Dr. Lee’s Ultimate Skincare Routine at 41: The Secret to Clearer, Healthier Skin

Dr. Lee Sang-wook, a renowned dermatologist with over 700,000 subscribers on YouTube, has become a trusted source for skin care tips and advice. But his own journey to healthy skin wasn’t always smooth. Suffering from severe acne and a lack of self-confidence due to his skin condition, Dr. Lee was determined to find a solution—not just for himself, but for his patients as well. Despite being a dermatologist, he often worried that his skin troubles might undermine his credibility with patients. However, through consistent effort and dedication, Dr. Lee’s skin improved dramatically, and he now shares his skin care secrets with millions.

Let’s dive into Dr. Lee’s personal skincare routine, which helped him transform his skin and gain the trust of his patients.

The 16 Skin Types: A Tailored Approach

There are 16 different skin types, and each requires a unique approach to care. However, you don’t need to become an expert in all 16 types. Dr. Lee simplifies the process by dividing them into two main categories:

• Sensitive skin: Prone to irritation, redness, and discomfort.
• Non-sensitive skin: More resilient and less prone to irritation.

If you suffer from severe acne or have skin that is easily irritated, Dr. Lee recommends adjusting the routine accordingly and avoiding overly harsh products that may aggravate sensitive skin.

Morning Routine: Start Your Day with Care

1. Gentle Cleanser (Low-pH)
   A low-pH cleanser is essential for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier and boosting your skin’s immunity. This helps prevent skin irritation and inflammation throughout the day.
2. Vitamin C Serum
   Vitamin C is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It helps brighten the skin and even out skin tone while protecting it from environmental stressors.
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
   Niacinamide is a multitasking ingredient that helps calm the skin, reduce redness, and control oil production. It also has a mild whitening effect and reduces inflammation.
4. Moisturizer/Regenerative Cream
   A moisturizer or regenerative cream helps lock in hydration and promotes skin healing. Dr. Lee emphasizes that consistent application is more important than the brand or type of moisturizer you choose.

Night Routine: Cleanse and Restore

After a long day, your skin needs a deep cleanse and rejuvenation. Here’s how Dr. Lee unwinds his skin every evening:

1. Double Cleansing
   • Cleansing Oil: Start by applying a cleansing oil to your dry face. Massage it for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities.
   • Water Rinse: Follow with a gentle water rinse to remove the oil and any leftover residue.
2. Hydrating Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
   After cleansing, apply a toner with hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and replenish moisture. This also helps remove any remaining impurities.
3. Gentle Low-pH Cleanser
   Follow up with a mild, low-pH foam cleanser to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean, without stripping away essential oils.
4. Vitamin C
   Apply a Vitamin C serum again for its brightening and antioxidant effects.
5. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
   Reapply niacinamide to calm your skin, reduce redness, and further even out skin tone.
6. Retinoid (Vitamin A derivative)
   Vitamin A derivatives, like retinoids, help with wrinkle reduction and skin regeneration. However, only apply at night as they can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Be cautious, as they can irritate sensitive skin. Always consult a dermatologist before using retinoids, as some people may experience side effects.
7. Regenerative Cream/Heavy Moisturizer
   Finally, finish off with a thick, nourishing cream to lock in all the benefits of the products you’ve applied.

Why This Routine Works

By following this routine, you’ll notice improvements in your skin texture, enhanced skin barrier function, and smoother, healthier skin overall. Here’s how each element helps:

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C): Protects against free radical damage and promotes collagen production.
• Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation, controls oil, and improves skin barrier function.
• Vitamin A (Retinoids): Stimulates cell turnover, reduces fine lines and improves skin elasticity.
• Moisturizers: Keeps your skin hydrated, preventing dryness and flakiness, and improving skin elasticity.

When done consistently, this regimen can help you achieve smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin—making you feel youthful and revitalized.

Common Skin Care Myths: Vitamin C and Niacinamide

One common question Dr. Lee receives is whether it’s okay to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together. The short answer is: Yes, it’s perfectly fine! While some people may have heard that these two ingredients can’t be used together, Dr. Lee clarifies that Vitamin C serums (ascorbic acid) and Niacinamide can be used together without issue.

However, be cautious with pure Vitamin C powders, as they can interact with Niacinamide and hinder absorption, potentially causing irritation or breakouts.

Dr. Lee’s Product Recommendations: What You Need to Know

Dr. Lee emphasizes that you don’t have to use the exact products he uses, as long as the active ingredients are similar. Consistency is key! Regular use of the right ingredients, especially moisturizing and regenerative products, will help maintain healthy, youthful skin.

And, here’s an interesting tidbit: After Dr. Lee shared his routine, several of the products he recommended sold out in Korea for months! That’s the power of his influence and the trust he has built with his audience.

See Dr. Lee’s Routine in Action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPwlV8jLea8&t=742s

If you’re curious to see Dr. Lee use the products and follow his cleansing routine in real-time, click on the link and start watching from 12:22 in the video! Watch as he demonstrates each step, providing additional insights and tips along the way.

His video not only showcases his morning and night routines but also highlights the effectiveness of the products he personally uses. It’s no wonder that after sharing his routine, all the products he recommended sold out in Korea, and some of the brands even reached out to personally thank him for his support!

Final Thoughts

Dr. Lee’s skincare routine is simple, yet effective. By sticking to the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and applying the right actives like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Retinoids—you can achieve noticeable improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

Remember, less is more. Overloading your skin with too many products can lead to irritation and breakouts, so it’s best to stick to a streamlined routine that works for your skin type.

Thanks for reading today’s post! We hope these tips help you on your journey to better skin. Stay tuned for more skincare insights, and as always, take care of your skin—it deserves it!

Until next time, happy skincare!