Skin Anarchy

Introduction

Regenerative skincare has been an evolving practice for over 20 years, aimed at harnessing regenerative medicine to create skincare technology resulting in youthful and healthy skin. It utilizes regenerative science to make products and treatments that strengthen your skin metabolism, through collagen stimulation and cellular regeneration, improving skin tone and texture. Treatments such as exosome and PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) are most commonly used because of its effectiveness. However, regenerative skincare goes well beyond conventional terms like “clinical grade”or “medical grade”: it blends regenerative medicine with longevity and efficacy-driven claims.

With a heavy focus on science-backed research, regenerative aesthetics pushes the boundaries of skincare, surpassing the standard of ‘clean beauty’. Although all-natural beauty gained popularity because it’s marketed as “healthier” for its ingredients, it is generally misleading because it’s not backed by formal standards or testing requirements. In contrast, skincare regenerative treatments and Korean Beauty is a testament to the proper, extensive research and strict regulations for skincare. K-beauty has been an innovative force for skincare technology but also contributed to the development of regenerative skincare technology. In this article, we’ll explain further how and why regenerative aesthetics is setting a new standard for skincare.

Common Regenerative Treatments

1. Microneedling
2. Minimally invasive procedure for cosmetic or medical uses
3. Creates microscopic holes in the skin to promote skin cell growth via collagen and elastin production
4. This treatment can be combined with any other regenerative skincare product such as PRP or exosome-based products, to enhance it
5. The treatment is recommended for repairing scarring, skin texture, skin discoloration, wrinkles and loose skin

Needle sizes and their uses:

1. Nano Needles (0.1mm-0.25mm) — Used to increase absorption of skincare products like serums and help stubborn skin issues like large pores. Whether done at-home or in-office, your skin will have a fast recovery time after treatment which lets you do the treatment up to 3 times a week.
2. Facial Needles (0.5mm-1mm) — Most commonly used for its versatile treatment of most skin issues. The 0.5mm needle has been a popular product since in-home skin needling began.
3. Large Microneedles (1.5mm-3mm) — These needles are strictly used for targeting “deep acne scarring, stretch marks, cellulite and body scarring.” Very rarely would you use this needle on the face.

*Important note: It’s important to know that to safely and effectively do a microneedling treatment your skin has to be in the proper condition to do so. This includes no active acne, sunburns or wounds on the skin.

2. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

1. Platelets are components of your blood that contain special proteins called growth factors
2. Healthcare specialists make the PRP sample using a machine that spins your blood, separating your platelets and creating a concentrated sample of your plasma to be injected
3. PRP injections are primarily used to stimulate collagen production, accelerate healing, reduce inflammation and slow aging or disease

3. Lazer Skin Resurfacing

1. Uses pulsating light beams to vaporize the outer layer of your skin (epidermis) and heats the layer beneath it (dermis)
2. Triggers collagen fibers, which tighten and smooth skin
3. Can be used cosmetically and medically

K-Beauty’s role in Regenerative Skincare

Korean beauty has been a powerful trend on social media, but more importantly, its influence in skincare technology has influenced the regenerative skincare field. South Korea is known as the home base for most of its skincare research and testing. They are also known to spend more on skincare than the rest of the world, having tight regulations and low prices. Today, “South Korea is estimated to be 10–12 years ahead of Europe and the U.S., in terms of skincare and aesthetic treatments.” K-beauty’s driving force in the skincare market pushed the standards of skincare technology, inspiring ingredients and practices, and further dispelling claims that regenerative skincare isn’t effective.

History

K-beauty was popular before social media platforms like TikTok capitalized on its success. In fact, K-beauty gained popularity in the early 2010s, with the help of beauty influencers. Korean skincare, however, dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) where skincare ingredients like ginseng, green tea and rice water, were the foundation for its billion-dollar skincare empire. In the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) beauty standards turned to values in purity and natural beauty, centered around holistic skincare rituals and traditional Korean medicine. Ironically, the ‘natural beauty’ standard is a driving force in the application of regenerative skincare and treatment, since the end-result is veered towards healthy skin and a more natural look. Throughout the mid-late 20th century Korean skincare “modernized” and by the 1990s K-beauty brands arose in a beauty market that is now expected to reach $21.8 billion by 2027.

