Have you ever met a Korean person and been shocked to learn their actual age? It’s not magic—it’s a combination of genetics, skincare, diet, and lifestyle habits that help many Koreans (and East Asians) maintain a youthful appearance well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

In this blog, we’ll break down the science-backed reasons behind this phenomenon, with insights from dermatologists, cultural habits, and data comparisons.

Thicker Skin & More Collagen

We first need to understand our skin structure.

Our skin consists of three layers: the top layer (epidermis) that acts as our skin barrier, the mid-layer (dermis) that contains collagen and elastin, and a layer of fat and tissue underneath it all (hypodermis).

Understanding the differences in Asian skin structure helps explain why Koreans and East Asians age slower and maintain a youthful appearance longer. Several key factors contribute to this:

Higher Collagen Levels – Asians naturally have more collagen, which keeps skin firm and elastic. Since collagen decreases by about 1% per year after 30 and drops nearly 30% in the first year of menopause, the effects of ageing are less drastic in menopause skin for Asians.

Increased Melanin Production – More melanin provides natural protection against the sun, reducing UV damage and slowing down photo ageing. However, this also makes Asian skin more prone to hyperpigmentation, which is why many are religious about SPF application to prevent dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Higher Oil Production – More sebum production helps maintain hydration and a stronger skin barrier, preventing dryness and keeping skin supple.
Higher melanin levels offer natural UV resistance, reducing sun damage (the #1 cause of ageing).

"Asians’ skin ages slower than Caucasians’ due to better preservation of the dermal papillae and epidermal thickness. Cellular changes in the basal layer, however, are similar across races and can universally indicate biological age" — Kuan-Huan Lin, 2019

Expert Insight:
“Asian skin has a stronger collagen network, which slows down visible ageing signs like fine lines.” — Dr. Lee Ji-hyun, Seoul National University Hospital

Korean skincare places emphasis on prevention rather than reactive treatments. Daily routines are designed to protect the skin from concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing. By consistently caring for the skin, the approach focuses on minimising the likelihood of future issues.

In Korea, skincare habits are instilled from an early age, teaching children the importance of sun protection and maintaining a healthy complexion. This early education fosters a society where individuals are well-informed about their skin’s needs, enabling them to develop personalised routines that help prevent skin problems. The preventative approach highlights the daily use of sunscreen to guard against UV rays and environmental stressors, helping to maintain youthful skin.

A perfect example of this philosophy is the well-known “10-Step Routine.” While not everyone follows all 10 steps daily, the core principles remain the same:

• Double cleanse – starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to wash away remaining impurities.
• Hydrate – using toner to balance the skin, followed by essence and serum to deeply nourish and prepare the skin for further treatment.
• Repair – incorporating targeted treatments such as snail mucin, serums, ampoules, and eye cream to address specific concerns like hydration, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation.
• Protect – applying SPF 50+ daily to shield against UV damage and environmental stressors, preventing premature ageing and pigmentation.

That said, following a full 10-step routine isn’t always practical for everyone. A great way to experience the benefits of Korean skincare without the commitment is by incorporating sheet masks into your routine.

"Sheet masks offer a simple yet effective way to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, even on my busiest days. I use Sonagi to receive K-Beauty masks in the post once a month so I never have to think about buying more” - Leanne, 43

Star Ingredients in Korean Beauty

One of the keys to the success of K-beauty lies in the selection of powerful and beneficial ingredients that have been used for centuries in traditional Korean medicine. Rather than focusing on short-term results, K-beauty is all about long-term skin health, with ingredients like Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and ginseng offering soothing, hydrating, and anti-ageing benefits.

Here’s a closer look at some of these key ingredients and why they’ve stood the test of time:

Ingredient	Key Benefits
Centella Asiatica (Cica)	Soothes and calms irritated skin, supports healing, and nourishes the skin.
Snail Mucin	Deeply moisturises, repairs the skin barrier, and enhances skin elasticity.
Niacinamide	Brightens the complexion, reduces redness, and evens out skin tone.
Green Tea	Rich in antioxidants, helps protect against environmental stressors, and soothes irritation.
Ginseng	Known for its anti-ageing properties, improves skin elasticity, and reduces fine lines and pigmentation.
Hyaluronic Acid	Retains moisture, deeply hydrates, and plumps the skin for a healthy glow.
Rice Water	Brightens, hydrates, and refreshes the skin with essential nutrients.

