K-Beauty Decoded: Why Korea Is Years Ahead on Skin and Aging | Dr. David Kim

The typical 40-year-old in Korea might get a pico laser every month, and according to Dr. David Kim, that's just part of the routine. He grew up in Korea and still flies back every year to shadow his dermatologist colleagues, who he says are about two years ahead of the US. He told me why one laser is nicknamed "the BTS of lasers," and what actually happens at the government-owned salmon farm behind Rejuran (yes, the salmon sperm one). He explains skin Botox, which laser to use for which concern, and why melasma is a hard no for lasers without prep. I share the radiofrequency microneedling treatment that melted fat in my face, and the very unglamorous pillow I strap on at night for chest lines. And for the record, he says not all K-beauty is better. I loved this one. We talk about: ✨ Why Korea moves faster on skin, from monthly derm visits to off-label laser settings, and the skin boosters we still can't get in the US ✨ Skin Botox, microneedling and PDRN for glowier skin without chasing every wrinkle ✨ Which laser for which concern: pico, Clear and Brilliant, Fraxel and CO2, and why melasma needs prep first ✨ Rapid fire: the most overrated skincare ingredient, salmon sperm vs exosomes, and the Korean innovation Americans are sleeping on Connect with Dr. David Kim 🌐 Website: https://sohoderm.com/ 📸 Instagram: @dr.david.kim About Dr. David Kim Dr. David Kim is a Korean American dermatologist who grew up in Korea, trained in the US and practices at Soho Derm. He focuses on skin quality, prevention and long-term maintenance rather than changing the way you look. Featured product LIGHTSAVER by Dr. David Kim, his sunscreen, which has now won Allure Best of Beauty twice. https://www.lightsaverskin.com/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Korea Is Ahead on Skin 11:09 Why a Frozen Face Can Age You: Skin Botox, Microneedling and Salmon Sperm 16:56 What a Typical 40-Year-Old in Korea Does for Their Skin 23:08 Which Laser for Which Concern, and Why Melasma Needs Prep First 29:12 Finding the Right Provider, Plus Ultherapy, XERF and the Titanium Lift 42:21 Chest Lines and the Pillow I Sleep In 46:02 My Routine, Medik8 and Are Korean Products Actually Better? 57:36 Dr. Kim’s Minimalist Morning and Night Routine 1:02:27 Rapid Fire: Overrated Ingredients, Salmon Sperm vs Exosomes and What’s Next From Korea This episode is sponsored by: • Sequencing offers a Whole Genome DNA test that turns your complete genetic data into personalized health and wellness insights. 👉 Go to https://sequencing.com and use promo code WELL for up to 10% off your Whole Genome test plus free shipping. • Ritual’s HyaCera is a clean skin supplement with hyaluronic acid and ceramides that supports hydration, elasticity, and glow from the inside. 👉 Go to https://ritual.com/WELL to save 25% on your first month. • Fatty15 is a pure C15:0 supplement that supports cell strength, metabolic health, and healthy aging at the cellular level. 👉 Go to https://fatty15.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for an additional 15% off the 90-day subscription Starter Kit. • Just Thrive offers a spore-based probiotic that supports gut health and digestion. 👉 Go to https://get.justthrivehealth.com/pages/well and start a 90-day Just Thrive probiotic subscription to get a free 90-day supply of their new Digestive Bitters, a $90 value. • Peloton’s Tread Flex is a movable, foldable treadmill that lets you run, walk, or hike with programs for every level, then roll it away when you’re done. 👉 Go to https://onepeloton.com, or https://onepeloton.ca in Canada, to explore the new Peloton Tread Flex. • The Absorption Company creates supplements formulated so your body can actually absorb what you take. 👉 Go to https://absorbmore.com and enter WELL at checkout for up to 35% off your first order. • Salt & Stone crafts clean, botanically inspired fragrances, with a discovery set to help you find your signature scent. 👉 Go to https://saltandstone.com/WELL and use code WELL at checkout for 15% off your first order. • LMNT a science-backed electrolyte drink mix with no sugar, no coloring, and no artificial ingredients. 👉 Go to https://drinklmnt.com/well to get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. Looking for exclusive wellness tips, beauty hacks, and lifestyle insights you won’t find anywhere else? Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for all the inside scoop, including personal routines and healthy living tips! Don’t miss out! https://ariellelorre.com/subscribe/ Follow me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.pod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellelorre/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariellelorre/ Pinterest: https://ph.pinterest.com/ariellelorre/ X: https://x.com/ariellelorre YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellwithArielleLorre?sub_confirmation=1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-with-arielle-lorre/id1458992375 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vrgqp61FJYzGXJnfdv64m