After the Suneung, academic stress decreases, but a period often arrives when appearance concerns, previously put aside, resurface. Skin issues like stretch marks from weight changes, and neglected acne and scars, which students now "want to resolve," tend to appear all at once. The most common question from students visiting the clinic for the first time is simple: "What should I start with, and in what order?" To answer directly, the approach varies depending on the type of concern, and it's best to assess the skin condition first to set priorities.
After the Suneung, why do skin concerns surge at this time?
During puberty, hormone secretion becomes active, leading to sebaceous gland proliferation and excessive sebum production. When combined with academic stress and lack of sleep during the senior year of high school, acne often worsens. While it's easy to expect that these issues will naturally disappear once the Suneung is over and daily routines return to normal, it's not uncommon for existing scars or pigment marks to remain.
Acne occurs when excessive sebum clogs pores, leading to inflammation and leaving red marks. If the inflammation destroys skin tissue, it can result in depressed scars. Therefore, when you feel like it's "all healed," that's actually a good starting point for addressing the traces.
Acne is not just a simple skin problem but closer to an inflammatory disease. It is known that managing it before marks are left, and while it is still in the red stage, is more favorable for recovery.
Acne and Red Marks, a Stage-by-Stage Approach
If there is active acne, treatment to control excessively proliferated sebaceous glands is a priority. Gold PTT treatment involves applying light-responsive gold nanoparticles to the epidermis, allowing them to be absorbed deep into the pores. The heat generated when the nanoparticles react to laser light then acts on the sebaceous glands and acne bacteria. It is reported to have relatively few side effects, making it a recommended procedure for students suffering from acne.
Red acne marks appear due to blood vessel dilation from inflammation. In such cases, it is possible to use the Vbeam Prima vascular laser to manage unnecessary dilated blood vessels and reduce redness. The degree to which marks fade may vary individually, so the number of sessions and intervals are adjusted according to the condition.
Depressed Acne Scars, Customized Treatment According to Type
If depressed acne scars have already formed, the treatment method varies depending on the scar shape. If the depression is not severe, an approach using Ultrapulse Encore laser or Fraxel laser, which induces powerful skin regeneration, is used. If laser treatment alone is not sufficient, combining procedures is often recommended.
Here's a summary of approaches by scar type:
| Scar Type | Main Approach |
|---|---|
| Wide, rolling scars | Subcision, which uses a needle to cut fibrous bands pulling the skin down, restoring height |
| Deep icepick or boxcar scars | Suture-Free Punch to lift the depressed area to the height of normal skin |
| Areas with residual indentation | Scar filler injection or collagen induction with skin regenerating substances |
Juvelook, which directly injects regenerating substances into depressed areas to aid collagen production, is also used to fill in depressed areas. It is best to decide which method is suitable by considering the depth and shape of the scar, along with the skin condition.
For questions, inquire via chat about acne scar treatment directions
Red Stretch Marks: The Opportunity is While the Color is Still Present
Stretch marks can appear during puberty due to sudden growth spurts or weight gain. When height and physique grow rapidly, they mainly appear on the calves, shoulders, waist, and knees. When weight is gained rapidly, they primarily appear on the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Stretch marks are approached differently based on their color:
- If you see a reddish tint in the mirror, it's red stretch marks, which is a relatively early stage.
- Managing them with Vbeam Prima during the red stage can help reduce their progression to the white stage.
- White stretch marks, where the color has faded over time, were once difficult to manage, but new approaches have emerged recently.
- For white stretch marks, Ultrapulse Encore laser, which targets only the affected area, is used to induce regeneration while minimizing surrounding pigmentation.
- Since stretch marks are a type of scar, we recommend confirming the condition first rather than self-diagnosing.
It is reported that starting management when stretch marks are red can lead to better outcomes. Even challenging areas like white stretch marks on the calves are approached by selectively targeting only the affected area.
Lesion Removal and Hair Removal, Popular Items for Students
Lesion removal and laser hair removal are frequently sought after immediately after the Suneung. Lesion removal involves using a CO2 laser to ablate the lesion. Shallow lesions can sometimes be resolved in 1-2 sessions, but deep-rooted lesions often require multiple treatments. Overdoing it in one session can leave marks, so it's safer to consult with a dermatologist experienced in lesion removal.
Post-procedure care is as important as the results:
- After lesion removal, protect the area with a regenerative tape for about a week.
- After the skin heals, prevent pigmentation with sunscreen.
- Do not forcibly remove scabs; let them fall off naturally.
- Immediately after the procedure, avoid irritants like saunas and strenuous exercise.
For laser hair removal, GentleMax PRO works on the hair follicles themselves to slow hair growth. Although it may be more expensive than other hair removal lasers, it is reported to have high satisfaction and is also used for male hair removal.
Jaw Botulinum Toxin Over Lifting: A Realistic Choice at This Time
For students who have just finished the Suneung, lifting is a somewhat early procedure. Instead, if you are concerned about a square-shaped or wide face, you might consider jaw Botulinum Toxin. This method reduces tension in the jaw muscles to create a more slender facial impression. Changes are felt relatively quickly, and it is reported to have few side effects. However, the duration and extent of the effect may vary individually.
If it's difficult to decide what to receive first, consult via chat about your skin concern priorities.
If it's hard to decide what to receive first
When you have multiple concerns, it's better to prioritize rather than trying to address everything at once. In the clinic, we often see students who visit right after the Suneung trying to solve many problems simultaneously, thereby missing the actual priorities. It's common to first manage ongoing issues like active acne and redness, and then proceed with treatments for traces like scars and stretch marks. Even for the same type of scar, the method varies depending on its depth and shape, so we recommend assessing your skin condition with a professional rather than making a judgment alone in front of a mirror, and then planning accordingly.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Lee Sang-Joo, the chief director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. As a dermatologist, he has long specialized in pigment and scar treatments. First published 2023-11-02 · Last reviewed 2026년 7월 23일
This content provides general information, and individual skin conditions and recovery vary. Please consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for you.