In Korea, glass skin treatment is a course of skin booster injections, mainly polynucleotide (PN) or hyaluronic acid, placed in tiny amounts across the face to improve hydration, texture and fine lines. After numbing cream, the injections cover the face in many small points, leaving bumps that usually settle within one to three days, and travelers can generally fly home the same day. Hydration shows within days, while texture change builds over a series of sessions spaced weeks apart. Clinics price boosters per cc or per session, and this page compares clinics and current prices.
Is it for you?
Who Glass skin in Gangnam suits, and who should wait
The treatment fits adults whose skin looks dull, dry, thin or rough, with fine lines and pores that seem larger than they are. It is chosen by people who want brighter, smoother skin while keeping their face shape exactly as it is, and by travelers who cannot afford a week of peeling or redness.
It will not lift sagging cheeks, fill deep folds or replace lost volume, and it does not remove pigment such as melasma or sun spots on its own. Those concerns need lifting devices, fillers or lasers, and a sound consultation will separate what a booster can and cannot do before any product is opened.
Usually a good fit
- Dull or dehydrated skin despite good skincare
- Fine crepey lines and rough texture
- Wants a fresher look without shape change
- Limited downtime on a short trip
May be better to wait
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active acne, eczema or infection on the face
- Recent filler or threads in the same zone
- Sagging or volume loss as the main concern
Clinics in Gangnam
10 clinics for Glass skin in Gangnam
Every clinic below lists Glass skin among its treatments. Message a clinic directly.
1RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam
2
3The Cell Skin Clinic
4
5Jiwoo Clinic
6GOAT Gangnam Skin Clinic
7
8REPIC Clinic Gangnam
9
10Nine Dermatology Gangnam
How it works
How a Glass skin session runs
Skin boosters work inside the dermis rather than on the surface. PN boosters such as Rejuran Healer, made by Pharma Research, use purified polynucleotide (PN, not PDRN) in a solution of about 20 mg per mL, injected as 200 to 300 micro-points. Hyaluronic acid boosters bind water and come either as free, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid for mesotherapy or as branded formulas such as Skinvive by Juvederm from Allergan and Belotero Revive from Merz.
Comparative data exist. In a 2020 randomized, double-blind, split-face trial in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Lee and colleagues gave 27 participants three injections two weeks apart, with PN on one side of the eye area and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid on the other. Overall esthetic scores did not differ significantly, but the PN side showed higher improvement rates in elasticity, hydration, roughness and pore volume, and no serious adverse events were reported.
Dose is set by the amount of product and the zones covered, which is why clinics quote per cc, per syringe or per session. A 2022 review by Iranmanesh and colleagues in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that hyaluronic acid mesotherapy studies used 1 to 6 sessions at weekly to bimonthly intervals, mostly with fine 23 to 32 gauge needles.
Assessment
The doctor checks skin thickness, dryness, pores, active breakouts and recent treatments, then chooses the product and how many cc each zone receives.
Cleansing and numbing
Makeup is removed, the face is disinfected and numbing cream is applied and left to work before any needle touches the skin.
Injection
The product is placed as many small droplets across the cheeks, forehead and other agreed zones, by hand with a fine needle or with a multi-needle injector.
Soothing
The skin is cleaned again and a calming mask or cooling is applied. Small raised bumps are expected at this point and show where the product sits.
Glass skin compared with other options
| Feature | PN booster | Hyaluronic acid booster | Laser toning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Injectable polynucleotide | Injectable hyaluronic acid | Light-based energy |
| Where it acts | Dermis | Dermis | Epidermis and upper dermis, by pigment |
| Main effect | Texture, thickness, fine lines | Hydration and glow | Tone and pigment |
| Sensation | Stinging pinpricks | Stinging pinpricks | Snapping or warmth |
| Visible after | Bumps for about 1 to 3 days | Small bumps or swelling for a few days | Redness for hours to days |
At a glance
Glass skin facts
| Main products | Rejuran Healer (Pharma Research, Korea); Skinvive by Juvederm (Allergan); Belotero Revive (Merz) |
|---|---|
| Material | Polynucleotide (PN) or hyaluronic acid |
| Depth | Dermis, as small droplets |
| Dose unit | cc of product, syringe or session |
| Numbing | Topical numbing cream; some products contain lidocaine |
| Visible marks | Bumps for about 1 to 3 days with PN |
| Usual course | Several sessions spaced at intervals |
| How long it holds | Around 4 to 6 months for Rejuran Healer, 3 to 4 months for Skinvive |
| Earliest flight home | Generally the same day |
Prices
Glass skin cost in Gangnam
Prices below come from the listed clinics' own price lists, before VAT. 10% VAT is added at payment.
Glass skin · 1 cc
Range across 4 listed clinics · approx. $73–$291₩100,000–₩400,000 + VATCompare clinicsGlass skin · 1 vials
Range across 3 listed clinics · approx. $429–$873₩590,000–₩1,200,000 + VATCompare clinicsGlass skin · 1 syringes
Price at 1 listed clinic · approx. $545₩750,000 + VATCompare clinicsGlass skin · 2 cc
Range across 4 listed clinics · approx. $109–$509₩150,000–₩700,000 + VATCompare clinicsGlass skin · 4 cc
Range across 2 listed clinics · approx. $247–$436₩340,000–₩600,000 + VATCompare clinicsGlass skin · 5 cc
Price at 1 listed clinic · approx. $211₩290,000 + VATCompare clinicsRecovery
What the days after look like
Raised bumps, pinpoint marks and mild redness. Keep the skin clean and avoid makeup, heat and alcohol.
