If there’s a founder making waves in skincare all his own, it’s Paul Baek, the Korean music star turned skincare formulator and CEO of Matter of Fact Skincare.

True to its name, Matter of Fact takes the guesswork out of skincare with streamlined, research-backed products. We’re honored to carry Matter of Fact’s talk-of-the-town Ascorbic Acid 20 vitamin C serum, which has a patent pending on it for its special delivery method.

So, we had to tap Paul for the scoop on how Matter of Fact was born, what makes the Ascorbic Acid 20 so unique, and his very best skincare advice.

1. Tell us about why you decided to found Matter of Fact — was there a specific moment when you knew you just needed to start the company?

I started experiencing acne in my teen years, which made me self-conscious, and that was magnified further when I found myself in front of the camera after signing a record deal in South Korea. 

I was sent to the dermatologist for extractions, kenalog injections, and light treatments. But I didn’t have much guidance when it came to daily care.

This was several years before there were the multiple, wonderful online skincare communities and content creators we have now. I got really lucky, though, and met a veteran cosmetic formulator through an online forum, who was volunteering her time to educate members about cosmetic formulation and research. She became a good friend and a mentor, and later on, my formal instructor.

I left Korean entertainment and went back to school to study business and international studies, and was recruited to work at an early-stage investment firm. It was my introduction to the startup space, and it was incredibly eye-opening. Prior to that, I’d never considered starting a company, and didn’t think I was particularly well-suited to do so. 

Cut to early 2018 and with encouragement from friends and family, plus having enjoyed the topic of skincare and formulation as a personal passion for 10 years, I decided to take the plunge—and founded this company. 

2. Let’s talk about the Ascorbic Acid 20 vitamin C serum. It’s truly something special. What was the inspiration behind this groundbreaking product and what makes it so different?

As a skincare user, I found most vitamin C products required me to choose having 2 out of 3 qualities: excellent stability; high potency (15%+); and elegance (a completely smooth, non-gritty texture). I wanted all 3, and our vitamin C offers just that.

3. What’s the best skincare advice you ever received?

“Balance efficacy with gentleness.” 

I was given this very straightforward but important advice by my dermatologist during my time in South Korea. I have very acne-prone, sensitive skin and I need to remain vigilant in balancing effective treatments for it (and the hyperpigmentation it causes) with gentleness so that I don’t end up with red, flaky, irritated skin. 

4. What’s your best skincare advice for women in their 20’s and 30’s?

Do your best to prevent damage before it happens by protecting your skin from the sun. This isn’t limited to sunscreen usage, but also includes sunglasses, hats, sun-protective clothing, and avoiding excessive exposure.

I’d also recommend finding staple cleansing and moisturizing products that you love using—and that don’t irritate your skin.

If you check both of the boxes above and still have skin concerns, for example breakouts, uneven skin tone, or the first signs of fine wrinkling, consider use of powerful ingredients like vitamin C, hydroxy acids, niacinamide, and retinol. 

5. How about your best skincare advice for women in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and beyond?

All of the advice above applies. In addition, you could consider asking your dermatologist about whether they’d recommend a prescription retinoid to treat signs of photoaging. Not everyone can tolerate them, but for those who can, they can be extremely helpful.

I also think it’s important to be realistic about what skincare can and cannot realistically achieve. Skincare can help with improving the appearance of fine wrinkling and discoloration, as well as helping skin look more hydrated, supple, and radiant.

But for coarse wrinkling, extensive hyperpigmentation, and issues of volume excess or deficiencies (for example, hollowing in the temples or around the eyes), more targeted treatments or procedures performed by your doctor will likely be more gratifying. Think light/laser treatments, Botox, peels, and fillers.

6. What’s your favorite way to unwind?

I am a homebody and love to curl up with a good book. 

7. What’s the best part about your job?

Formulating is, by far, my favorite part. I really enjoy exploring new materials, putting together formulas on paper, testing them in the lab, and iterating over and over again. I find it meditative and calming to make products in the lab.

8. As an entrepreneur, what’s the most powerful lesson you’ve learned?

The most gratifying work is always difficult. Expecting things to be hard has helped me to stay focused and grateful.

9. Tell us about an experience or defining moment that’s influenced your outlook on beauty.

My experience in front of the camera in Korea helped me understand what it feels like to be visually picked apart — in extreme detail — by other people.

I think that kind of thing can easily make you feel very self-conscious, and it’s hard to say “what others think of my appearance doesn’t matter” when it’s literally part of your job to be visually pleasing to others.

After leaving that world, I had to ask myself what I planned on taking from that experience, and thought a lot about what separates healthy self-care from destructive self-obsession.

I think that outlook on healthy self-care has informed a lot of how I try to communicate with others about skincare — helping set realistic expectations, sharing accessible and doable tips, and trying to remind others that they’re often their own worst critic.

Beauty can feel incredibly disempowering—but it doesn’t have to.

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