Why you need to try the Korean skincare regime now

Step it up: When Charlotte Cho, co-founder and curator of SokoGlam.com, an e-commerce platform retailing Korean skincare and beauty products in the US, spent an extended period of time in her parents' native South Korea, she discovered the 10-step cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising process that is the cornerstone of every Korean woman's beauty regime. "From a very young age, Koreans—girls and boys—are taught to cleanse and moisturise their skin properly," Cho says. "Taking care of your skin and treating it well is an important part of Korean culture and because the practice is inculcated from a young age, it becomes a part of your life."

However, Cho emphasises that it isn't necessary to do each step everyday.
Her advice: Never skip steps 1 to 3, but pick and choose from the rest depending on what your skin needs.

Step 1: Oil likes oil, so use an oil-based cleanser and warm water to wash off all your make-up and other oily debris, like pollution.

Step 2: Sluice off the sweaty remains of the day with a creamy or foamy water-based cleanser, depending on what suits your skin best.

Step 3: Exfoliate to slough off the dead cells and soften your skin—but be wary of overkill, particularly if your skin is sensitive.

Step 4: Tone with a product that focuses on hydration and restores the natural pH balance of the skin. This is an integral part of the skincare process.

Step 5: Essence, Korea's skincare coup de grace, both nourishes and brightens the skin. Spritz or gently pat on.

Step 6: A serum, a concentrated and vitamin-rich version of an essence, helps restore skin vitality and elasticity and evens out skin tone.

Step 7: A sheet mask (soaked with essence or serums for face and body) used a couple of times a week intensely hydrates and brightens skin.

Step 8: A dab or two of eye cream keeps puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles away.

Step 9: An emulsion, light and easy to apply, helps replace moisture and promotes circulation.

Step 10: Finally, a rich night cream works to prep skin for a new day.

Excerpted from the April 2015 issue of Vogue India. To read more, subscribe to the print edition or get the single digital copy now.