Bumps flatten and redness fades. Light bruising may appear at a few points and can be covered once the marks close.
Skin feels more hydrated and looks smoother. The next session in a series is often scheduled around this time.
Texture and fine-line changes are most visible once the full series is complete, then maintenance keeps the effect.
Safety
Glass skin risks and limits
- Bumps, redness and swelling at injection points, usually short-lived
- Bruising, more common around the eyes
- Lumps or a bluish Tyndall effect if hyaluronic acid sits too shallow
- Rare infection, persistent nodules or allergic reaction
- Rare blood vessel injury, signaled by pain, blanching or color change
- Effects fade over months and do not replace lifting or volume treatments
Evidence
Research behind this page
- Employing hyaluronic acid‐based mesotherapy for facial rejuvenationJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2022 · Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Mohammadi S, Amiri R, Aflatoonian M · doi:10.1111/jocd.15341
Review of 34 studies on hyaluronic acid mesotherapy describing session counts, intervals, injection techniques, side effects such as the Tyndall effect, and the need for maintenance.
- Comparison of the effects of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenation: a randomized, double-blind, split-face trialJournal of Dermatological Treatment · 2020 · Lee Y, Kim H, Lee Y, Paik S, Moon Y, Lee W, et al. · doi:10.1080/09546634.2020.1748857
Split-face trial in 27 participants: similar global scores, with higher improvement rates for PN in elasticity, hydration, roughness and pore volume and no serious adverse events.
- Long-chain polynucleotide filler for skin rejuvenation: efficacy and complications in five patientsDermatologic Therapy · 2015 · Park K, Seok J, Rho N, Kim B, Kim M · doi:10.1111/dth.12299
Case series of five Korean women given four intradermal PN injections two weeks apart, reporting improved pores and skin thickness and no serious side effects.
FAQ
Questions about Glass skin in Gangnam
What is the glass skin treatment Korea clinics offer?
It is usually a series of skin booster injections rather than a facial or a cream. Doctors place polynucleotide or hyaluronic acid in tiny droplets inside the dermis to raise hydration and refine texture. Some clinics pair boosters with gentle laser toning for tone. Because the word describes a result, not a product, ask which material and how many cc you will receive before agreeing to any plan.
Why did glass skin Korea style become so popular?
The idea grew from Korean skincare culture, which values clear, even and well-hydrated skin over heavy coverage. Clinics in Seoul built on that by offering injectable boosters that work below the surface. Many local brands, such as Rejuran Healer, are developed in Korea and widely used there. For visitors, that means a broad choice of products and doctors familiar with them, though the same safety checks still apply.
How many sessions of glass skin treatment in Korea are needed?
A short series is typical, because hydration shows early while texture change takes repeated sessions. In the Lee 2020 trial, participants received three injections two weeks apart, and the Park 2015 case series used four injections at two-week intervals. Real plans vary with age, skin thickness and product. Ask the doctor to write down the number of sessions and spacing so you can fit them around travel.
Is a south Korea glass skin booster safe for sensitive skin?
It can be suitable once any flare of acne, rosacea or eczema has settled, because injecting through inflamed skin raises infection risk. The doctor may reduce the number of points, choose a gentler product or delay treatment. Mention recent peels, retinoid or isotretinoin use, allergies and cold sores. Side effects in published PN studies were generally mild and short-lived, but individual reactions still differ.
Does glass skin south Korea treatment hurt?
Most people feel quick stinging pinpricks that are manageable after numbing cream. The forehead and areas around the eyes are usually more sensitive than the cheeks. Some products, such as Rejuran HB, include lidocaine to reduce discomfort. A doctor can slow down, pause between zones or use cooling. Tell the clinic early if you feel faint around needles, so the session can be done lying fully back.
When will I see results from glass skin treatment in Seoul?
A dewy, plumper look often appears within the first week as swelling settles and hydration rises. Changes in texture, pores and fine lines build more slowly and are usually judged after the full series. Photos taken in the same light before each session help track progress. Results vary from person to person, and the effect fades over months without maintenance.
Can I fly the same day after boosters?
Yes, flying home the same day is generally possible after skin booster injections. The bumps and pinpoint marks may still be visible on the plane, but they do not prevent travel. Keep the face clean, avoid rubbing it on a pillow or headrest and skip makeup until the marks close. If you have a wedding or photos soon after, leave a few days of margin.
Is PN the same as PDRN?
No, they are related but different materials. Rejuran Healer contains polynucleotide (PN), a purified material, while PDRN is a separate ingredient, and the two should not be treated as interchangeable. Menus sometimes mix the names, so check the label. Both are used for skin quality, but the brand, concentration and amount injected determine what you actually receive, so ask to see the sealed product before treatment starts.
Which skincare should I pause before a booster session?
Many doctors ask patients to stop strong retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for a few days before injection. This reduces irritation and makes the skin easier to assess. Prescribed medicines, including blood thinners, should never be stopped without advice from the doctor who prescribed them. Bring a list of products and medicines to the consultation so the clinic can tell you what to pause.
Can boosters be repeated at home after the trip?
Yes, many people start a series in Korea and continue it with a doctor at home. Keep a record of the brand, amount in cc and zones treated, and photos of the product label. That record helps the next doctor continue the same plan or adjust it safely. If the same brand is not available locally, discuss an alternative rather than switching without a plan.