The K-Beauty Influence:

1.Spicules

1. Made from marine sponges, spicules have tiny-needle structures that penetrate the skin as an exfoliant and allow products to be absorbed efficiently.
2. Spicule exfoliation can be used as an at-home form of microneedling called “biomicroneedling”
3. Sourced sustainably from marine environments, it’s made from calcium carbonite (CaCO₃) or silica (SiO₂).

2. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)

1. A DNA compound derived from salmon sperm, which can be injected (via microneedling etc.) or applied to the skin.
2. When used on skin it activates your adenosine A2A receptors, and sets off a trigger that enhances blood flow, accelerating healing.
3. PDRN was originally created in South Korea for healing wounds, but when it gained popularity when it was adapted as an ingredient in K-beauty and it eventually spread globally.

3. Exosome Therapy

1. Though it didn’t technically originate in Korea, the therapy was revolutionized by the skintech created and used
2. Exosomes are micro-sized vesicles naturally released by cells and are mainly used in creams, moisturizers and serums
3. Known as “messengers” or a “USB drive”, carrying proteins, peptides and lipids to skin cells, it works beyond the surface level of the skin, “directing skin cells to act more youthful”
4. “Boosts collagen production, reducing pigmentation and accelerating healing”

A Shift in Beauty Standards

This new wave of skincare is deemed new because the advancement and efficiency of the technology, but also the societal and beauty standard we have today. A reason why regenerative skincare is a new standard in the skincare industry is that it’s accessible. You can find regenerative treatments in skincare products or more invasive treatments at a specialized clinic or spa. Maitra, PhD, Vice President of Global Skincare R&D at Allergan Aesthetics, spoke with*Dermatology Times,* stating the gain in popularity for regenerative aesthetics is a combination of the “in-office” and “out-of-office” setting.

Regenerative aesthetics is a less invasive procedure and is seen as an alternative to cosmetic surgery, which masks your natural features–regenerative skincare aims to enhance the skin’s health and appearance at a cellular-level. The longevityof the regenerative treatments is also more appealing since regenerative aesthetics aims to stimulate cellular renewal that will improve skin health and its process will continue long after any treatment.

What’s the proof?

In science it’s never true that we will 100% know whether something is true or not but if we get close to that 100%, there is a good chance something is working. Regenerative aesthetic treatments may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking at the studies it proves that regenerative skincare is efficient. According to studies published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an international peer-reviewed journal, “PRP treatments maintain 70% of initial improvements after 18 months,”and clinical data also showed that compared to traditional fillers, regenerative procedures maintain improvements for “12–24 months versus 3–6 months.” Regenerative aesthetics is not just an alternative to plastic cosmetics, it offers a promising development into how we can maintain skin health with treatments and day-to-day products.

“Regenerative medicine has been a quiet yet foundational subdiscipline in healthcare for years. Seeing its potential translated into skin health for the mainstream consumer is exciting, as it opens a new arena where brands can innovate with true scientific intention. If approached with rigorous research and unbiased claims, I believe regenerative skincare will evolve into one of the most valued categories in the next five years.”

-Dr Ekta Yadav, MD MBA MSc

Conclusion

Regenerative skincare has been a gamechanger in the industry because of its innovative skin technology and treatments. Not only is it backed by extensive research and science, but it has shifted beauty standards as well as the standards we see in skincare. While its advanced technology is a big part of the regenerative skincare revolution, there’s been a societal shift where skincare is being made to enhance your skin rather than mask it. K-beauty burst into the skincare world, introducing new skincare technology globally and deterring any doubts about regenerative skincare while also contributing the standard of care that skincare is created. Skincare is constantly evolving–and will continue to develop– the science and technology for products, but as of right now, regenerative skincare is changing perspectives and proving what’s possible in the field.