So you're going to Korea and you're ready for a major UpGradE yOu! (I hope you read that in the style of the great Beyonce's famous song.) Here are the top five Korean beauty treatments I'd consider getting in Korea. I am not at all condoning getting all 5 things. It all depends on how much time you have and your skin type and condition. But if I have 2 weeks in Korea, I 100% would be getting these because I.... WANT... TO!!!
1. Botox
Are you a Botox virgin? I also was, until I saw 11s forming between my brows right before my 40th. Botox is honestly the most amazing thing and often the weird "botched" celebrity faces you see are from too much filler and not because of botox. Now that we've gotten that out of the way...
Korean Botox is renowned for its affordability and effectiveness. Unlike in some other places where Botox is measured and charged by units, in Korea, it's priced based on the area treated. Many clinics offer several different types of Botox including the Korean one and the more commonly known (in the states) Xeomin and Dysport. Personally, I've experienced both Korean Botox and Dysport. They all work great and as long as you don't overdo the frequency of it (I aim for once in 6 months), I think it is very safe and one of the most effective things you can start for wrinkle prevention. Fun fact, Korean botox kicks in by day 2 (as opposed to Dysport at 2 weeks). Price ranges from what type of Botox you choose to get. Korean Botox for me cost about $30-40 to address my 11s. Girl math is mathing.
Pain level: 1/5
Cost: $
2. Laser Lifting (Ultheramage 울써마지)
I hate the word "Jowls." Like who made that up? Probably an old man with saggy jowls... but I digress. Saggy cheeks, bull dog face, or jowls is my problem area. So I would get the best of both worlds, Ulthera + Thermage, AKA Ulthermage. Ultherapy is a HIFU, or a high frequency focused ultrasound laser treatment. It delivers heat below the surface of the skin to stimulate your existing collagen and trigger the creation of new collagen. It's best for those who want deep lifting, but not recommended for those with low fat on their cheeks since this could unwantingly hollow your face too much. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin where collagen formation takes place. It's recommended for those wanting to address the texture of their skin and reduce fine wrinkles. Because these two procedures target different layers of the skin, Ulthermage 울써마지 is a popular treatment that is the crème de la crème of Korean beauty treatments right now.
Of course there are so many other great options. But make sure to consult with a trusted skin clinician and be careful not to combine too many of other types of lifting treatments. This one is safe to combine -- others, proceed with caution and do your research! I often look up Korean beauty influencers' YouTube videos on different treatments they did and their experience. If you have any questions, ask me and I will find you an answer.
Pain level: 4.5/5 (depends on your skin type, some have reported it doesn't hurt THAT much.. others have reported it hurt so much they cried)
Cost: $$$
3. Pico Toning
Concerned about sunspots and uneven skin tone? (The answer is Yes, all of us American sun loving moms and ladies out here...) Pico toning could be the solution. This highly recommended procedure targets pigmentation issues, leaving behind temporary dots on the skin post-treatment. These dots will lift and go away within 5-7 days. You may be left a bit self-conscious visiting Korea with more pronounced dots, but honestly, Koreans will NOT care. Zap them away and come back to the states clear faced and be prepared to fight the sun like all of us. =)
4. Rejuran Injections (Salmon DNA)
Yes, you read that right—salmon DNA injections. Some call this salmon sperm but honestly it's mistranslated and... don't overthink it ahaha. While this may sound unconventional, these injections are reputed to work wonders for achieving radiant, glowing skin. Opting for the Rejuran HB Plus variant may offer a slightly less painful experience, albeit at a higher price point. If the promise of luminous skin is enough to endure a bit of discomfort, this might be worth a try. But you have been warned, this hurts like a bitc@%@%@^!$!$!$.
Pain level: 5/5 (awfully painful, you can feel every little injection of the solution, and you will have to recite "beauty is pain.. beauty is pain" until it's over.
Cost: $$
5. Summer Camps for the Kids
Of course, while I'm busy indulging in all these treatments, I need to make sure the little ones are taken care of. That's where the summer camps in Korea come in. We here at UmmaNola have partnered up with the best camps to ensure that your kids will have a blast while you can focus on your self-care journey. All of our kids joined K-camps last year and they LOVED it. Do yourself and your kids a favor and sign up before we close registration!
Pain level: 0 bc it's going to be amazing to be kid free in Seoul
Cost: $400-$700 per week depending on the camp
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So there you have it. While I may not be joining you in Korea this summer, these are the top 5 things I would do in Korea. Enjoy your time in Korea without me, but I'll be back, ready to get my glow and skin game on, in no time.
Love you ummas,
Jimin