Director Im Lee-seok’s "For Healthy Beauty" A-maeng Magazine Article

Hello, this is Im Lee Seok Theme Dermatology Clinic.

Director Im Lee-seok was interviewed for the January issue of A-maeng Magazine in the page titled "2021 Keywords for Skin Health: For Healthy Beauty."

Q. Koreans are very interested in skin health and beauty to the point that K-beauty has developed so much. If you could explain the beauty of our skin, what would you say?

Korean skin generally belongs to the category of good skin. Light skin tones contain less melanin, so they are more vulnerable to UV protection; therefore, prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer or skin diseases. Our skin has an appropriate amount of pigment and therefore performs antioxidant functions, so compared with Caucasians, it tends to age more slowly and have better elasticity. It would be good to focus on maintaining the overall balance of the skin and its natural beauty.

Q. Even during COVID-19, the K-beauty market continues to grow rapidly. In the midst of the flood of beauty brands and products, what criteria should we use when choosing products?

Overall, because interest in cosmetics and the beauty field is so high, many brands have sprung up that sell cosmetics for a short time and then disappear. Brands that study skin concerns over a long period of time and invest time and money can be considered good brands. Basically, it is best to focus on skin concerns and choose products based on how they solve them.

Q. In the era of COVID-19, a new beauty keyword has emerged: maskne, acne caused by masks.

As COVID-19 has continued for a long time, managing problems caused by masks has also become part of skincare. Skin conditions caused by masks include contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, facial redness, and pigmentation caused by friction. The hot and humid environment inside the mask breaks down the skin barrier and reduces the skin’s natural function. You should minimize skin irritation and focus on moisturizing and regeneration to improve the skin barrier.

Q. Clean beauty is another major keyword related to skin health this year. Are there any points to keep in mind in this regard?

Clean beauty generally refers to cosmetics that exclude preservatives such as parabens or toxic substances and are made with ingredients that are safe for the human body. It also carries an ethical meaning, such as sourcing raw materials through fair trade and not conducting animal testing. One thing to keep in mind here is that even natural ingredients and organic ingredients cannot completely exclude preservatives. When choosing cosmetics, it is important to consider ingredients that suit your own skin. No matter how good the ingredients or the cosmetics are, they can still cause skin problems, so we recommend knowing your skin type and using cosmetics that match it.

Q. As the number of homecare users who manage their skin directly at home increases, demand for beauty devices is also rising. Are there any points to keep in mind in this regard?

Beauty devices are popular as daily items because they can be used conveniently at home. A variety of products are on the market, from LED masks to ultrasonic devices that provide a lifting effect and laser devices. However, if the skin is irritated and sensitive due to improper cosmetic use, UV exposure, or the external environment, there are cases in which device use should be avoided depending on the skin condition. Also, if irritation occurs from a device, it means it does not suit your skin, so you should stop using it immediately. It is important to achieve skin improvement effects, but above all, it is important to minimize side effects.

Q. Various technologies for skin regeneration and improving skin immunity are emerging.

Beyond simply supplying nutrients, technology is advancing to strengthen the skin’s inherent power. Microbiome, which helps improve skin into a healthier state over the long term through beneficial skin bacteria, is gradually leading trends in the cosmetics market. In addition, probiotic cosmetics that improve the skin environment to enhance skin immunity are evolving further through combinations with prebiotics, centella asiatica extract, or collagen. The core of skincare these days is moving in the direction of helping improve the skin’s constitution and strengthening its defenses. Various technologies are coming out, but the key question is how to regenerate without damage.

Q. The anti-aging field is also an important issue that cannot be left out. Recently, anti-aging trends have shifted from preventing aging to preventing it before it starts. The target age range is also getting younger.

Taking care of your skin from a young age is the beginning of anti-aging. As a basic anti-aging method, we emphasize using sunscreen. This is because UV exposure from a young age accumulates in the skin and its effects appear later in adulthood. In fact, people who have consistently used sunscreen show fewer cases of skin cancer or dermatitis. From a young age, it is necessary to take an interest in anti-aging and continue managing the skin against causes of aging such as fine dust, UV rays, and blue light.

Q. Byerganz High Care’s medical skin care is drawing attention as an anti-aging treatment method. What effects does it provide?

Our bodies are organically connected, so the condition of the skin can be used to diagnose and treat the whole body. Byerganz High Care’s therapy helps normalize the body through the skin and relieve various types of damage such as skin inflammation, trauma syndrome, and postoperative swelling. Even with continued use, this therapy has no side effects, and it fundamentally improves the skin by restoring the balance of the skin barrier and the autonomic nervous system.

Q. I heard that treatment using the Sono Styler is also helpful for anti-aging. Could you explain ultrasound treatment?

Sono Styler is a representative anti-aging care that removes active oxygen and helps regenerate the skin. Powerful high-intensity ultrasound penetrates deep into the skin, quickly soothing sensitive and irritated skin, promoting skin regeneration, and helping to make the skin moist and healthy. It is medical skin care that can provide various skin-improving effects with a warm sensation, without irritation or pain.

Self-check list for healthy and beautiful skin in 2021!

• Apply moisturizer frequently.

• When choosing cosmetics, carefully check whether the active ingredients are effective for your skin.

• Before using beauty devices, fully consider possible side effects.

• Apply sunscreen carefully.