South Korea Skin Treatments: What Works and What Doesn’t - Insider Tips

South Korea Skin Treatments:

Every year, thousands of beauty enthusiasts travel for to South Korea in search of glowing skin and subtle, natural-looking enhancements. The country has built a reputation for its advanced technology, innovative skincare methods, and aesthetic treatments that focus on boosting natural beauty rather than creating dramatic changes. Many of these procedures are designed to deliver visible results with minimal downtime, which is one reason they’ve gained so much global attention.

South Korea is often seen as the beauty capital of the world, and for good reason. From glass skin trends to advanced anti-aging innovations, the country has become a global leader in skincare and aesthetic technology. To get a more personal perspective, we’re taking insights from Jooshica, a Korean beauty influencer who has openly shared her experiences with various treatments. She has sensitive skin and an Asian skin type, so her recommendations may be particularly relevant to people with similar skin concerns. This blog also includes general skincare knowledge to help people with different skin types and ethnic backgrounds understand how these treatments might work for them.

1. Skin Peeling: Proceed with Caution

Peeling is often the first step many people try when visiting Korea. It’s designed to remove dead skin cells, even out tone, and give that natural glow often associated with Korean actresses. However, not all peels work for everyone. Jooshica shared that aqua peel treatments made her break out because her skin is sensitive. If your skin barrier is delicate, harsh peels can strip it and lead to inflammation or acne. For people with sensitive skin, gentler peels that maintain a balanced pH may be less irritating.

(Information not from the video) For non-Asian skin types:

• Darker skin tones have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after chemical peels. It’s crucial to use lower-concentration peels or enzyme-based exfoliation.

• Fair skin may tolerate medium peels better but still requires proper aftercare and sun protection.

• If you have a history of eczema, rosacea, or easily reactive skin, patch testing before a peel is strongly recommended.

2. Rejuran Healer: Mixed Results and Intense Pain

Rejuran Healer has gained worldwide popularity for its supposed ability to regenerate the skin from within. It uses polynucleotides (PDRN) derived from salmon DNA to stimulate collagen production and hydration. Jooshica had positive results the first time, but the effects only lasted about two weeks. After repeated sessions, she felt her skin became less responsive, as if it developed a kind of tolerance. She also emphasized how painful the procedure was, describing the pain as “12 out of 10.”

(Information not from the video) For non-Asian skin types:

• Rejuran can be effective for a wide range of skin tones, but its efficacy and longevity can vary based on factors like skin thickness and collagen activity.

• People with darker skin tones may benefit from this treatment with minimal risk of pigmentation since Rejuran focuses more on hydration and regeneration than resurfacing.

• Those with autoimmune conditions or allergies should consult their dermatologist about potential reactions to PDRN.

Practical tip: Many experts recommend patch testing or starting with topical PDRN skincare products before committing to injections.

3. Stem Cell Therapy: Personalized Regeneration

Stem cell therapy is another treatment Jooshica described as “life-changing.” It works similarly to Rejuran in that it targets hydration and repair but uses the patient’s own stem cells. This makes allergic or immune reactions far less likely. According to a medical explanation shared in her interview, the procedure involves drawing blood, processing it to extract stem cell components, and reintroducing it into the skin. The effects can last two to three months, sometimes longer, with less pain and downtime compared to Rejuran.

(Information not from the video) For non-Asian skin types:

• Since stem cell therapy uses your own biological material, it tends to be safer across different skin tones.

• However, people with certain medical conditions may need to undergo additional screening before treatment.

• The visible results can vary depending on baseline skin elasticity and collagen levels.

4. Laser Treatments: InMode vs. Shrink

When it comes to non-invasive lifting, Jooshica shared mixed feelings about InMode. This laser treatment has two settings: MiniFX (for fat burning, often used on the chin) and Forma (for skin tightening through radiofrequency). She noted that InMode didn’t work well for her because the results rely on consistent monthly treatments. She experienced bruising and minimal visible lifting after just one session. For visitors who can’t commit to a long-term schedule in Korea, the cost-to-benefit ratio may not be ideal. She preferred Shurink (commonly stylized as “Shrink”), a high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment that penetrates deeper into the skin. Unlike InMode, Shrink can create visible lifting after a single session and the effect can last much longer.

(Information not from the video) For non-Asian skin types:

• Ultrasound-based lifting (like Shrink) is safe for most skin tones, including darker complexions, since it doesn’t damage the surface layer.

• Radiofrequency treatments (like Forma) can also work across skin types but may require more sessions to maintain results.

• People with very thick skin may see slower results and need slightly higher energy levels.

5. Injectable Treatments: Beyond Botox and Fillers

While Botox and fillers are popular worldwide, Jooshica prefers volumizing treatments that stimulate collagen rather than inserting foreign material. She highlighted Juve Look Volume and Sculptra (a collagen stimulator similar to Elanse). These treatments gradually boost volume and firmness, creating a more natural look. She’s seen results last for several months with no uncomfortable filler sensation. She also talked about fat-dissolving injections. Instead of laser fat reduction, she found that a well-formulated injection worked better when combined with lifting lasers like Shrink.

(Information not from the video) For non-Asian skin types:

• Collagen stimulators can be used on a variety of skin tones but may require different dosing or injection depths to avoid unevenness.

• People with thinner skin may prefer gradual volume restoration rather than aggressive filler use.

• Fat-dissolving injections can be effective, but their safety and efficacy vary widely depending on the formulation. Always verify the ingredients and provider’s qualifications.

To sum it up...

• Not all treatments work the same way for everyone. What worked for Jooshica’s sensitive, Asian skin may have different results on other skin types.

• Rejuran offers hydration and collagen support but involves significant pain and short-lived results for some people.

• Stem cell therapy provides personalized skin rejuvenation with minimal immune reaction.

• For lifting, Shrink may give longer-lasting results in fewer sessions compared to InMode.

• Collagen stimulators like Juve Look and Sculptra offer a natural volume boost without foreign fillers

• Ethnic background, skin tone, and personal skin history play a major role in how your skin responds to these treatments.

South Korea offers some of the most advanced skincare treatments in the world, but personal research and professional consultation are essential before trying anything new. An influencer’s experience can be helpful, but your skin’s biology, pain tolerance, and goals should guide your decision. Always work with certified practitioners and prioritize safety over trends.