Skin Aging
Skin aging is the thinning and loss of elasticity that results when age-related intrinsic aging overlaps with extrinsic aging (photoaging) driven by UV light and other environmental factors. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Busan explains its causes and signs, prevention rules, and treatment steps from skin care to lifting.
At a glance
- Main symptoms
- Fine lines and expression lines, loss of elasticity, dryness, enlarged-looking pores, spots and pigment changes
- Causes
- Age-related intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging (photoaging) from UV light, smoking and similar factors
- Related conditions
- Facial sagging, actinic keratosis, syringoma, milia
- Treatment
- Sun protection, moisturizer and retinoid skin care → skin boosters, skin botox and filler → lifting procedures
- Department
- Plastic surgery
What is skin aging?
Skin aging is the gradual thinning and loss of elasticity of the skin with age, along with reduced sebum that leaves it dry and dull. The Asan Medical Center disease encyclopedia explains that these changes begin in the early 30s, starting with loosening of the thin upper eyelid skin and expression lines.
The American Academy of Dermatology divides skin aging into intrinsic aging, whose timing is largely controlled by genes, and extrinsic aging, which environment and lifestyle accelerate. Intrinsic aging cannot be prevented, but extrinsic aging can be slowed with preventive steps.
Why does skin age?
Skin aging results from internal factors such as age and genes together with external factors such as UV light and smoking. UV light is the main cause of photoaging; its extent depends on sun exposure and skin pigment, and the damage accumulates.
Intrinsic aging
Age and aging genes, degeneration of elastic fibers and connective tissue, muscle deterioration, loss of subcutaneous fat, reduced circulation, and decreased sebum and moisture are the causes.
Photoaging
It results from accumulated UV damage, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes that the sun plays a major role in premature aging. UV light is also closely linked to wrinkles, melasma and skin cancer.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking greatly speeds up skin aging, causing wrinkles and a dull complexion, and repeating the same facial expression for years makes those lines permanent. Pollution, dry environments, and harsh cosmetics or soaps are also cited as causes.
What are the signs of skin aging?
Skin aging shows as fine lines and expression lines, loss of elasticity, dryness, enlarged-looking pores, and pigment changes such as spots. As it progresses, nasolabial folds, lines around the nose, crow's feet and forehead lines become noticeable and later spread to the lips and neck.
Wrinkles
They start as fine lines and expression lines around the eyes and forehead and progress to deep folds such as the nasolabial folds.
Loss of elasticity
Elastic and collagen fibers in the dermis degenerate, so the skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner.
Dryness and pores
Less sebum and moisture make the skin dry, and pores look stretched where elasticity has dropped.
Pigment changes
Pigment changes such as spots and melasma increase where UV damage has accumulated.
How is skin aging assessed?
Skin aging is assessed by examining the depth and location of wrinkles, elasticity, dryness, pores and pigment, and deciding which change bothers you most. The Asan Medical Center disease encyclopedia notes that no special tests are needed before a procedure, but that smokers and anyone using medication or topical ointments should consult a doctor first.
Type of wrinkle
Distinguish lines that appear only with expression from deep folds that remain at rest.
Sagging or hollowing
Check whether only the skin surface has changed or whether cheek and jawline sagging or volume loss is also present.
Distinguishing pigmented lesions
What looks like a spot may be a condition such as actinic keratosis or melanoma, so its shape and any change are checked.
How is skin aging treated?
Treatment of skin aging starts with skin care such as sun protection, moisturizer and retinoids, moves to injectable procedures such as skin boosters, skin botox and filler, and steps up to lifting procedures when sagging is also present. The American Academy of Dermatology names sunscreen and moisturizer as the most effective anti-aging products and notes that you cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream.
| Treatment step | Main role | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Sun protection and moisturizer | Main roleThe basis of prevention and softening fine lines | What to considerUse daily and reapply every two hours outdoors |
| Retinoids | Main roleManage texture, pigment and mild fine lines | What to considerCan irritate, so start low; not for use in pregnancy |
| Skin Boosters | Main roleManage texture, inner dryness, fine lines and elasticity | What to considerRepeated at intervals of weeks; temporary redness and bruising possible |
| Skin botox and botox | Main roleManage texture and expression lines | What to considerEffect wears off after 4-6 months and does not treat deep wrinkles |
| Dermal Fillers | Main roleRestore volume in hollow areas | What to considerImmediate effect, usually lasting 6 months to 1 year |
| Peels and lasers | Main roleManage pigmented lesions and fine lines | What to considerDeep peels need recovery time, cause redness, and require sun protection |
| Lifting procedures and surgery | Main roleCorrect contours when sagging is also present | What to considerNon-surgical, thread or facelift chosen by extent of sagging |
The Asan Medical Center disease encyclopedia explains that botox and filler work by different mechanisms on different wrinkle areas, and that depending on the location and severity of wrinkles, surgery may be required.
