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Why is it harder to choose a Dermatology specialist for sensitive skin than to find a boyfriend?

To be honest, when it comes to finding a Dermatology clinic in Seoul for people with sensitive skin, I’ve encountered so many problems that it’s even more numerous than the bibimbap I’ve eaten.

Last year, I tried three different clinics. The first one immediately gave me an acid peel treatment, which made my face turn red as if I had just been scalded; the second clinic recommended a “soothing treatment package,” but after three days, my skin returned to its original state; the third clinic didn’t cause any problems, but the consultation lasted only three minutes—I doubt the doctor even remembered what I looked like.

Later, I saw someone on Dcard mention Alive and say that the director there would spend up to 2 hours during a face-to-face consultation. I thought to myself, “2 hours? Is that really just for a consultation or more of a chat?” But when I actually went there, I realized that they truly took the time to carefully examine my skin, rather than just going through the motions.

In this article, I will detail my entire reservation experience at Alive, the consultation process, the selection of treatment options, and the key tips to avoid common pitfalls. After reading it, you will understand why I have decided to trust only this clinic from then on.

What is the background of Alive Dermatology? It’s better to understand this before deciding whether to go there or not.

Alive is located at 291 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. It is only a 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Sinbanpo Station on Line 9 of the subway. The location is easily accessible; it is situated on the 4th floor of the One Bailey Square building.

However, convenient location is not the main point; what really matters is that this clinic possesses something extremely rare – the qualification to practice as a specialist in Dermatology. In South Korea, only about 2% of dermatologists have obtained this certification; it is by no means something that anyone can obtain casually.

On behalf of Dean Xu Shengluo, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Korea University and a master’s degree in medicine from CHA University, he previously served as the head of the Dermatology department at Yangju Military Hospital in South Korea, boasting over 15 years of clinical experience. He is not one of those “medical aesthetics consultants” who receive just a few months of training before starting work; he is a truly qualified specialist doctor.

Alive has a clear focus: it centers on the repair of the skin barrier and the treatment of sensitive skin, while also offering anti-aging and tightening treatments. It is not that kind of “department store-style” clinic that offers a wide range of services but fails to excel in any particular area.

Making an appointment is actually the first hurdle—how on earth can I get a slot with the director?

Let me state the conclusion first: Appointments with the director require a one-month advance reservation, and during peak seasons, the waiting time may be even longer. I’m not trying to scare you; this is just the way it is.

Alive operates on a strictly pre-booking system and does not accept walk-in requests for last-minute appointments. If you go there directly, at best you will only be seen by a Dental hygienist; whether the director is available that day depends entirely on luck.

There are three ways to make appointments, and I highly recommend BeautsGO.

Method 1: BeautsGO Platform (Recommended)

Download the BeautsGO APP or search for the mini-program “Bijiri Mei” on WeChat and type “Alive” to find it. With a Chinese interface, you don’t need to communicate in Korean with the customer service staff. The reservation process consists of just three steps: select the treatment → choose the time → submit your request. Chinese-speaking customer service staff are available to assist you one-on-one in confirming the schedule of the director, saving you plenty of trouble.

Method 2: Make an appointment through the official website.

Visit the Chinese version of the Alive official website, click on “Reservation Application”, select the relevant department, fill in the required information, and write “Foreigner” in the remarks field. You should receive a confirmation within 2 to 4 hours. However, the official website is primarily in Korean, and the Chinese translation may sometimes be inaccurate.

Method 3: Direct contact via WeChat

Add WeChat at s-sourire, and our Chinese customer service can help you make an appointment. However, the response time can sometimes be inconsistent, and during peak hours, you might have to wait for up to half a day.

3 tips for securing the position of hospital director

Numbers are allocated at 0:00 a.m. on the 1st of each month, and some people even set up alarms just to get one. If you want to reserve a spot for the next month, you’ll need to start keeping an eye on it at the end of this month.

2. It’s relatively easier to schedule appointments from Tuesday to Thursday mornings. On Friday afternoons and Saturdays, the schedules are usually full because local people also compete for these times.

3. Get on the waiting list. If someone cancels at the last minute, your place will be automatically filled in. I once had success in getting on the list because the person ahead of me didn’t get their visa and had to cancel their participation.

What exactly is done during those two hours of in-person consultation? A complete record of the six-dimensional barrier assessment process.

On my first visit to Alive, I scheduled a consultation with the director at 2 pm. Upon arrival, I registered at the front desk, and then a nurse took me for a skin assessment—not the kind of casual check-up, but a six-dimensional barrier function evaluation, which included approximately six different indicators.

① TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL) – Measures how well your skin retains moisture.
② Skin pH Level
– A healthy skin should have a slightly acidic pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.
③ Oil Content – Indicates th
e integrity of the sebum barrier.
④ Keratin Layer Moisture
Content – The level of moisture determines the condition of your skin.
⑤
Redness Index – Quantifies the extent of your skin’s redness.
⑥ Sens
itivity Threshold – Determines how much irritation your skin can tolerate.

