Dr. Christine Hall, a British native who spent her formative years in the United Kingdom, developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity through her recurring summer visits to South Korea. This unique upbringing allowed her to intimately experience two distinct beauty philosophies—one rooted in the scientific precision of Western skincare, and the other in the ritualistic, barrier-strengthening traditions of Korean skincare. Over time, this dual exposure shaped her professional identity and informed her personal philosophy toward skin health and aesthetics.
Now a qualified physician and pharmacist, Dr. Hall has transitioned into a specialist known for her expertise in achieving what is popularly referred to as the “glass skin” effect—a term that signifies translucence, luminosity, and optimal hydration. In conversation with Business Insider, she described how she skillfully merges high-performance Western formulations with the gentler, layering techniques characteristic of Korean beauty regimens to maintain a complexion that appears radiant yet naturally healthy as it matures. She openly acknowledges the aspirational nature of the perfectly smooth, dewy skin ideal but tempers that vision with a physician’s realism, reminding her audience that entirely poreless skin would not only be biologically unnatural but also detrimental to dermatological health, since pores serve essential anatomical functions in regulating oil secretion and facilitating detoxification.
Hall elaborates on the contrasting emphases of the two cultural approaches to skincare. Western routines often revolve around the application of potent active ingredients—such as retinol and salicylic acid—selected for their proven ability to target inflammation, acne, and early signs of aging like fine lines. The Korean tradition, by contrast, prioritizes the preservation and reinforcement of the skin’s protective barrier—the epidermal layer that stands as the first line of defense against pollutants, toxins, and harmful microorganisms. “In Korea, skincare is not merely a daily task,” Hall explained. “It’s a deliberate, almost ceremonial process, with each step performed mindfully.” Her own 13-step routine exemplifies this philosophy: at the end of a long day, she can often be found sitting beside her Korean mother, applying luxuriously textured serums and moisture-locking creams as they spend time together watching television. While she concedes that not every single step is strictly indispensable, Hall remains steadfast about incorporating three scientifically validated components that she believes deliver the most consistent anti-aging benefits.
The first of these is vitamin C, a cornerstone antioxidant in dermatological science. Every morning, Hall applies a vitamin C serum designed to counteract oxidative stress—the cellular wear caused by free radicals that contribute to premature aging and disease. By neutralizing these unstable molecules, vitamin C helps defend the skin from environmental damage. Moreover, research indicates that topical vitamin C can promote the synthesis of collagen, the essential structural protein responsible for firmness and elasticity, which naturally decreases as humans age. Additional studies suggest that consistent use of vitamin C can fade hyperpigmentation such as dark spots and offer supplemental protection against UV damage. For her own skin, Hall prefers to use SkinCeuticals’ Silymarin CF Serum, formulated for blemish-prone complexions—a choice influenced by her earlier experiences with acne. She has also worked professionally with SkinCeuticals and maintains an ongoing contract with the company, reinforcing her confidence in its scientific credibility.
The second irreplaceable component of her routine is sunscreen—a product she applies diligently every morning without exception. Hall selects an SPF 50+ formulation suited for oily skin, emphasizing that consistent sun protection is one of the most effective and evidence-supported means to prevent premature aging. Ultraviolet radiation, she notes, can induce wrinkles, age spots, and a gradual loss of elasticity through cumulative cellular damage. Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen—one that shields against both UVB rays responsible for sunburn and UVA rays linked to photoaging—is essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation corroborates this advice, underscoring that only comprehensive protection against both ranges of ultraviolet light can prevent chronic damage over time.
Her third cornerstone ingredient is retinol, a derivative of vitamin A initially utilized in the treatment of acne. Over the years, retinol has evolved into a gold-standard active for addressing a spectrum of concerns including uneven skin tone, textural irregularities, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Through accelerating skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and stimulating collagen synthesis, retinol contributes to a smoother and more rejuvenated appearance. Hall incorporates a prescription-grade variant known as tretinoin—a formulation that requires medical authorization in the United Kingdom—although she acknowledges the effectiveness of over-the-counter alternatives for those without access to prescription treatments. She introduced retinol into her nightly regimen at the age of thirty-five and carefully layers it beneath a hydrating Korean moisturizer to counteract potential dryness or irritation. Her preferred moisturizer, Centellian 24’s Madeca Cream, enriches the skin with ceramides that help restore and fortify the barrier frequently compromised by retinoid use.
In her view, the true success of her skincare philosophy lies in the deliberate synthesis of two traditions once perceived as distinct. By uniting the scientific rigor and active-ingredient potency typical of Western dermatology with the gentle layering and barrier-centric mindfulness of Korean practice, Hall achieves a regimen that harmonizes innovation with respect for the skin’s natural processes. “It’s the balance between both worlds that makes it work,” she concluded reflectively. “I believe that each culture increasingly recognizes the strengths of the other—and that mutual appreciation is what’s pushing skincare into its most sophisticated era yet.”
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/doctor-40s-science-backed-products-prevent-wrinkles-korean-western-skincare-2025-11
