Kim's K-beauty Information

Before You Book

  • 4 more dermatology treatments people ask about in Korea

    4 more dermatology treatments people ask about in Korea

    Following up on the last five treatments, here are four more that come up often.

    1. PRP (platelet-rich plasma)

    Uses your own blood plasma to support collagen production and skin repair. Best known for skin regeneration, acne scars, and fine line reduction.

    2. Chemical peels

    A chemical solution that exfoliates the skin and removes dead surface cells. Best known for uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and rough texture.

    3. Acne treatment packages

    A combination of lasers, peels, and extractions, tailored to the individual, used for active breakouts and post-acne scarring.

    4. Skin boosters (hydration injections)

    Microinjections of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and peptides aimed at hydration and elasticity.

    This post is for general information, not a recommendation of any specific clinic. Talk to a dermatologist about what fits your skin.

    Message me on Instagram with the one you’re most curious about, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 5 dermatology treatments people try first in Korea

    5 dermatology treatments people try first in Korea

    Thinking about a skin treatment but not sure where to start? These five come up often as a starting point.

    1. HIFU (ultrasound lifting)

    A non-surgical option that uses ultrasound energy aimed at tightening sagging skin and lifting the jawline. Best known for anti-aging, skin tightening, and jawline definition.

    2. Pico laser

    A pigmentation-focused laser used for melasma, sunspots, and acne scars, with less downtime than some older lasers. Best known for skin brightening, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.

    3. Fraxel laser

    A fractional resurfacing laser used for acne scars, fine lines, and texture. Best known for acne scars, uneven texture, and wrinkle reduction.

    4. Botox

    A non-invasive treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles, used to soften forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines.

    5. Dermal fillers

    Injectable fillers used to restore volume in the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area.

    This post is for general information, not a recommendation of any specific clinic. Talk to a dermatologist about what fits your skin.

    Message me on Instagram with the one you’re most curious about, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 5 more skincare myths worth unlearning

    5 more skincare myths worth unlearning

    You might think you know skincare, but these myths could be working against your routine.

    1. You only need to apply sunscreen once a day

    Sunscreen wears off due to sweat, oil, and UV exposure. Reapplying every 2 hours gives fuller protection.

    2. If a product stings, it means it’s working

    A burning sensation is usually a sign of irritation, not effectiveness. If something stings, wash it off.

    3. Pores open and close

    Pores don’t have muscles, so cold water won’t shrink them and steam won’t open them. Skincare can help them appear smaller, but it isn’t opening or closing anything.

    4. Tanning is healthy because it provides vitamin D

    Tanning comes with skin damage. A short amount of sun exposure is enough for vitamin D without the same risk to your skin.

    5. Fat-burning creams can melt fat

    No skincare product melts fat. At best, some give a temporary tightening effect. Real fat loss comes from diet, exercise, and professional treatments.

    Message me on Instagram with the one you believed before, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 5 skincare myths that could be hurting your skin

    5 skincare myths that could be hurting your skin

    Skincare myths are everywhere, and some of them could be working against you without you realizing it.

    1. Washing your face more often prevents acne

    Over-cleansing strips your skin’s natural oils, which can make it produce more oil and lead to worse breakouts.

    2. Hot water opens up your pores

    Pores don’t open or close. Hot water dries out your skin and can cause redness and irritation.

    3. Toothpaste can cure pimples

    Toothpaste can burn your skin and make acne worse. Use a proper spot treatment instead.

    4. You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days

    Around 80% of UV rays still reach your skin through clouds, contributing to premature aging and hyperpigmentation. SPF is worth wearing daily.

    5. Sunscreen is only for outdoor use

    UVA rays pass through windows and affect your skin indoors too. Daily SPF still matters if you spend time near windows.

    Message me on Instagram with the one that surprised you most, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 5 skincare treatment combos that work better together

    5 skincare treatment combos that work better together

    Most people book one treatment at a time, but some procedures work better when paired.

    1. Botox and fillers

    Botox prevents wrinkles, while fillers restore lost volume, giving you a balanced, youthful look.

    2. PRP and microneedling

    Microneedling creates microchannels, and PRP boosts skin repair, delivering stronger collagen regeneration.

    3. Laser resurfacing and RF microneedling

    Laser improves skin texture, and RF microneedling tightens deeper layers, for smoother, lifted skin.

    4. Chemical peel and Hydrafacial

    Hydrafacial hydrates and preps your skin, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper for a brighter, smoother finish.

    5. Ultherapy and HIFU

    Ultherapy lifts and firms, while HIFU boosts elasticity, for a non-surgical facelift effect.

    Curious which combination fits your situation? Message me on Instagram, @kbeautyinformation.