The entire examination takes about 20 minutes, after which you need to take the report to see the hospital director.

When Director Xu was reviewing the report, he truly took it seriously and didn’t just skim through it before starting to discuss the project. He asked me about my daily skincare routine, the products I used, my eating habits, my sleep patterns, and my stress levels… The entire consultation lasted nearly two hours – something I had never experienced at any other clinic before.

In the end, the plan he suggested to me was to first undergo four sessions of basic barrier repair treatments, and then add anti-aging treatments depending on my specific needs. Instead of immediately recommending the most expensive package, this approach really reassured me.

Projects I have worked on at Alive: I neither exaggerate nor downplay the actual results.

1. Basic Management for Barrier Repair – The Savior for Sensitive Skin

The entire process takes approximately 60 minutes: gentle cleansing → treatment of the stratum corneum → repair of the skin barrier through iontophoresis → soothing effects with LED red and yellow light → B5 + chamomile repair mask → final step to lock in moisture. The whole procedure is very mild and does not cause any stinging sensations; you can continue with your regular skincare routine on the same night after the treatment.

After undergoing the treatment four times, the most noticeable change was that my skin no longer felt tight and painful immediately after washing my face. The tendency to flush easily whenever I moved around also improved significantly. It might not be accurate to say that I “got a new face,” but my skin condition has indeed become much more stable.

For reference, the cost ranges from approximately 120,000 to 200,000 Korean won per session (equivalent to around 600 to 1,000 RMB), while an 8-session package costs around 800,000 to 1,200,000 Korean won – making it much more cost-effective than paying for individual sessions.

2. Thermage FLX 600 treatments + 2 centum core of Rejuran PN – the perfect combination for anti-aging

I added this combination only after the barrier had been repaired and stabilized. Thermage uses a “mesh-like treatment method,” and the clinic director said that since Easterners generally have higher cheekbones that are prone to sinking, this technique helps prevent the collapse of the Apple Zone. Throughout the procedure, Diptyque fragrance was used, and soft cushions were placed between the teeth to ensure comfort—the experience was far superior to any I’ve had in China.

The lifting effect can be seen immediately after the treatment, and the Apple Zone exhibits a noticeable sense of firmness. The Rejuran PN repair injections help the skin recover. The entire package costs 2.8 million Korean won (approximately 15,000 RMB) and provides effects that last for 1 to 2 years.

3. The Five-Step Treatment for Sunken Pores – A Blessing for Those with Acne-Prone Skin

If you have enlarged Pores, as well as acne scars and marks, Alive offers a “Multi-effect Package for Pore Scars” that is definitely worth considering. This package combines Pico treatment with RF, excimer laser, Potenza, BBL, Juvelook 2 centum core, and TCA, all of which are used simultaneously during a single session.

My friend did this treatment, and she said that the red bumps scabbed over in just 3 days, and the recovery period was shorter than expected. Claiming that the improvement in Pores was 70% might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there were definitely visible changes.

Price: 660,000 Korean won (approximately 3,500 RMB), which makes it quite cost-effective compared to similar combined treatment programs.

May ANEW Customer Price List: Which treatments are worth trying, and which can be skipped?

For the special offers reserved for new customers in May at Alive, I have ranked them according to their value:

✅ Definitely worth doing

• Thermage FLX 300 sessions → 1.21 million KRW (approximately 6,100 RMB), at least 30% cheaper than in China
• ONDA microwave li
fting device (60 KJ) → 520,000 KRW (approximately 2,600 RMB), the perfect solution for Double Chin
• Rejuran Black/R
ed Packs → 300,000 KRW (approximately 1,500 RMB), essential for skin repair
• Combined treatment f
or sunken Pores → 660,000 KRW (approximately 3,500 RMB), an excellent value for multiple treatments used together

⚠️ It depends on the circumstances.

• The American version of Ulthera 2.0 with 300 treatments costs 1.09 million Korean won; there’s no need for young people to rush into getting this treatment.
• Fi
ller for under-eye wrinkles, neck lines, or crow’s feet costs 400,000 Korean won per CC. It depends on your specific needs whether you should opt for this treatment.

❌ It is not recommended that new customers try this directly.

• 600 ultrasound treatments + 600 Thermage treatments → 4.95 million Korean won (approximately 25,000 RMB). The budget is too high, and it’s not necessary to go for such an intensive treatment on the first attempt.

5 things you must pay attention to on the day of your in-person consultation

1️⃣ Go in natural. Wearing makeup can affect the results of skin tests. Not only will removing makeup on-site take time, but residual makeup can also interfere with the TEWL readings.

