Devices that provide an alternative to microneedling, in particular, are ever-popular, and much like the real thing, they can make passageways in the skin and increase skin-care product absorption, says Dr. Chang. It is supposed to help with improving skin glow, texture, and pores.

Ultrasound or microcurrent devices are increasing in popularity, too. Some iterations use a combination of ultrasound and red light to enhance collagen stimulation and fight skin laxity, Dr Chang explains. Dr. Park highlights devices that use something called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). It is used to address signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin," she says, adding, that there is a great deal of variability in using this technology at home. It is very popular in Korea, but I would recommend using it with caution.

Another popular device format you might have seen in American retailers: LED masks. As Allure previously reported, LED light therapy can stimulate collagen, improve the appearance of acne, reduce redness, stimulate blood circulation, and more, depending on what type or color of light is used. Though LED light therapy offered in-office is generally more effective, LED masks can still provide results from home and it's why theyre becoming ubiquitous in Korea. The trend aligns with the growing demand for accessible, innovative, and self-empowering beauty tools in the ever-evolving world of Korean beauty, Cho says.

As far as Koreas most popular in-office procedures go, skin-boosting treatments, encompassing a plethora of topicals and injectables, reign supreme. They can address concerns including skin dryness, dullness, hydration, texture, and tone, Dr. Park explains. They are further categorized as those that contain hyaluronic acid only versus those that contain other collagen-boosting ingredients such as polydeoxyribonucleotide [or PDRN, a type of DNA extracted from salmon roe].

Injectable skin boosters include the hyaluronic acid treatment Skinvive by Allergan, (which, by the way, is the only injectable skin booster approved for use in the US as well as Korea, according to Dr. Park). Other traditional fillers with low density are used off-label as a hyaluronic skin booster, she explains. Some injectable skin boosters like Rejuran and Juvelook are not approved in the US market. Dr. Park adds that the NCTF skin booster, nicknamed the Chanel injection, for reasons unknown, is extremely popular in Korean doctors' offices. It is a cocktail of 56 skin nutrients to improve hydration and brightness, she says.

See the article here:
The 7 Biggest K-Beauty Trends of 2023 - Allure