Popular Korean Skin Treatments Explained

Korean dermatology clinics offer a treatment menu that can feel overwhelming to first-time visitors. Many treatments have no direct Western equivalent, and the names alone — Rejuran, Chanel injection, Skin Botox — tell you little about what actually happens. This guide demystifies the most popular Korean skin treatments so you can make informed decisions about what might work for your skin.

Aqua Peel (Hydrafacial)

The aqua peel is the gateway treatment at most Korean clinics. It combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in a single 30 to 45 minute session. A specialised device uses water pressure and mild suction to remove dead skin cells and impurities while infusing hydrating serums into the skin.

Best for: All skin types. Ideal as a maintenance treatment or pre-event preparation. No downtime — you can apply makeup immediately after.

Frequency: Every 2 to 4 weeks for ongoing maintenance.

Rejuran Healer

Rejuran is a uniquely Korean treatment that has gained significant international attention. It involves injecting polynucleotide (PDRN) derived from salmon DNA into the skin. These molecules stimulate cell regeneration, improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and strengthen the skin barrier from within. The treatment involves multiple micro-injections across the face using a fine needle or automated injector.

Best for: Ageing skin, thin or damaged skin barrier, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scarring.

Frequency: 3 to 4 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, then maintenance every 3 to 6 months.

Skin Botox

Unlike conventional Botox that targets specific muscles to reduce wrinkles, Skin Botox involves injecting highly diluted botulinum toxin in micro-doses across the entire face. This reduces sebum production, tightens pores, creates a subtle lifting effect, and gives the skin a smoother, more refined appearance without the frozen look associated with traditional Botox.

Best for: Oily skin, enlarged pores, skin laxity, overall skin refinement.

Frequency: Every 3 to 4 months.

Chanel Injection

Despite the luxury brand name, this treatment has no connection to the fashion house. The Chanel injection (also called Filorga injection) involves injecting a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the skin using a meso-therapy technique. The goal is intense hydration and skin rejuvenation from within.

Best for: Dehydrated skin, dull complexion, fine lines, overall skin quality improvement.

Frequency: 3 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart, then maintenance every 2 to 3 months.

HIFU — High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and creating a tightening and lifting effect without surgery. Korean clinics pioneered the use of HIFU for facial rejuvenation and typically use newer-generation devices that deliver more comfortable treatments with better results than earlier models.

Best for: Skin laxity, jowling, double chin, non-surgical facelift effect. Most effective for patients in their 30s to 50s with mild to moderate laxity.

Frequency: Every 6 to 12 months.

Thread Lift

Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable PDO (polydioxanone) threads under the skin to create an immediate lifting effect while stimulating collagen production for longer-term improvement. Korean clinics offer various thread types — smooth threads for collagen stimulation, barbed threads for lifting, and screw threads for volume enhancement.

Best for: Sagging skin, loss of facial definition, nasolabial folds. A minimally invasive alternative to surgical facelift for patients with moderate laxity.

Frequency: Results last 12 to 18 months. Can be repeated as needed.

Exosome Therapy

One of the newest additions to the Korean treatment menu, exosome therapy involves applying or injecting exosomes — tiny vesicles derived from stem cells — to stimulate skin regeneration. The treatment is typically combined with microneedling to enhance delivery. Early results show improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and wound healing.

Best for: Anti-ageing, post-procedure recovery acceleration, overall skin rejuvenation.

Frequency: 3 to 5 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

The best approach is to start with a consultation and skin analysis rather than arriving with a specific treatment in mind. Korean dermatologists are skilled at recommending treatment combinations tailored to your specific concerns and skin condition. A comprehensive treatment plan might combine an aqua peel for cleansing, laser toning for pigmentation, and Rejuran for overall skin quality — achieving results that no single treatment could deliver alone.