"I've been using Sonagi’s sheet mask subscription for a few months now, and I’m honestly so impressed! Every mask feels so high-quality, and I love that they carefully curate different ingredients to target various skin concerns. It takes all the guesswork out of choosing the right products, and my skin has never felt more hydrated and healthy." - Heather, 37

Sunscreen: Non-Negotiable

In Korea, sun protection is taken very seriously—92.2% of women make sunscreen a daily essential. It’s not just about avoiding sunburn; Korean skincare culture prioritises protecting the skin from harmful UV rays to prevent premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage. Sunscreen is seen as a vital step in maintaining youthful, healthy skin, and it's deeply ingrained in daily routines from a young age.

Fermented Foods = Gut-Skin Connection

Korean cuisine is rich in fermented foods like kimchi and doenjang (soybean paste), both of which play a significant role in promoting healthy skin. The probiotics in kimchi help reduce inflammation, which is often linked to clearer skin. Additionally, doenjang is packed with antioxidants, supporting the skin’s natural defence against ageing. A 2021 study even found that the probiotics in kimchi improve skin elasticity, highlighting the link between gut health and a youthful complexion.

Collagen-Rich Broths & Seafood

Dishes like seolleongtang (ox bone soup) are staples in Korean diets, providing a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain skin structure and elasticity. Additionally, seaweed and fish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, help fight dryness and promote hydration, key factors in maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion.

Low Sugar, High Hydration

Korean desserts tend to be less sweet than their Western counterparts, which helps to minimise sugar’s negative effects on the skin, such as glycation, which can contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Instead of sugary drinks, green tea is a popular choice for hydration, offering antioxidant benefits and helping to keep the skin hydrated and protected from internal and external stressors.

Stress Management

In Korea, managing stress is considered essential for overall skin health. Jjimjilbang (Korean spas) are a popular way to unwind, offering regular detoxes and relaxation to reduce stress levels. Socially, there is also a strong community influence—with peer pressure often motivating individuals to prioritise skincare and maintain a clear, healthy complexion.

Early Aesthetic Treatments

Koreans are known for embracing preventative aesthetic treatments from an early age. Many start Botox in their late 20s to "freeze" wrinkles before they develop. Alongside Botox, non-invasive technologies such as lasers (BBL), HIFU, and radiofrequency are frequently used to maintain youthful skin and address concerns like fine lines and sagging.

"I’ve been searching for a non-invasive way to smooth out fine lines, and I’m so pleased I discovered Sonagi’s anti-wrinkle patches! They’re incredibly easy to use and have made a noticeable difference to my skin—it’s easy to see why they’ve become so popular. They’re an affordable and effective alternative to more drastic treatments, and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to maintain youthful skin without the faff of expensive procedures." - Emily, 31

Myth 1: “It’s Just Genetics”

Many people believe that skin health is purely determined by genetics. While genetics play a role, skincare and diet are far more impactful than most realise. In fact, studies show that Koreans raised abroad, where skincare habits like sun protection and a healthy diet aren’t as common, tend to age faster than those who maintain these practices. It’s proof that taking care of your skin is something we can control, regardless of your genetic makeup.

Myth 2: “You Need 10+ Products”

Another common myth is that you need a complicated routine with 10 or more products to achieve great skin. The truth is, cleansing, hydration, and SPF are the key steps to healthy skin. Once you’ve got those basics down, you can introduce actives like serums and treatments depending on your skin’s needs. The focus should always be on consistency and understanding your skin’s needs, rather than piling on product after product.

If you're looking for an easy and effective way to stay on top of your skincare game, starting with sheet masks is a great choice. It’s a simple yet impactful way to nourish and hydrate your skin, helping to keep it looking youthful and glowing. By incorporating Korean sheet masks into your routine, you can enjoy the benefits of powerful ingredients without the complexity of a lengthy regimen. Plus, it’s an easy way to make self-care a regular part of your day, ensuring your skin gets the hydration and protection it needs to stay healthy and radiant in the long run.

1. Start young: Prevent sun damage and dehydration as early as possible.
2. Eat like Korea: Incorporate more fermented foods and reduce sugar for healthier skin.
3. SPF is your BFF: Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine, rain or shine.
4. Pro Tip: If the 10-step routine feels daunting, start with the basics—add a sheet mask to your weekly routine for an extra boost of hydration and skin-loving ingredients.