How does Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic manage skin aging?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan first identifies your current concern among texture, inner dryness, fine lines, elasticity, pores and pigment, then chooses what is needed among skin boosters, skin botox, filler and lifting procedures. The number of sessions and intervals depend on the product and skin condition.
Skin Boosters
For texture, inner dryness, fine lines and elasticity, PN (Rejuran), PDLLA with hyaluronic acid (Juvelook), ECM (Re2O) or hyaluronic acid (Hilo Wave) is injected into the dermis. Re2O is recommended 2-3 times at 4-week intervals, and Hilo Wave 3 or more times at 3-4-week intervals.
Skin botox
For fine lines, pores, sebum and elasticity concerns, diluted botulinum toxin is injected in small amounts into the shallow dermis at 1-2 cm intervals. It takes about 10-15 minutes under numbing cream, while standard botox injected into the muscle layer is used to soften expression lines.
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into hollow or sunken areas to restore volume. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes under topical or local anesthesia, and results are expected to last about 6 months to 1 year.
Lifting
When the facial line blurs along with loss of elasticity, focused ultrasound Shurink (3 sessions at 3-4-week intervals) or radiofrequency Alltite (3 sessions at 2-4-week intervals) is used, and when sagging is pronounced, thread lift and mini facelift are compared.
How can I slow skin aging with prevention and self-care?
The basics of preventing skin aging are daily sun protection, moisturizing and quitting smoking. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that even people with signs of aging give their skin a chance to repair some damage by protecting it from the sun, and that smokers who quit often notice healthier-looking skin.
Sun protection
Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant product daily to all skin not covered by clothing, and combine it with shade, long clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Tanning accelerates skin aging.
Moisturizing and cleansing
Moisturizer traps water in the skin and makes fine lines less visible. Scrubbing while cleansing and products that sting or burn irritate the skin and accelerate aging.
Retinoids
Start with the mildest product every other night and build up slowly; apply it only at night and protect the skin from UV during the day. Do not use it during pregnancy.
Lifestyle
Quit smoking, drink less alcohol, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and cut down on sugary foods. Sunglasses help avoid repeated squinting so the same expression is not reinforced.
Common care after procedures
After skin boosters or skin botox, limit washing and makeup on the day, do not rub the treated area, avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for the advised period, and keep up sun protection.
Which symptoms mean I should contact the clinic right away?
If a spot or mole grows quickly, changes shape or color, or bleeds, it may be a skin condition rather than an age spot and should be examined. UV damage also raises the risk of skin cancer, so new lesions deserve attention on heavily photoaged skin. Swelling, pain, redness and itching after a procedure usually fade within days, but contact the clinic if they persist or other reactions appear.
Treatment steps and responses for skin aging vary with skin condition, wrinkle depth and whether sagging is present, so the medical team sets the plan after an examination.
How much do skin aging procedures cost?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic's published non-covered fee list shows Rejuran HB 2cc 450,000 KRW and I 1cc 159,000 KRW, Juvelook Skin 4cc 440,000 KRW per session, Elravie Re2O 6cc 770,000 KRW, Hilo Wave 550,000 KRW, Skin botox Hitox 110,000 KRW per session, Rejuviel 1cc 150,000 KRW, Shurink Universe 300 shots 129,000 KRW, and Alltite 690,000 KRW per session (confirmed October 22, 2026). Peel and laser items have no published fee and are confirmed at consultation; non-covered fees may change.
A note from Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic
Skin aging is not stopped by a single procedure; it is a process of adding the steps you need on a foundation of sun protection and moisturizing. Tell us which products you use now and what procedures you have had, and we will set the order of care with you to suit your skin.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does skin aging start?
The Asan Medical Center disease encyclopedia explains that skin aging begins in the early 30s. Early on, the thin upper eyelid skin loosens and expression lines appear; as it progresses, nasolabial folds, crow's feet and forehead lines become noticeable.
What SPF sunscreen should I use?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant sunscreen every day to all skin not covered by clothing and reapplying every two hours outdoors. Combine it with shade, long clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
Can I use retinol every day?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises starting with the least-intense retinoid product every other night and building up slowly. Because it makes skin more sensitive to sun, apply it only at night, protect your skin from UV during the day, and do not use it during pregnancy.
Can skin aging be reversed?
The Asan Medical Center disease encyclopedia explains that skin aging itself cannot be stopped. Extrinsic aging can be slowed with sun protection and quitting smoking, signs such as fine lines, laxity and pigment are managed with skin care and procedures, and most products take at least six weeks to three months to work.