  • Why a tissue test alone can’t tell you your skin type

    Why a tissue test alone can’t tell you your skin type

    Many people trust a few quick DIY tests to figure out their skin type. Most of them don’t hold up on their own.

    1. The tissue test

    A tissue test can show how much oil is on your skin’s surface right then, but it doesn’t capture everything about your skin type.

    2. Checking pore size

    Pore size is influenced by genetics along with age and oil production, and it doesn’t determine your skin type on its own.

    3. Feeling tight after washing

    That tightness is often short-term moisture loss after cleansing, not necessarily a sign of dry skin. If it lingers or comes with redness or flaking, that’s worth asking a dermatologist about.

    A more reliable approach

    The Baumann Skin Typing System, developed by dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann, sorts skin into 16 types across four traits: oily or dry, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or non-pigmented, and wrinkle-prone or tight. A dermatologist can also look at your skin directly and use tools that measure things like hydration, which tends to be more accurate than a DIY test at home.

    Have you ever gotten your skin type wrong? Message me on Instagram, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 5 things that make dermatology clinics in Korea different

    5 things that make dermatology clinics in Korea different

    Korean skincare clinics work a little differently than what you might be used to. A few things that tend to surprise first-time visitors.

    1. Walk-ins are common

    Same-day consultations and treatment without a prior appointment happen often, though wait times can vary by clinic and time of day.

    2. AI skin analysis

    Some clinics use skin-scanning devices to check pores, pigmentation, and hydration before recommending a treatment plan.

    3. Skincare cafés

    A few clinics add lounge areas, refreshments, and LED therapy rooms to the visit, closer to a spa than a typical doctor’s office.

    4. Group visits

    It’s common for friends, couples, or family members to book treatments together, and some clinics offer a discount for it.

    5. Membership plans

    Some clinics offer monthly plans for regular clients who want ongoing skin maintenance.

    Message me on Instagram with the one that surprised you most, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 3 myths about getting skincare treatment in Korea as a foreigner

    3 myths about getting skincare treatment in Korea as a foreigner

    Thinking about a skincare treatment in Korea but worried about what you’ve heard? Here are three common myths.

    1. Myth: Korean skincare treatments are only for Koreans

    Many clinics work with international clients regularly and offer treatments customized to different skin types and concerns.

    2. Myth: You can’t get treatment without speaking Korean

    Major clinics have English-speaking staff, translators, and online booking in multiple languages.

    3. Myth: Foreigners pay more for treatments

    Aesthetic procedures like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments are usually priced the same for locals and foreigners. Insurance-covered treatments can differ, since foreign visitors typically aren’t on Korean national insurance.

    Want a translated review of a specific clinic? Message me on Instagram, @kbeautyinformation.

  • 3 mistakes to avoid when choosing a dermatology clinic in Korea

    3 mistakes to avoid when choosing a dermatology clinic in Korea

    Not all clinics are the same. These are three common mistakes people make when choosing a dermatology clinic in Korea.

    1. Picking based on an extremely cheap price

    A price that’s far below the rest of the market can point to unlicensed or inexperienced staff, outdated equipment, or a rushed procedure with little aftercare. Compare prices across a few clinics rather than going with whichever one is cheapest.

    2. Trusting “latest technology” claims on their own

    Some clinics promote the newest machine more than they show real patient results. A device being new doesn’t tell you whether it’s the right choice for your skin. Before/after photos, the dermatologist’s experience, and a track record of results matter more than the name of the machine.

    3. Believing promises of instant or permanent results

    Skincare takes time. A clinic that promises immediate, long-lasting results with no side effects is worth a second look. A clinic that sets realistic expectations and offers real aftercare is a better sign.

    Check reviews across a few sources, look for a board-certified dermatologist, and make sure pricing is transparent before you book.

    Message me on Instagram with the one thing you always check before booking, @kbeautyinformation.

  • Is $200 laser toning in Korea worth it?

    Is $200 laser toning in Korea worth it?

    Thinking about laser toning in Korea but unsure if it’s worth the price? One patient’s experience, cost, and what to weigh before booking.

    1. What changed

    Brighter, more even skin tone, less visible pigmentation, minimal redness, and no peeling afterward. Makeup went on more smoothly too. The sensation during treatment was described as a mild tingling, with no downtime after.

    2. The basics

    The session ran about $200, took around 20 minutes, and was done in Gangnam, Seoul. This patient had three sessions.

    3. Worth it?

    For mild pigmentation and dull skin, this patient felt it was worth it, and felt the $200 session was affordable compared with prices they’d seen elsewhere. For this patient, the changes felt gradual across three sessions rather than dramatic after the first.

    Would you try this treatment in Korea? Message me on Instagram, @kbeautyinformation.