The skin I have now is different from the skin I’ve had even just three years ago. Before, my face always seemed to be on the brink of breaking out especially around my chin area. Even if I don’t use a new product or change anything in my routine, pimples would just come out - randomly it seemed! I wasn’t even particularly oily (I have combi skin) and I was also hyper aware of my skin due to the nature of my job as a beauty writer. I thought ALL my breakouts were just hormonal and went about my life tiptoeing around and hoping not to anger the skincare gods.

A few months ago, I started using adapalene, a third-generation retinoid that was recently approved for over-the-counter use. Supposedly, a Reddit user banished her textured skin and blackheads in just one month, using daily exfoliation and this “miracle” retinoid gel.

Despite the warnings every single website about adapalene mentions that it’s really only for cystic acne, and that skin will become dry and sensitive for up to two months - a process that is called “retinization” - I bought the product, began using it, and experienced the four worst weeks of my life, skin-wise.

Despite my obsession with skincare, I've only had two actual facial treatments (complete with pricking) in my entire life. The first time was way back in high school, before I had any appreciation for the kind of effort you actually need to make for achieving and maintaining good skin. It was pricey for my student budget and I didn't see any improvements after, so I didn't feel encouraged to try it again.

Recently though, I was invited by O2 Laser Skin Center to try out their signature service: a Korean Facial Therapy! As images of Korean actors and pop stars flooded my head, I wondered how different the procedure would be from the usual treatments you can get at mall facial centers. Would it give me that coveted chok chok complexion?