Broadcaster Kang Su-jeong, 49, says her skin radiance ranks in top 3% — and she once used egg white masks as a child

Broadcaster Kang Su-jeong, 49, has drawn public attention after revealing that she used egg white and honey masks as a child to care for her skin. A recent dermatology assessment found her skin radiance ranked in the top 3% among women her age. Egg white masks can create a temporary tightening sensation, but medical evidence supporting any lasting improvement in skin elasticity remains limited.

In a video posted Friday to her YouTube channel "Choejongsujeonbon Jinjja Choejon111," Kang visited a dermatology clinic to have her skin age measured. "My skin is the one thing I'm proud of," she said, while also admitting that it had recently become drier and was not in the same condition as before.

The assessment put her skin age at 47. Kang appeared disappointed the result fell short of her expectations, but the medical staff praised her overall skin condition, noting that her skin radiance placed her in the top 3% for her age group.

When the conversation turned to skincare routines, Kang described how her mother had encouraged her to use egg masks as a child. "I would whip egg whites into a foam, apply it to my face, rinse it off, and then mix the yolk with honey and put that on my face," she said. When asked whether the same approach was still advisable today, the dermatologist recommended commercially available mask products instead.

Egg whites dry tight on skin — but do they actually boost collagen?

Egg whites consist mostly of water, with the remainder containing proteins including ovalbumin and ovotransferrin. When whipped egg white is applied to the skin, a thin film forms as the moisture evaporates, which can produce a tightening sensation.

This is a physical change that occurs as the egg white dries. The skin may temporarily appear firmer or feel smoother, but that differs from the process by which new collagen forms in the deeper layers of the skin to genuinely improve elasticity.

Skin elasticity is largely governed by collagen and elastin in the dermis. Collagen maintains the skin's shape and structural strength, while elastin allows it to stretch and return to its original form. With age and prolonged UV exposure, these structural components change, leading to wrinkles and reduced firmness.

The fact that egg whites are rich in protein does not mean applying them directly to the skin stimulates collagen production. The stratum corneum — the skin's outermost layer — acts as a barrier that limits the penetration of external substances, and ordinary proteins applied topically generally cannot reach the dermis in sufficient quantities.

The claim that egg white masks help minimize pores is also widely circulated. In practice, pore size and appearance are influenced by a range of factors, including sebum production, genetics, skin elasticity and aging.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that pores can appear more prominent when sebum accumulates and clogs them, or when skin elasticity declines. Even if the skin feels taut after an egg white mask, that does not mean the structural size of the pores has actually decreased.

No sufficient human clinical trials have demonstrated that applying raw egg white directly to the skin consistently stimulates collagen production or produces a lasting reduction in pore size.

Allergy and bacterial contamination risks of applying raw egg to the face

Eggs are a nutritious food, but applying them directly to the skin requires caution regarding allergic reactions. The proteins found in egg whites are known allergens.

Guidelines published in 2021 by the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy noted that contact with raw egg on the skin can trigger localized allergic reactions.

Cases of systemic allergic reactions following the topical application of egg white have also been reported. People with egg allergies should avoid applying raw egg to their skin, and those with a compromised skin barrier or eczema should also exercise caution.

Common symptoms include redness, itching, hives and swelling. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can escalate to systemic symptoms such as difficulty breathing.

The risk of bacterial contamination is another concern when using raw eggs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella and recommends thoroughly washing hands, utensils and surrounding surfaces after handling raw eggs.

During the preparation of an egg mask, hands or containers can become contaminated, and there is a risk of ingesting raw egg near the mouth. Hygiene is particularly important when the skin has open wounds or when the mask is applied near the eyes and mouth.

Honey, which Kang said she also used in the past, is another ingredient associated with skincare. It contains sugars and various other compounds, and medically processed honey has been studied in wound care. A distinction must be drawn, however, between medically manufactured and managed products and ordinary food-grade honey used at home.

There is no sufficient clinical evidence that an improvised mask combining food-grade honey and egg yolk slows skin aging or improves elasticity. People with sensitive skin are better off choosing products whose ingredients and safety have been verified.

To stay in the top 3%: moisturizing and sun protection matter more than masks

Face masks can help with hydration and skin barrier care depending on their ingredients and how they are used. Leaving a mask on for too long in hopes of boosting its effect, however, can place unnecessary stress on the skin.

A randomized clinical trial published in 2024 in the Journal of Tissue Viability analyzed skin changes in 28 adults based on the type of mask used and the duration of application.

Researchers compared the effects of masks containing water, hyaluronic acid and bifida ferment lysate when worn for 5, 15, 25 and 40 minutes, measuring skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, sebum secretion and skin redness.

Shorter application times produced positive changes, including increased skin moisture levels. As application time lengthened, the likelihood of dryness and redness increased — particularly when a water-only mask was worn for more than 25 minutes.

The researchers concluded that using a sheet mask for less than 25 minutes may be more beneficial for maintaining skin hydration. The appropriate duration varies by product formulation and ingredients, making it important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The AAD recommends products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides for people with dry or sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help draw moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated, while ceramides are key lipid components that make up the skin barrier.

Sun protection is also important for managing long-term skin aging. UV radiation is a primary driver of photoaging — damaging collagen and elastic fibers in the skin and accelerating the development of wrinkles and pigmentation.

A clinical trial published in 2013 in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined the relationship between sunscreen use habits and skin aging in 903 adults under 55.

Researchers divided participants into groups — those who applied sunscreen daily and those who used it only when they felt it was necessary — and followed them for approximately four and a half years. The daily sunscreen group was 24% less likely to show signs of skin aging than the group that used it only occasionally.

The findings show that consistently applying sun protection helps prevent skin aging. The AAD also recommends daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

For those looking to improve their skin, consistently using a moisturizer suited to their skin type while managing UV exposure is advisable. People with sensitive skin should choose products with fewer fragrances and irritating ingredients, and should monitor their skin's reaction when trying new cosmetics.

More important than a temporary tightening sensation or fleeting smoothness is the skin's ability to retain moisture and maintain a healthy barrier. For long-term skin care, choosing ingredients with proven efficacy and making moisturizing and sun protection part of daily life are the most reliable approaches.