K-beauty: Skin solutions from CNP founder Dr. Lee Dong Won

Following the recent launch of Korea’s popular cosmeceutical brand, CNP Cosmetics, in Singapore, Marie France Asia spoke to the man himself to tell us more about the products, common skin problems, solutions, and everything else you need to know about your skin. Asthe founder of CNP Cosmetics, Dr. Lee Dong Won, MD, PhD has over 30 years of experience as a dermatologist and surely knows a thing or two about how to achieve radiant, healthy skin.

MFA: What are some skincare basics that women should know?

Dr. Lee: I think the most important skin practice is moisturizing. Even oily skin needs hydration. I recommend the lotion type for Singaporean women, but for Korean women who are in the winter now, I recommend cream type with thicker consistency.

MFA: Speaking of women in Singapore and Korea, what are some common skin problems faced by Asian women in general?

Dr. Lee: Darkness. Asian women want to whiten their skin. Cosmetics’ benefits have whitening effects but the it is minimal, so the best [cure] is prevention. But if you already have dark spot and dullness, I recommend going to a skin clinic for treatments.

MFA: With the K-entertainment industry gaining popularity, so is Korean skincare. What makes CNP special?

Dr. Lee: Cosmeceutical is intersection term for cosmetics and pharmaceutical. Skin doctors make cosmetics differently; we don’t make cosmetics without efficacy. I don’t put in an entire component, instead I just use the functional active components. For example, for the moisturizer, we use only the ceramide, cholesterol and peptide acid for a healthy skin.

MFA: What is your best selling product at CNP?

Dr Lee: Our black head kit is simple and unique. It’s a mask type for the nose and only takes 10 minutes. We call it a category killer — 90% of customers are satisfied with our kit. We are currently developing a stronger version for the men but it [will] take more than 1 year to launch, as we test a product again and again.

MFA: We don’t see anti-aging products in your array for Singapore. Why is that?

Dr. Lee: Korean astronaut Yi So-Yeon, uses my customised products for anti-aging, but it’s [not available yet] in the [Singapore] market so I recommend this propolis energy ampule containing antioxidant for now. I also recommend the Peeling Boost, to be launched in Singapore very soon. It peels and resurfaces new layers for younger-looking skin. In a TV shopping episode in Korea, we sold 7000 home-peeling sets in 40 minutes.

If you are curious about the diverse products CNP Cosmetics recently unveiled in Singapore, head to our recap of the collection and where to get it. Thankfully CNP comes at the perfect moment, giving us enough time for a beautiful skin right before Valentine’s and Chinese New Year!

Natasha Gan