Seoul Diaries: Autumn Leaves & Skin Science with Dr. Chau Yee Ng at Korea Derma 2025

Seoul in late autumn is a city painted in gold and crimson. Amidst the stunning maple leaves, Dr. Chau Yee Ng  arrived in Korea for the prestigious Korea Derma 2025. This trip wasn't just about attending a conference; it was about sharing our team’s voice on a global stage and bringing a fresh perspective to difficult skin conditions.

Seeing What Lies Beneath

During her session, Dr. Ng shared the team's extensive experience in diagnosing and treating Melasma and Laser-induced Leukoderma (hypopigmentation). Using advanced OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) technology, she invited the audience to truly "see beneath the surface" of the skin.

Melasma is often misunderstood. Patients often rush into aggressive laser treatments, only to face recurrence or even white spots. Dr. Ng presented a key insight derived from analyzing nearly 70 cases: Melasma is fundamentally a sign of skin aging.

Her message to the international community was clear: Lasers are tools, not magic wands. To truly treat melasma, we must look beyond the pigment and focus on the health of the underlying fibroblasts. By combining lasers with topical agents, oral medications, and barrier repair, we can restore the skin's equilibrium for lasting results.

A Moment of Pause in Seoul

Outside the lecture halls, Dr. Ng took the opportunity to embrace the slower rhythm of the season.

Whether it was a quiet walk under the healing canopy of autumn leaves or a relaxing session at a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), these moments of "downtime" were essential. Just as our skin needs time to repair, the mind needs space to reset. This balance allows Dr. Ng to return to the clinic with renewed energy and clarity.

The Philosophy of Stability

The trip to Seoul was a blend of high-level academic exchange and grounding life experiences. It perfectly echoed the quote Dr. Ng shared at the end of her presentation:

“In life, just like in skin — what truly matters often lies beneath the surface.”

Stable skin, much like a stable heart, requires patience, time, and genuine care. It’s a philosophy that Dr. Ng and our team practice every day—looking beyond the surface to find what truly matters.