K Beauty, Aesthetics tourism and the Truth About Glass Skin- In Conversation with April Brodie
In this episode I sit down with renowned holistic facialist and dermal therapist April Brodie, fresh from her deep plane facelift in Seoul, to talk about what really sits behind the global obsession with K Beauty. We compare our recent trips to South Korea, from elite multi level clinics with corridors full of devices, to the chaos and delight of Olive Young and the clinical world of Korea Derma and regenerative medicine. April shares the story behind her signature Korean inspired facial, why technique can rival technology, and what she learnt from her own surgical journey. We talk Rejuran and salmon DNA biostimulation, the difference between PDRN in skincare and injectable DOT technology, why “glass skin” is a fantasy, and the categories that Koreans are quietly leading in, from scalp care to intimate care, sun care and beauty tools. There is also a healthy dose of reality about consent, safety, cultural expectations and what Australian women need to consider before chasing Korean level transformation. This is a candid, nuanced and very practical conversation about K Beauty, ageing, and how to edit all that innovation into a routine and treatment path that actually serves your skin. Chapters:00:29 How a buccal massage in London changed April’s career01:34 The origins of her Korean inspired facial and “bone therapy” techniques06:09 Why K Beauty is not a fad and how Korea became the epicentre06:54 The reality of Korean clinics, from “Taj Mahal” to takeaway07:47 My experience at the Rejuran global symposium09:59 Salmon DNA, DOT technology and how it differs from PDRN skincare10:13 Olive Young, sheet masks and the Rejuran skincare range11:18 How April shops K Beauty and where quality really matters14:41 Korean pharmacies, medical PDRN and cult ointments15:29 Consumer awareness, marketplaces and buying from the right storefronts20:24 Sedation, consent and where the line is for Australian patients22:32 Why April chose to have her deep plane facelift in Korea24:44 Risk, safety and the realities of surgery overseas30:59 Meeting her surgeon, the leap of faith and recovery fatigue32:10 Hyperbaric, LED and the intensity of Korean post-operative care36:49 The wild world of K Beauty gifting and niche products38:28 Scalp care, sunscreens and why Korea is ahead on texture40:59 Breath, intimate care and the “Y zone”42:49 LEDs for everywhere, and what might come next44:58 My problem with glass skin and why it is a harmful ideal46:53 Spicules, bio needling marketing and why they can wreck your barrier49:11 Lotions, essences and where multi step routines can go wrong51:06 The missing K Beauty category that surprised both of us55:09 April’s ideal edited routine for real life Highlights How a single buccal facial in London turned April from laser heavy protocols to hands on sculpting techniques. The story behind her Korean influenced facial that uses bone therapy principles, Eastern European methods and Korean cleansing rituals. What we both observed inside ultra elite Korean clinics, from the sheer number of devices to the culture of sedation and intensive treatment stacking. The difference between Rejuran’s salmon DNA DOT technology and PDRN in topical skincare, and why that distinction matters. How to shop K Beauty in Olive Young without destroying your barrier or being distracted by trends. The categories where Korea is genuinely ahead, including sunscreens, scalp care, breath care, intimate care and tools. Why “glass skin” is a Western marketing idea, not a Korean standard, and how chasing it can damage both barrier and self esteem. A realistic, edited K Beauty inspired routine for busy women who want results without a ten step ritual. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/6k48mXCHCcYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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