Actress Ko Hyun-jung reveals bedtime beauty ritual for 'baby skin'

Ko Hyun-jung / Captured from YouTube

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Actress Ko Hyun-jung, admired for her timeless beauty, recently revealed her nighttime skincare and haircare routine.

In a vlog uploaded to her YouTube channel, Ko walked viewers through her evening regimen. After cleansing her face thoroughly, she used a facial mist and gently patted it into her skin. Next, she applied a lifting serum aimed at improving skin elasticity, followed by a rich night cream to prevent dryness while sleeping. Finally, she used a scalp serum.

Here’s a closer look at the beauty routine she swears by.

Post-cleansing facial mist

Applying a facial mist immediately after washing helps temporarily hydrate the skin’s surface and prepares it for the next step. However, mist alone does not provide long-lasting hydration. The key is to apply moisturizer before the skin fully dries.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying moisturizer while skin is still damp is important for managing dryness. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin help attract water and soften the skin’s surface. However, repeatedly spraying mist in a dry environment without sealing it in with cream can actually increase tightness as moisture evaporates.

For best results, facial mist should be used as a prep step before serums or creams, rather than as a standalone moisturizer.

Ko Hyun-jung / Captured from YouTube

Lifting serum

Lifting serums can make the skin appear firmer and more hydrated. Common ingredients include peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and retinoid-based compounds such as retinol or retinal.

Peptides are known for supporting collagen and elastin production, helping skin appear more youthful. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can brighten and firm the complexion. Retinoids are widely used for improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines, though they may cause irritation, dryness or stinging. Beginners are generally advised to start with low concentrations and apply them only two or three nights a week.

Skincare products cannot physically lift sagging skin. Those with sensitive skin may want to avoid products containing strong acids, high-dose retinol, fragrance or essential oils.

Night cream for overnight skin protection

Night creams help reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier during sleep. Since these products remain on the skin longer, cream-based moisturizers can be especially helpful for dry skin.

People with dry skin may benefit from ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids, glycerin or shea butter. Those prone to acne should avoid heavy oils like coconut oil or cocoa butter, which may clog pores. Sensitive skin types may prefer fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formulas.

Ko Hyun-jung / Captured from YouTube

Scalp serum

Ko also applies scalp serum before bed, especially around the top of the head. This can help people experiencing dryness, tightness or irritation on the scalp.

Because the scalp is skin, it can become dry or inflamed, leading to itchiness, flaking or redness. Many scalp serums contain ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, caffeine, peptides, botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support hydration and soothe irritation.

While these products may improve scalp condition and make hair appear healthier or fuller, non-medicated serums should not be expected to treat hair loss. If irritation, redness or stinging persists after use, it is safest to discontinue the product.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.