I had the opportunity to have a sit down with Dr. Jae-Yong Barn of Banobagi Cosmetics a few weeks ago. He introduced me to the Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair skincare line last winter (2018) during my Thermage experience with Seoul Cosmetic Surgery. I fell hard for the Milk Thistle Repair Cream and I was immediately drawn to learn more about the benefits of Milk Thistle for the skin.
My experience with Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair
I tried out the Banobagi Milk Thistle products when my skin was sensitive, easily irritated, with moderate acne issues. The entire line worked to repair existing damage while making my skin baby soft with a healthy glow. At the time, I gave most of my skin improvement credit to the Thermage FLX treatment I had the day I started using Banobagi Milk Thistle products. However, when I ran out of the Milk Thistle Repair Cream, I realized that the cream has been playing a huge role.
I eventually bought another Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Cream. I’m not too crazy about the packaging tbh. But, I’ll take the annoyance of the not so ergonomic tube packaging because this is the one cream that does all the right repairing, hydrating, and plumping – no matter what skin type or season I’m dealing with.
I loved this cream in the coldest months of winter when my skin was dry and sensitive. And also enjoyed it just as much during the recent hot humid months for my combination skin. All I have to do is just use more or less depending on how much extra hydration my skin needs.
Banobagi’s Dr. Barn
Dr. Jae-Yong Barn is a board-certified dermatologist in Seoul, Korea. His meticulous standards and knowledge in the field of dermatology is astounding. He is the director of Banobagi Dermatology Clinic and the brain behind Banobagi Cosmetics; the perfect person to talk to about Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair products.
Here’s what I learned…
Why Banobagi Cosmetics
Dr. Barn, who was also one of the advisory doctors for the Dr. Jart+ brand in the early years, wanted to create an authentic derma-cosmetics brand with evidence-based stable ingredients and formulations.
Why Milk Thistle
“There are so many great ingredients that are beneficial for the skin that aren’t yet being explored or properly implemented into cosmetics due to lack of R&D,” said Dr. Barn as he pulled out a thick book of ingredients to show me. He expressed that he is ready to go below the tip of the iceberg to utilize the best and purest skin repairing and boosting ingredients that haven’t been fully tapped into yet.
I haven’t seen Milk Thistle used in skincare often, but I was aware of its use as a health supplement. It has various health benefits, such as improving liver health, cognition, and immune system. Also, there are studies indicating how its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can improve skin health and even reduce skin toxins!
What else you need to know
The Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair line uses Burdock Root extract instead of water as the first on the ingredients list.
Milk Thistle, along with Burdock Root (which has long been used to treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema), may be joining the ranks of Centella Asiatica as one of the newest skin loving ingredients.
Doctor’s Recommendations
Here’s what Dr. Barn recommends. For oily to normal skin, Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Toner and Serum with Sunscreen for daytime are enough. He also recommends sheetmasking a few times a week, especially on days when you’ve been exposed to extra physical or mental stress. For normal to drier skin, add on the Milk Thistle Repair Cream to improve skin barrier. Always keep your sheetmasks in the fridge to cool before using!
My favorites
I adore the entire Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair line, but I absolutely LOVE the Milk Thistle Repair Cream and Sunscreen. These two, I dare say, are universal skincare products! It’s safe and gentle enough for children, easy enough to use for skincare newbies, and has amazing texture and feel on the skin even for the finickiest skincare connoisseur!
Would you be interested in trying out Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair products?