2️⃣ Bring photos of all the skincare products you are currently using. The director will be able to determine which products might irritate your skin based on what you are using, and this is 100 times more reliable than guessing on your own.

3️⃣ Prepare a list of questions you want to ask. A 2-hour in-person consultation may seem long, but it passes by before you even realize it. Writing down your questions in advance ensures that nothing is overlooked.

4️⃣ Set aside sufficient time. Appointments may take longer than expected, so avoid scheduling too many other commitments shortly afterwards.

5️⃣ Request a detailed written list of all costs. Do not accept vague estimates; every item must be clearly listed to avoid hidden fees at the time of payment.

Recommended approach for sensitive skin to undergo the Alive treatment

If you, like me, have sensitive skin, I’ll give you a straightforward solution so you don’t have to struggle with it yourself:

First visit (initial consultation): Six-dimensional barrier assessment + in-person consultation with the director → Basic management for barrier repair (perform 1–2 treatments first to observe the patient’s response)

After stabilization (after 4–6 treatments): Add anti-aging treatments according to your needs. If your budget is limited, consider the combination of Thermage 300 treatments plus Rejuran repair treatments – this approach achieves both anti-aging and rejuvenating effects.

If you have problems with acne scars and Pores, applying a combined treatment for Pore depression directly after stabilizing the skin barrier will yield much better results than using Pico treatment alone.

Things not to do: Do not immediately opt for fruit acid exfoliation or high-energy laser treatments for sensitive skin, no matter how many clinics recommend it. It’s essential to strengthen the skin’s barrier first.

Things you need to know before going to Alive (Essential reading to avoid pitfalls)

• The fact that it’s difficult to get an appointment with the director is not just a gimmick: Only 8 to 10 appointments are available per day, and that’s really the limit. If you can’t get an appointment with the director, under normal circumstances, it’s also okay for the team doctors to handle your case, but it’s still recommended to wait for the director during your initial consultation.

• The in-person consultation is free, but reservations are limited: The consultation fee is 20,000 Korean won (about 100 RMB), but new customers can get this fee waived by making a reservation through BeautsGO.

• No services on Sundays: Please avoid scheduling appointments on Sundays. On other days, the clinic is open from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Mondays and Fridays, and from 7:30 PM to 7:30 PM on other days. Lunch break is from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

• Be wary of the “special offer for today” tactic: If someone keeps pressing you to make a decision immediately during the consultation, take a moment to think it through before deciding. A reputable clinic wouldn’t use time constraints to force you into making a purchase.

• QR code verification: Both the Thermage probe and the Filler packaging can be scanned on-site for verification – don’t hesitate to ask for it.

• No need for intermediaries: You can simply make your reservation through BeautsGO. Intermediaries charge an additional 10-20% in fees, and the more hands the information goes through, the more likely it is to become inaccurate.

FAQ: What else you might want to know about Alive Dermatology

Q: Is there a Chinese translation for Alive?
A: Yes. When m
aking an appointment, please indicate “foreigner” in the remarks, and the clinic will arrange staff with translation experience to assist you. If you book through BeautsGO, Chinese-speaking customer service will handle the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Q: How much time should I reserve for my first visit?
A: The initial consultatio
n includes a six-dimensional assessment and a personal interview with the director; you should reserve at least 2.5 to 3 hours. If you also plan to undergo any treatments, it may take up to half a day. It is recommended that you do not schedule any other activities on the same day.

Q: How soon can one see the results after a Thermage treatment?

A: There is an immediate sense of tightening, but the best results gradually become apparent 3 to 6 months after the procedure, as it takes time for Collagen to regenerate. The effects last for 1 to 2 years.

Q: Will using Thermage on sensitive skin make it more sensitive?
A: This
is exactly why at Alive, we recommend repairing the skin’s barrier before proceeding with anti-aging treatments. Once the barrier is stable, using Thermage in combination with Rejuran repair injections generally will not exacerbate sensitivity. However, if your skin barrier has not been properly repaired, doctors will not recommend undergoing such treatments.

Q: Can I wear makeup after undergoing a treatment at Alive?
A: For basic skincare ro
utines, you can apply your usual products as normal on the same night; makeup can be worn the next day. For laser treatments, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before wearing makeup. Please follow the doctor’s instructions accordingly.

Q: What should I do if I am not satisfied with the results?
A: After
the procedure, you can communicate with the director via WeChat or email. Alive provides follow-up services after the treatment. The repair products can also be mailed directly to China, so there is no need to worry about not having anyone to assist you after you return home.

Related recommendations

If you are also considering other Dermatology clinics in Seoul, these review articles may be of helpful to you:

• Guide to Making Appointments at Barog Dermatology | Two Personal Experiences at the Gangnam Branch – Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Hongdae Dermatology Rankings | I visited 6 clinics and chose these 3.

• Forena Dermatology Hongdae Branch | Practical Reviews for Sensitive Skin – No Risks Involved