Skinboosters in Korea: Rejuran, Juvelook & Exosomes Explained (and Why They’re So Popular)

Skinboosters in Korea: Why Everyone Talks About Them (But Pretends They Don’t)

Since so many of you loved my last post about skin treatments in Korea, I thought I’d dive deeper into one of the most talked-about (and quietly done) procedures: skinboosters.

Whenever my plane lands in Seoul, the first place I go isn’t a café, a department store, or even my favorite restaurant. It’s a dermatologist clinic…

Apgujeong — the heart of Seoul’s dermatology and plastic surgery scene, where skinboosters and beauty trends thrive.

The Irony of “Natural Beauty”

Here’s the cultural twist: Koreans spend money on treatments, sometimes a lot, but the goal is always not to look treated. It’s the famous 꾸안꾸 (kku-ahn-kku) — short for “꾸민 듯 안 꾸민 듯.” In English, think effortless chic — polished but pretending not to be.

Koreans aim for 꾸안꾸: looking naturally healthy, not “done.”

Rejuran: Painful but Magical

리쥬란 (Rejuran) is the queen of Korean skinboosters. Made in Korea by PharmaResearch Products, it uses polynucleotides (PN) from salmon DNA to stimulate repair and restore skin health.

The treatment itself? Brutal. Afterward, your face looks like bubble wrap…

Rejuran uses salmon DNA polynucleotides to encourage natural repair.

The “embossing effect” (엠보싱) shows correct intradermal placement. Bumps fade within hours or days.

Juvelook, Exosomes & LDM

Juvelook, another Made-in-Korea booster, stimulates collagen for firmer, fresher skin.

• 쥬베룩 (Juvelook) → Uses PDLLA to stimulate collagen and restore bounce.
• 엑소좀 (Exosomes) → Microscopic vesicles that signal skin cells to repair.
• LDM → German ultrasound tech adopted in Korea as a quick, painless “glass-skin weekend treatment.”

Lip Rejuran & Natural Fillers

Lip Rejuran smooths fine lines and keeps lips soft and hydrated. Unlike fillers, it doesn’t add dramatic volume — it restores texture and elasticity. Many combine it with very natural fillers for subtle fullness.

Think the vibe of Jennie (Blackpink) or Jang Wonyoung: youthful, effortless, never overdone.

Three Popular Korean Lip Styles

• 송혜교 (Song Hye-kyo) — Elegant / Classic: balanced upper/lower lips, soft Cupid’s bow, timeless symmetry.
• 장원영 (Jang Wonyoung) — Innocent / Youthful: rounded center fullness, clear Cupid’s bow, cheerful “smile effect.”
• 제니 (Jennie) — Chic / Trendy: fuller definition with subtle inner tones; confident stage presence.

Lip Rejuran smooths and hydrates; natural fillers add subtle, chic volume.

Why Korea Leads the Trend

• Price gap: In Seoul, a standard Rejuran Healer 2cc is typically ₩150,000–250,000 (~$135–185 / €125–170 / £105–145). In London, Paris, or New York: $600–1,200 (≈€550–1,100 / £470–950).
• Doctor-only rule: In Korea, only licensed doctors inject — never salons.
• Volume = skill: High daily case volumes build precision and consistency.
• Cultural comfort: Considered routine maintenance, like a haircut.
• Natural results: The 꾸안꾸 philosophy values subtle health over obvious enhancement.

Even with airfare, many find Korean treatments more affordable.

Aftercare & Pain Management (What Actually Helps)

Right after skinboosters you’ll likely see swelling, tiny bumps (“embossing”), mild redness and needle marks. Here’s what most clinics in Seoul advise and what worked for me:

• 48 hours: Avoid saunas, hot yoga, intense workouts and alcohol. Keep skin cool and clean.
• Cooling + gentle hydration: Clean hands → cool gel packs wrapped in a cloth for 5–10 minutes on/off; layer a bland moisturiser and avoid actives (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) for 5–7 days.
• Makeup: Wait 24 hours (or until pin-marks close). Choose non-comedogenic and remove gently.
• Sun: Daily SPF 50+. Newly treated skin is more reactive to UV.
• Bruise care: Arnica gel and a soft concealer can help; most bruises fade in 3–7 days.
• Pain reality: Manual micro-deposits sting. Topical numbing cream helps; some clinics use cannula or injection devices that reduce stings but can increase swelling—ask which method they use.

* Not medical advice; follow your clinician’s instructions if they differ.

Side Effects & Risks (So You Can Spot Red Flags)

• Expected: Redness, swelling, small raised “dots”, tenderness, mild bruising (hours to a few days).
• Less common: Temporary lumps or unevenness; usually settle as product disperses. Gentle rolling massage only if your doctor advises.
• Rare but important: Infection, vascular compromise, allergy. Seek urgent care if you feel severe pain, mottled/white skin, vision changes, fever or spreading warmth.
• Operator skill matters: Correct intradermal depth creates even “embossing”. If there’s no embossing at all, product might be too deep (less effect).

Korea vs Overseas Clinics: What Actually Differs

• Price transparency: Seoul clinics post menus and run promos; Western clinics often price by consult or package.
• Volume & technique: High daily case volume in Korea tends to standardise technique and outcomes; overseas clinics may spend more time per session but at higher cost.
• Doctor-only injections (KR): In Korea, injections are doctor-performed. Elsewhere, nurse injectors are common—both can be excellent, training varies by country.
• Product availability: Korea leads with home-grown lines (e.g., Rejuran, Juvelook) and adopts tech fast. Outside Korea, availability and approvals differ.
• Planning trips: Book a review 2–4 weeks later. If you’re flying out, ask for remote follow-up and aftercare notes in English.

Botox at Lunch, Promotions at Chains

Botox and laser treatments are so routine that chain clinics run promotions for ₩20,000 (~$15). Office workers literally get Botox at lunch and return to their desks.

Quick, affordable, and common — Botox at lunch is a thing.

Final Thoughts

In Korea, skinboosters aren’t luxury — they’re baseline. Just like the gym or the hair salon, they’re part of maintenance. The goal isn’t to look “done,” it’s to look like the healthiest, most natural version of yourself.

That’s why I book my Rejuran appointment before I even book dinner. Because in Seoul, glowing skin isn’t optional — it’s expected.

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