K-Beauty in India: Decoding Layering and Light Formulas with Dermats
The recent decade has been fueled by globalization, marking a point in time when cross-cultural trends have been brought to the forefront. In the realm of beauty, we witness this with the rise in popularity of Korean skincare. It’s the skincare dream – “glass skin” that is hydrated and clean. But here’s the thing: our skin doesn’t just depend on products; it’s shaped by the climate we live in. So, can the famous 10-step K-beauty routine really work for Indian skin? We asked two leading dermatologists, Dr. Pooja Shah Talera and Dr. Varshini Reddy, to break it down.
Meet our experts
About Dr. Pooja Shah Talera
Dr. Pooja Talera is an aesthetic physician, a skin expert and the founder of KOSA Wellbeing - a pioneer in India for a holistic approach to skin longevity, beauty and wellness. It's known for its cult favourite treatments, the SuperfacialsTM, the studio in Pune offers consultation.
Dr. Pooja Shah Talera.
About Dr. Varshini Reddy
Dr. Varshini Reddy is the founder of Glow Clinic, a contemporary space for skin indulgence with clinics in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. Having studied MD Dermatology and been around the globe to learn about new-age technologies in the world of skincare, Dr. Varshini Reddy wanted to bring the best of those to India.
Dr. Varshini Reddy
1. What Korean beauty hacks would you say are suitable for Indian skin?
Essences: Dr. Reddy advocates that layering essences helps restore the skin barrier and is safe for sensitive skin. It can be simply tapped into the skin and the watery texture is absorbable.
Double cleansing: Dr. Talera suggests double cleansing as a sure-proof way to effectively rid the skin of sunscreen and pollution. Use micellar water and then, a milk-based cleanser over foaming formulas to avoid stripping natural oils. Top it up with a mucin-rich serum for moisture. If you want that extra glow, gentle acid exfoliation with PHAs once or twice a week.
2. Are there any Korean beauty products that you recommend?
Dr. Talera’s list of K-beauty products worth trying:
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Rejuall Advanced PDRN Cream – Packed with salmon DNA (PDRN) and works great for skin healing, especially after treatments or if your skin barrier feels off. It’s light and perfect for our humid weather.
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Rejuran Turnover Cream – This one’s a little more premium and usually used in clinics. It’s very nourishing and ideal if your skin needs a boost in elasticity or repair after procedures.
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Dr. Jart Cicapair Cream – A cult favorite for a reason as it calms redness, soothes irritated skin, and is a lifesaver for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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COSRX Snail Mucin Essence – Super hydrating and healing, great for fading acne marks and giving your skin that dewy, healthy bounce.
Products recommended by Dr. Pooja Talera.
Dr. Reddy: K-beauty is a fun, ingredient-led approach to skincare — constantly innovating while staying affordable. Look for products packed with antioxidants, such as:
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Vitamin C for brightness
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Glutathione for overall skin health
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Tranexamic acid to help fade dark spots
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Niacinamide to even out tone and strengthen the skin barrier
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For repair and anti-ageing, formulas with peptides (which support skin firmness)
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PDRN, a skin-healing ingredient often used after treatments
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Spicule-based products to gently stimulate the skin and improve texture
Overnight masks.
All of these have solid science or derm-approved ingredients behind them but what works wonders for one person might not for another, so it’s advisable to always patch test first.
3. What's the secret to glass skin for Indians?
Let’s debunk the myth – glass is not about being poreless. Healthy, hydrated and luminous skin will naturally reflect light. Indian skin experiences greater UV exposure which makes the skin melanin-rich and more prone to pigmentation.
Dr. Pooja Talera: For Indian skin, the focus should be on sun protection, minimal yet effective exfoliation and barrier repair. Avoid overly aggressive treatments that can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Varshini Reddy: True radiance comes from a consistent, dermatologist-guided routine and regular in-clinic care. Asian and Korean skin types are biologically different - it's important to address individual concerns rather than chase a singular aesthetic ideal.
4. Given India’s hot and humid climate, how should we modify K-beauty layering?
Both of our reputed dermats agree that while K-beauty has its merits, the classic 10-step routine can feel excessive in Indian climates.
Dr. Pooja Talera: Streamline your routine to three or four essential layers. In the morning:
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A hydrating toner or essence
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Lightweight serum
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Emulsion or cream suited to your skin’s needs
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Sunscreen
At night, rotate exfoliants, retinols, or other actives through skin cycling to avoid overloading the skin.
Dr. Varshini Reddy: Use your products strategically - a good cleanser, essence, one or two targeted serums, moisturizer and sunscreen are plenty. If you want an even more minimal approach, use an essence with moisturizer or a single serum with moisturizer and SPF.
Layering in Korean skincare.
5. Are there any K-beauty trends you believe are overhyped?
Both Dr. Talera and Dr. Reddy are wary about blindly following every K-beauty trend.
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The classic 10-step routine is often excessive in our climate and can lead to irritation.
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Daily exfoliation is another red flag for melanin-rich skin, as it raises the risk of barrier damage and hyperpigmentation.
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Slugging, which is the trend of sealing skin with thick occlusives (such as Vaseline) can cause breakouts in humid weather and is unsuitable for oily or acne-prone individuals.
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Vying for the “glass skin” ideal or adopting viral products without understanding if they suit your skin type can be harmful.
Here’s a few recommendations from our reputed dermats:
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Prioritizing consistency and personalization over copying routines online.
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Focusing on sun protection and barrier repair as non-negotiables.
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Keeping expectations realistic, remembering that no single serum or cream can deliver flawless skin, it takes consistent effort and when possible, regular in-clinic maintenance.
