiant and protected. Most famous ones, like Vitamin C and E, protect the skin against free radicals, including air pollution, sunlight, and cigarette smoke. But how to use it and which one to choose? 

It's quite simple, just use a few drops of it and tap it on your face and neck. For example, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a great option for mature skin and is recommended by many dermatologists. You could buy The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% for a more affordable version, good for dry skin.

6. Spot Treatment

Spot treatment can really be useful when you have that one blemish you want to remove, as it alleviates you from redness, swelling, and pain. Just make sure that the spot is clean, and then apply a small amount of the product and leave it dry.

But how to know that you're using the correct treatment? If it contains ingredients including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur, then you know it's the real deal. Also, you can find ones that are tinted, and therefore can camouflage the breakout. We recommend trying out Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment for all skin types and containing sulfur, zinc oxide, and BHA's.

5. Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes can be very sensitive and thin, and as such, more prone to signs of aging and dryness. While not necessary, a good eye cream can help you brighten up that area and firm it, making you look younger. It contains more oil than your regular facial moisturizer, and as a result, can decrease the dryness that usually happens on the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Dab a pea-sized amount on that area, and use your ring finger for it, as it has the gentlest pressure. And remember, don't rub and tug that delicate skin, as you'll do more harm than good. Check out OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Cream that's a best-seller on Sephora and is rich in Vitamin C and collagen.

4. A Light Face Oil

The lighter the product, the earlier you want to apply it. Easily absorbable oils are lightweight and should be put on before a moisturizer. Specifically, we use them when dealing with dryness or dehydration. Just squeeze a few drops on your fingertips and warm it between them, then gently dab it onto your face.

We recommend Jojoba or Rosehip seed oils that are both weightless and nourish the skin. Additionally, you can buy them in drugstores in pure form or try out the Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil if you want to have a luxurious experience.

3. Moisturizer

Moisturizing is one of the critical steps for healthy skin, as it helps it stay young and balanced. Also, make sure to pick a product suitable for your skin type to get the best results. In general, ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer are glycerine, ceramides, and antioxidants.

So, put the adequate amount on your hands, warm it, and then apply it to your face using upwards strokes. Also, we have a trick for all people dealing with morning puffiness: Keep your moisturizer in the fridge during the night! It will instantly make you look fresher and like you've slept all night.

2. Heavy Oil

What can be defined as heavy oil? Basically, if it takes some time to absorb or just feels thicker under your finger, it falls into this category. This routine step will be most suitable for dry skin types and should be applied after a moisturizer to seal the moisture and active ingredients.

We recommend using a sweet almond oil that can improve your complexion and help reduce scars. Also, try out argan oil that's packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Therefore, it can be beneficial for all skin types and conditions, including eczema and rosacea.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be a final step in your skincare and facecare routine, as it protects you from UV rays and lowers skin cancer risk. By blocking them, it prevents premature aging, as well as discoloration and dark spots. Many people are afraid that sunscreens will break them out, especially if they have oily/combo skin types.

There are two kinds of sunscreens, mineral and chemical. The first one sits on top of your skin, acting as a physical blocker, and it's effective right after application. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen goes into deep layers where it absorbs UV rays and turns them into heat. For instance, it's not suitable for conditions such as rosacea and acne. We recommend trying out La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen, which leaves a matte finish and is great for all skin types.

Whether you use a ten-step skincare routine or less, please remember that the skin is our largest organ, and we need to care for it properly. Implement some of our advice, and you'll see a big change.

Did you like our top ten list of skincare steps in the morning? Are you already using it in the correct order? If not, which information surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo by: Ekaterina Bolovtsova/Pexels