Face time: The rise of the ten-step Korean skincare routine

With sales of skincare remaining steady despite the economic climate, it's clear UK shoppers are willing to do whatever it takes to halt the effects of time. But now the reactive approach to ageing favoured by the western world - ie, the panicked rush to purchase a luxury eye cream at the first sign of a wrinkle - is being supplanted by a proactive approach favoured by women in Korea for decades.

Purveyor of the sheet-mask craze – the beauty world's latest obsession – Korean beauty culture has taken centre stage in the collective consciousness. At its heart is a focus on healthy skin, obtained through a tried-and-tested ten-step process.

Step one: pre-cleanse

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Cleansing is arguably the most important step in the process and so is completed in two parts. The first cleanse should be performed with an oil-based product to remove all traces of make-up and day-to-day pollutants. Apply the cleanser on dry skin and work in, using circular motions, before adding water and continuing to massage. Wash clean with water and pat dry.

Step two: cleanse

A water-based cleanser is used next to clear any last traces of make-up and irritants on the skin. Apply wet or dry (depending on instructions), massage, rinse with water and pat dry.

Step three: exfoliate

Though the impulse is to scrub deeply, this step should be done with a gentle touch and needs only be completed once or twice a week, when your skin would benefit from an extra boost. Massage in, remove with a damp cloth and then pat dry.

Step four: tone

This step is called both "toning" and "refreshing" based on the product, but the purpose remains the same – to restore the PH balance of your skin and prep it for the next step. Apply as prescribed by your toner of choice.

Step five: essence

While a staple in Korean women's routines, using an essence is a relatively new concept for British women. Tata Harper's 100 per cent natural Hydrating Floral Essence mist makes this step easy. A quick spritz leaves skin hydrated, brightened and soothed while also preparing it for the serums that follow.

Step six: serum

Serums deliver a variety of benefits and there are numerous products out there to allow you to find the one(s) best targeted to your skin's needs. A great option is Giorgio Armani's Prima Smart Moisture Serum, which absorbs quickly and delivers a targeted concentration of moisture that will keep working all day. If you're using more than one serum - Korean women have been known to use up to five - apply from lightest to heaviest.

Step seven: sheet mask

Like the exfoliator, sheet masks need only be used once a week. Estee Lauder's innovative Advanced Night Repair Powerfoil Mask will become a quick favourite, leaving skin looking more youthful and fresh. Apply to skin, leave for the recommended time and then remove, gently massaging in any remaining cream.

Step eight: eye cream

It's never too early to start using an eye cream and with day and night formulas readily available, there's no excuse not to. Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Eye Rescue has an anti-ageing remedy that fills in lines for an instant skin refresh and then keeps on working to rebuild and renew skin cells overnight. To apply, gently tap the product around the eye area using your ring finger.

Step nine: moisturiser

A light moisturiser is all you need for daytime but at night, take the opportunity to use a rich cream that locks in moisture and works to beautify your skin while you sleep. Creme de la Mer is the undisputed queen of moisturisers and you can't go wrong with the La Mer Moisturising Soft Creme, which is specially formulated to penetrate deeply and deliver miraculous benefits.

Step ten: sunscreen (AM only)

Though it can be tempting to move on to make-up straight after moisturiser, it's crucial to lock in all the skin benefits you've just achieved by applying a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

Altogether, the ten-step regime, excluding the sheet-mask step, shouldn't take more than 15 minutes out of your day - a small price to pay when the short-term outcome is a youthful glow and the long-term benefit is younger-looking, healthier skin that requires less make-up.