Let's be real: In America, we want — and believe we deserve — a quick fix for our acne … and just about everything. "We want a pill, an antibiotic, or a spot treatment as a reaction to ailments," says Zion Ko Lamm, M.D., a board-certified doctor of internal medicine.
Imagine if we took a more holistic approach, though. Preventing breakouts would be our primary focus. We would go to our dermatologist before we lose sleep and tears over pimples, and our skin-care routines would consistently focus on hydration, supporting our skin's moisture barrier, and thorough cleansing.
Well, that's how acne is addressed in South Korea. "When [it] inevitably arises, instead of blasting the damaged area with a harsh acid, the focus remains on prevention," Dr. Ko Lamm shares.