This Korean Skincare Expert Hates the Ingredient Americans Love

Retinol is such a widely touted ingredient by heavy hitters in the skincare biz (from top estheticians to celebrity dermatologists) that it's practically a given when we ask someone to spill the contents of their medicine cabinet. That is, until a recent chat with skincare guru and founder of Korean skincare brand Peach & Lily, Alicia Yoon. "I never use retinol," she says.

Keep reading to learn more about Yoon's skincare routine, retinol's role in Korean beauty, and dermatologists' thoughts on retinol.

Why Retinol Isn't a Korean Beauty Staple

Yoon has skin like a baby's and a wealth of skincare knowledge, so naturally, we were curious about her reasons for abstaining from retinol. "I don't like to use retinol because I have very sensitive skin, and there is always an adjustment period to retinol," Yoon explains. "During this period, skin can become more fragile—thinner, basically—and results in increased sensitivity, and at times, peeling and flaking. I find that a lot of my clients also struggle with the initial adjustment period of using a retinol."

There are studies that show that retinol can actually help thicken the epidermis after that adjustment period. This isn't typically seen as a bad thing, as it means stronger, firmer, more resilient skin.

"In Korean skincare, retinol is not as immensely popular as it is in the U.S. market," adds Lyla Chang, Brand Manager and Team Leader of Korean beauty brand, Medicube. "Korean consumers generally prefer low-irritation ingredients over those that may stress the skin like retinol. However, some well-known Korean skincare brands (Medicube, Some by Mi, Cosrx, Anua, etc.) have launched retinol products catering to overseas customers' needs."

Korean Skincare Focuses on Prevention

"Proper care from an earlier age where the main focus is preventative skincare is a common [K-Beauty] skincare philosophy," explains Yoon. "Retinols are seen as a bit harsher and, therefore, a more last-resort type ingredient—and even then, used at first, in pretty small dosages," she explains, "Perhaps, in the future, I may turn to retinols, but so far, I haven't used retinols in my routine and have been happy with other ways to keep my skin healthy and minimize premature aging."

The Korean Skincare Approach

Interestingly, unlike Americans who thirst for the "one" product that's going to turn back the clock, Yoon doesn't believe such a thing exists. "I don't view anti-aging as something one product can deliver. It's more a holistic approach to skincare (and nutrition and lifestyle). When it comes to an anti-aging skincare routine, it's about consistency and also ensuring foundational skincare pillars are met," she says. "First, skin needs to be properly cleansed. That means no harsh cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier and a cleansing routine that will ensure impurities are effectively drawn out of skin."

"I find the double-cleansing ritual that's so popular in Korea to be very effective," she explains. Yoon uses an oil-based cleanser to keep pores clear, followed up with a gentle water-based cleanser that's hydrating helps tremendously in keeping skin pure and healthy. Another pillar is ensuring skin is properly hydrated, which can be effectively done by using humectants that draw moisture to the skin and using formulas that can sink into the skin to deliver deeper hydration. Adequately hydrated skin helps your complexion to remain healthy and functioning in an optimal way. 

"The last pillar is to protect skin by using an SPF daily, and ensuring there are plenty of antioxidants in your skincare routine to combat the free radicals that can lead to premature aging," she tells us. "Korean skincare is all about consistency and achieving results over time, rather than dramatically and instantly."

What Dermatologists Say

Fascinated by this, we decided to consult with dermatologists Kenneth Mark, MD, and Kristina Goldenberg, MD, for their thoughts. In response to retinol "thickening" the skin, Dr. Mark agrees that this is factual. "Just like retinol helps with wrinkles, it thickens the skin by stimulating collagen production."

However, in the literal sense of making your skin tougher, Dr. Goldenberg firmly claims the thickening action is a myth: "Retinol does not 'thicken' the skin; instead, it keeps the skin looking and feeling youthful. Retinol helps exfoliate superficial dead layers of the skin, bringing on new, fresh skin. It helps stimulate new collagen production and delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." In other words, retinol bolsters new skin cells and plumps them with collagen, but all in all, your skin won't necessarily be "thicker."