About the clinic behind this article
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic is a board-certified plastic surgery clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan. Dr. Hyungseok Noh, board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director, provides care.
- Address
- Units 302–305, Building 1, 3 Myeongji-gukje 2-ro 28beon-gil, Gangseo-gu, Busan
- Main Line
- 051-711-7991
- Clinic Hours
- Weekdays AM 10:00 ~ PM 07:30Saturday AM 10:00 ~ PM 03:00Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
- Treatment guide
- View the Rejuran page
- Booking
- Naver Booking
REFERENCES
References
This article uses the clinic’s published information together with authoritative medical sources.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicRejuran guide
Supports: Concerns treated with the PN skin booster, product lines, procedure sequence, and aftercare
Rejuran is a skin booster that injects PN extracted and purified from salmon DNA into the dermis.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicJuvelook guide
Supports: Roles of PDLLA and hyaluronic acid, procedure interval and anesthesia, and aftercare
Several sessions at 3-4-week intervals are recommended, using numbing cream.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicRe2O guide
Supports: Concerns treated with the ECM skin booster, recommended number of sessions, and aftercare
2-3 sessions at 4-week intervals are recommended.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicHilo Wave guide
Supports: Concerns treated with the hyaluronic acid skin booster, recommended sessions and maintenance interval, and aftercare
3 or more sessions at 3-4-week intervals are recommended, with maintenance considered every 4-6 months.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicSkin botox guide
Supports: Concerns treated with skin botox, the distributed dermal injection method, procedure time and anesthesia, difference from standard botox, and aftercare
Standard botox is injected into the muscle layer to soften expression lines, while skin botox is injected shallowly into the dermis to manage skin texture.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicFiller guide
Supports: Areas treated with hyaluronic acid filler, procedure time and anesthesia, duration and recovery
Results are expected to last about 6 months to 1 year, with recovery within a week.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicShurink guide
Supports: Concerns treated with focused ultrasound lifting and the recommended interval
3 sessions at 3-4-week intervals are recommended, and the procedure takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicAlltite guide
Supports: Concerns treated with radiofrequency lifting and the recommended interval
3 sessions at 2-4-week intervals are recommended, followed by maintenance 1-2 times a year.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicNon-covered fee guide
Supports: Published fees for skin boosters, skin botox, filler, Shurink, and Alltite
Rejuran HB 2cc 450,000 KRW, Hilo Wave 550,000 KRW, Shurink Universe 300 shots 129,000 KRW, Alltite 690,000 KRW per session
- Asan Medical Center Disease EncyclopediaAging face
Supports: Definition and onset of skin aging, internal and external causes, progression of signs, what to discuss before a procedure, roles and duration of botox, filler and peels, and preventive habits
With age the skin gradually becomes thinner and loses elasticity. The attachment between subcutaneous fat and skin also weakens, so the skin stretches and sags in the direction of gravity.
- American Academy of Dermatology11 ways to reduce premature skin aging
Supports: Intrinsic versus extrinsic aging, sun protection criteria, rules on smoking, expressions, diet, alcohol, cleansing and moisturizing, and the chance for repair gained through prevention
Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
- American Academy of DermatologyRetinoid or retinol?
Supports: How retinoids work, suitable skin, how to start, night use with sun protection, and avoidance in pregnancy
As it spurs faster turnover of surface skin cells and boosts collagen, it also improves skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- American Academy of DermatologyHow to select anti-aging skin care products
Supports: Priority of sunscreen and moisturizer, reapplication interval outdoors, and the limits of cosmetic products
Dermatologists agree that sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most-effective anti-aging products you can buy.
- American Academy of DermatologyWrinkle remedies: How to reduce the signs of aging
Supports: Role of moisturizer, stopping irritating products, and how long products take to work
While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work. Sometimes it can take three months.
- PubMedMechanisms of photoaging and chronological skin aging
Fisher GJ, Kang S, Varani J, et al. Mechanisms of photoaging and chronological skin aging. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138(11):1462-1470. doi:10.1001/archderm.138.11.1462. PMID: 12437452
Supports: UV light as the main environmental factor in skin aging, and photoaging accumulating according to exposure and skin pigment
The primary environmental factor that causes human skin aging is UV irradiation from the sun. This sun-induced skin aging (photoaging), like chronological aging, is a cumulative process.
- PubMedIntrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review
Farage MA, Miller KW, Elsner P, Maibach HI. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2008;30(2):87-95. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00415.x. PMID: 18377617
Supports: Intrinsic aging being genetically determined with UV exposure greatly changing its rate, and photodamage raising the risk of skin tumors
Photodamage, which considerably accelerates the visible ageing of skin, also greatly increases the risk of cutaneous neoplasms.
Published 2026.10.23Last updated 2026.10.28