Area

Why students' skin struggles

Hongik University is known for its art and design programs, and that often means long studio hours, late-night critiques and intense exam and portfolio seasons. Those routines can show up on your skin. Stress hormones may increase oil production, poor sleep slows repair, and constant hand-to-face contact while drawing or working can spread bacteria. Add Seoul's dry winters and humid summers, and many students notice breakouts, dullness and a tired complexion.

Art materials can also play a role. Dust from charcoal and pastels, solvents and long hours in workshops may irritate sensitive skin or clog pores if you do not cleanse well afterward.

Which concerns are most common?

Acne and clogged pores: Particularly around the chin, jaw and forehead during stressful periods. See our acne concern page.
Oiliness and shine: Often worse in summer and under stress.
Post-acne marks: Red or brown spots that linger after breakouts heal.
Dullness and dark circles: Linked to sleep loss and dehydration.
Dry, flaky patches: Common in winter with heated studios.

Student-friendly treatment options

Every plan at Re:berry Hongdae starts with a doctor's consultation, so the options below are examples rather than a fixed menu.

HydraFacial

HydraFacial deep-cleanses pores and hydrates in one session with no downtime, which makes it easy to fit between classes. Read more in HydraFacial for acne.

Skin Botox

Skin Botox may reduce oil and make pores look smaller for around three to four months, which some students time before graduation photos or presentations.

Acne-focused plans

For active breakouts, the doctor may combine in-clinic care with prescription skincare or medication. Post-acne marks can later be treated with toning lasers.

When to schedule treatments around term

Before exams or crits: Choose zero-downtime options at least a few days ahead.
Before graduation shows: Plan two to four weeks in advance so skin has time to settle.
During breaks: Good for treatments with small bumps or redness, such as boosters.

Our downtime planner helps you match treatments to your calendar.

What happens at a first visit?

Your first appointment begins with a consultation. The doctor looks at your skin, asks about your routine, stress levels, sleep, diet and any products or medication you use, then explains which options make sense now and which can wait. You will receive a written quote before any treatment. Many students find it useful to start with one simple, low-downtime step and add more only if needed.

Simple habits for busy weeks

Cleanse gently after studio sessions to remove dust and residue
Keep your hands and phone clean, and avoid picking at spots
Use a light moisturizer and sunscreen daily, even indoors near windows
Sleep and hydration help more than extra products

Living in Hongdae as a student

The area around campus is full of late-night food, cafes and live music, which is part of what makes Hongdae fun. It can also mean irregular meals, late nights and frequent masks or makeup for performances and shoots. If your skin flares after busy weekends, a simple routine and occasional in-clinic deep cleansing tend to help more than adding many new products at once.

Practical information

Bring a form of ID to your appointment. Patients under 19 may need consent from a parent or guardian for some treatments, so ask when booking. International students can request multilingual consultation support; confirm languages in advance. Pricing depends on the treatment and plan and is confirmed in writing at consultation. Book via our Booking page, and see Location & Hours for directions.

Are there student discounts at Re:berry Hongdae?

We do not publish prices or discounts online. Pricing depends on the treatment, area and overall plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation. If cost is a concern, mention your budget to the doctor, who can suggest which steps are most worthwhile for your skin and which can wait.

Can stress really cause acne?

Stress does not cause acne on its own, but it can make breakouts worse for many people. Stress hormones may increase oil production and inflammation, and stressful periods often bring poor sleep, diet changes and more face-touching. Treating the skin while managing these triggers usually works better than either alone.

Is HydraFacial safe to do before an exam or presentation?

HydraFacial typically has no downtime, so many people book it a day or two before an important event. If you have never had one, consider trying it a week ahead so you know how your skin reacts. Occasionally, small breakouts surface in the following days.