This journal explains that methodology as it is actually practised. Written by Dr Daniel Lim, a Korean aesthetic doctor and the founder of Arra, Mayfair, these guides cover what a Korean facial involves, how the approach differs from Western treatments, what results you can realistically expect, and how to choose a clinic that practises the method rather than borrows the name. No transformation promises. Just precise, evidence-based answers to the questions worth asking before you book anything.
What is a Korean facial?
A Korean facial is a multi-step clinical skincare treatment built on the Korean aesthetic philosophy of prevention, hydration and skin-barrier health. Rather than a single corrective procedure, it layers cleansing, gentle exfoliation, targeted actives and hydration to improve skin quality progressively over a course of treatments.
What happens during a Korean facial?
A typical session includes a skin assessment, double cleansing, mild enzymatic or acid exfoliation, targeted serums selected for your skin, and layered hydration, often supported by massage or device-based steps. At Arra, every protocol is set by a doctor after an in-person consultation.
How long does a Korean facial take?
Most sessions take between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the protocol.
Is there any downtime after a Korean facial?
Korean facials are designed to be gentle, and most people return to normal activities immediately. Mild, short-lived redness can occur after exfoliation-based steps. Your practitioner will advise on aftercare for your specific protocol.
How often should you have a Korean facial?
For progressive results, clinics typically recommend a course every 2–4 weeks initially, moving to monthly maintenance. The right cadence depends on your skin’s condition and goals, which is why Arra begins with a consultation rather than a standard package.
What is the difference between a Korean facial and a regular facial?
Western facials traditionally focus on correction in a single session — extraction, stronger exfoliation, an immediate visible result. Korean facials prioritise cumulative skin health: gentler steps, layered hydration and barrier support repeated over time. Neither is “better”; they answer different goals.
What is glass skin, and is it achievable?
“Glass skin” describes deeply hydrated, even-toned skin with refined texture that reflects light. It is a realistic description of well-maintained skin, not a permanent state achieved by one treatment. It’s maintained through consistent professional treatment and daily care.
Are Korean facials suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally yes — the approach favours gentle, barrier-supporting steps over aggressive exfoliation, which makes it well suited to sensitive or reactive skin. A pre-treatment assessment should always confirm suitability for your skin.
Do Korean facials work for all skin tones?
Yes. The methodology is hydration- and barrier-led rather than reliant on aggressive resurfacing, making it appropriate across skin tones when protocols are correctly selected by a qualified practitioner.
How much does a Korean facial cost in London?
London prices typically range from around £80 at beauty salons to £300+ at doctor-led clinics, reflecting practitioner qualifications, products and protocol depth.
What should I look for in a Korean aesthetic clinic?
Four things: the practitioner’s qualifications and regulation; genuine grounding in Korean methodology rather than a renamed standard facial; consultation-first treatment planning; and honest expectation-setting about results and timelines.
Is a Korean facial a medical treatment?
Facial protocols themselves are non-surgical and typically non-medical, but clinics led by a doctor can assess skin clinically and, where appropriate, plan adjacent treatments safely. Doctor-led settings add a layer of governance that salon settings cannot.
Who performs treatments at Arra?
Arra is led by Dr Daniel Lim, a Korean aesthetic doctor practising in the UK, combining the detail-oriented approach of Korean aesthetics with evidence-based practice.
When does Arra open?
Arra opens in Mayfair, London in September 2026. Consultations can be booked from launch.