I wish I could say I’m surprised but I’m honestly not

During my recent skincare retreat in Korea, I noticed a striking difference in how anti-aging is approached compared to the U.S. One key takeaway was the emphasis Korean women place on boosting cellular energy rather than relying heavily on ingredients like retinol, which is often used prematurely or incorrectly in American routines. For example, Korean skincare prioritizes strengthening the skin barrier first because a compromised barrier accelerates aging. This explains their preference for barrier-repairing products over harsh treatments. Additionally, Korean women commonly use NAD+ creams and serums, which support cellular energy and DNA repair. This approach targets the root causes of aging on a cellular level, something that traditional American methods overlook. Interestingly, snail mucin, popular in many Western anti-aging products, is generally avoided in Korea for mature skin since it primarily supports the skin barrier, not anti-aging directly. Instead, treatments like JiYu NAD+ cream, known for its rich, creamy texture, are used as the final step in the nighttime routine or during weekly skin resets to achieve what’s called "glass skin"—a luminous, healthy complexion. This experience has reshaped my perspective on anti-aging skincare. Instead of chasing quick fixes or aggressively using retinol early on, focusing on maintaining healthy skin cells and a strong barrier can lead to longer-lasting, more natural results. For anyone struggling with anti-aging, exploring Korean skincare strategies like barrier support and NAD+ supplementation could be a game changer.