On December 11, the former Manchester United star posted an Instagram Story showcasing a carry-on packed with Korean skincare, featuring cult favorites like Torriden sheet masks, ISOI products, eye creams, moisturizers, and serums. Lingard, 31, was preparing to fly back to the UK after playing his final match in the AFC Champions League Elite, where he captained the team and scored the club’s only goal.
But his skincare habits weren’t a surprise to fans who’ve followed his journey in Korea. Throughout his stay, Lingard often shared glimpses of his meticulous skincare routine, both at home and at local spas.
His admiration for K-beauty took center stage in the December 14 episode of I Live Alone, where viewers saw his daily life for the first time. Waking up in a Han River-view apartment, Lingard began his day by gently cleansing his face with wet wipes from OliveX, expressing love for ingredients like retinol and PDRN.
Even post-training, he made time to visit a K-beauty store, carefully reading product labels before picking sheet masks. “Who doesn’t want glowy skin?” he quipped when asked about his criteria.
Lingard’s skincare-packed luggage went viral not only because it broke typical footballer stereotypes, but also because it came at an emotional turning point. After joining FC Seoul in February 2024 on a record-breaking deal, he opted not to renew, citing the desire for a “bigger stage.” His two-year journey in Korea, filled with personal growth and cultural immersion, came to a heartfelt end at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where he thanked fans for their support.
Back in the UK, the midfielder plans to spend the holidays with family before deciding on his next club in January — with a return to European football highly likely.
“Seoul will always have a place in my heart,” Lingard wrote in a parting message.
Still, his skincare enthusiasm also sparked broader conversations about beauty standards and skin health. Dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, in her book Beyond Soap, warns against over-cleansing, which can strip the skin’s natural barrier. She emphasizes a balanced approach: “There’s a difference between being clean enough to avoid disease and being overly clean due to societal pressure.”
As Lingard reinvents himself on and off the field, his devotion to self-care — from fitness to flawless skin — might just be his most unexpected flex yet.
Sources: Znews