For those of us committed to retinol, thankfully, both doctors are on board for using it in the long-term. "There is no such thing as using retinol too long. In fact, the longer a retinol product is used, the better. The beneficial effects of this ingredient are enhanced when it's used for an extended period of time. Using it for 20 years or longer will only help keep the skin looking and feeling youthful," says Dr. Goldenberg. "It should be used more sparingly during the summer months because of increased photosensitivity, risk of sunburn, and hyperpigmentation. If you have sensitive skin, you should also use a retinol more sparingly in the beginning until the skin begins to tolerate it better."

Yoon's Retinol-Free Regimen

Have we scared you away from retinol? If so, know that you don't have to use the buzzy ingredient to reap its age-reversing benefits. "For those who can't tolerate retinol, they can use alpha-hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants," says Dr. Mark. Dr. Goldenberg adds that glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant has "effects similar to those of a retinol." However, it's important to note that acids still have the potential to irritate sensitive skin.

All of this retinol talk made us wonder what's in the skincare regimen that makes Yoon's complexion look as glowing and youthful as it does. Find her full routine below.

Shangpree S-energy Cleansing Gel $39.00

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First-up, she double cleanses with the Shangpree S-Energy Cleansing Gel, and then follows up with the Shangpree S-Energy Facial Mousse Cleanser. "I love the Cleansing Gel, as it removes all makeup, but it doesn't irritate skin," she says. "The Facial Mousse is great, as it's a low pH cleanser that doesn't disrupt the skin barrier. It also doubles as a treatment—I leave it on for five minutes in the mornings sometimes, and then wash it off, and my skin is left completely supple, soft, and nourished."

Be the Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Toner $29.00

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"[This toner] has no alcohol, tons of antioxidants, and royal jelly. All in all, it balances pH, hydrates intensively, and nourishes skin," she says.

Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence $30.00

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Lately, Yoon is also reaching for Cremorlab's Mineral Treatment Essence. "It's incredibly hydrating but also action-packed with niacinamide, fermented ingredients and vital vitamins and minerals from their thermal water that helps fortify skin," she says. While this toner is no longer available, try the Wild Dew Treatment Essence by Peach & Lily, which contains brightening niacinamide and soothing allantoin to provide long-lasting hydration.

Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum $51.00

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"One of my go-to serums is the Shangpree S-Energy Long Lasting Concentrated Serum. It includes skullcap callus extract, a proprietary blend of botanicals that they call super antioxidants, a violet herb complex, panthenol, propolis, and hydrolyzed silk that all work together to help facilitate skin cell regeneration, fight free radicals, repair, and hydrate skin," she explains. Since this serum is no longer available, try the Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum—a potent acid serum that resurfaces skin texture and prevents accelerated signs of aging.

Now Solutions Organic Argan Oil $13.00

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Since Yoon has dry skin, she incorporates oil into her beauty routine. "The Aromatica argan oil works nicely for me, and of course, argan oil is also antioxidant-rich," she says. While the brand's oil is no longer available, you can substitute it with any organic argan oil, like the option from Now Solutions.

Peach Slices Citrus Honey Aqua Glow $12.00

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"I have been using the Peach Slices Citrus Honey Aqua Glow as a serum plus moisturizer. It's formulated to soak into the skin and help create a barrier to seal everything in. Healthy skin is also about skin that is in harmony—fixing one problem that causes another can be avoided by keeping skin balanced," Yoon explains.

Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF 50+ $24.00

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"In the mornings, I SPF, always, and have been loving this one from Lagom for how invisible it is, with both UVA and UVB protection," she says.

Be the Skin Non-Stimulus Facial Polisher $29.00

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Once or twice a week, she likes to buff away dry skin with her "trusty and gentle" exfoliator.

Wish Formula I'm Pro Ampoule Pad $3.00

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Once a week, she uses a vitamin C treatment for a brightening effect. "It really helps fight free radicals and lighten dark spots. This formula is used in many skin clinics in Korea for how potent it is," she says.

Peach & Lily Original Glow Sheet Mask Set $79.00

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Yoon is also a fan of using sheet masks a few times a week after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers. "Sometimes, I do serums even after masking to better absorb product. I use just a tiny amount, though, as a little goes a long way when your skin is so hydrated and able to absorb serums more easily," she adds.