Step 5: The Sheet Mask Individually packaged, the sheet mask is a single-use delivery system that’s pre-soaked in a serum-like treatment. You lay the sheet over your face; it has an opening for your eyes, nose and mouth (think hockey mask) and wait for 15 or 20 minutes. Snapping a selfie is optional. Then, remove and pat your skin dry—no rinsing. Sheet masks can have any number of purposes, as their formulas may be designed to moisturize, others to treat discolorations, and on and on. Think of sheet masks as "boosters" to your routine that come in single-serving applications. Should you consider it? If you find the needs of your skincare change from time to time, such as seasonally dry skin or uneven skin tone, such single-use treatments may be worth occasional consideration. However, if you find that your current routine treats these concerns, you can consider this an extra step that isn’t necessary (although, it certainly can be a relaxing treatment). Step 6: Serum Serums are usually associated with anti-aging—a retinol serum, for example. You could say that the serum is virtually indistinguishable from the sheet mask or essence steps, except for the fact their individual formulas may be marketed as products that are targeted to a specific concern. For example, the approach may be "this essence is to treat redness," followed by the "sheet mask to treat discolorations," and next, "the serum to treat signs of aging." Should you consider it? A well-formulated serum is an excellent multi-tasking anti-aging treatment, but whether you need one depends on the products existing in your routine and skincare goals. See our article, "How Paula’s Choice Serums Work" for more info! Step 7: Eye Cream It’s a moisturizer for your eye area. Should you consider it? You don’t technically need a separate eye cream, as your facial moisturizer can do the job. However, if you want more intense moisture—beyond what your go-to facial formula provides—a separate eye cream, gel or serum may be a helpful addition. Step 8 + 9: Moisturizer (+ Facial Oil) Whether it’s called an emulsion or night cream, this stage is all about keeping skin well moisturized—none of the previous products are considered "moisturizers," despite the fact that serums, toners or essences can absolutely moisturize skin. Should you consider it? If your skin isn’t getting enough moisture from your other products, adding on a separate moisturizer (and/or facial oil) can make the difference in repairing dry to very dry skin. For those with oily to combination skin, this may be an unnecessary step if your serum and/or toner already provides the hydration you need. Step 10: Sunscreen Considered a non-negotiable finishing touch to your morning skincare routine, a broad-spectrum sunscreen will shield your skin from UV exposure (the 1# cause of wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer). Should you consider it? Absolutely! If you skip sunscreen, nothing else you do will matter—even the best anti-aging treatments are no match for the damage doled out by UV rays. Is the Korean Beauty Routine the Answer? To be clear, you do not need a ten-step routine to take good care of your skin (in fact, three or four steps will work for many). The takeaway is that the Korean skincare routine builds on the basic, essential products (cleanser, exfoliant and AM/PM moisturizer) to include more targeted treatment products that address more complex skin concerns. If you aren’t seeing the results you want, consider adding a more targeted additional step or two (OK, for some, three). While the tradeoff is an extra few minutes to your AM or PM beauty regimen, the benefits for concerns such as breakouts, discolorations or advanced signs of aging can be far greater. One more consideration: Many find alternating their routines—such as applying only the essentials in the morning and reserving their extra treatments for the evening—an excellent balance that saves time (yet doesn’t compromise their results).