South Korean men are increasingly turning to dermatological clinics and aesthetic procedures as men skin care shifts from a niche interest into an essential part of daily grooming. Content about skincare routines, shaving laser treatments, and facial lifting procedures has gone mainstream, drawing millions of views on platforms like YouTube.
The global trend known as ‘Bro Beauty’ highlights how men are now treating skin maintenance not as an extraordinary effort, but as a routine self-care practice. A recent survey by OpenSurvey targeting 2,000 men aged 20 to 59 revealed that 36.5% of respondents had undergone aesthetic procedures, with the highest adoption rate seen among men in their 30s at 44.5%. Interestingly, the experience rate for men in their 40s reached 37.6%, outpacing the 20s demographic at 30.7%.
As interest expands into advanced anti-aging options like ultrasound lifting treatments, brands are responding with targeted campaigns featuring high-profile athletes and celebrities. However, despite the growing openness to discussing skincare regimens, many men still favor subtle enhancements. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons refers to this as ‘Undetectable Work,’ emphasizing a natural look that refreshes one’s appearance without obvious signs of cosmetic intervention.
