The Korean Skincare guide for acne-prone skin

Not all skin is created equal. Since everyone’s skin is different, unfortunately there is not one magical Korean skincare product that will universally heal everyone’s acne. However there are general principles and tips that can help you achieve a blemish-free complexion.

First, choosing the right products that target your specific type of acne, plus for your specific skin type is crucial. And just as important is being consistent with your routine. The best products in the world won’t heal your acne if you use them one night and then sleep in your makeup the next night. It takes time to truly heal blemished skin so give your skin the love and time it deserves. And trust me, your skin will thank you.

Recommended Korean Skincare Routine

Step 1. The Double Cleanse

Cleansing is the first essential step to clear and glowing skin. If you haven’t committed to the double cleanse yet and are still dealing with breakouts, no more excuses. Using an oil-based cleanser is the best way to remove unwanted oils from your skin, like oil-based makeup and sebum. Since those of us with acne-prone skin typically have an excess of sebum, an oil-based cleanser is vital.

Next, follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser. If you deal with oily skin, a foaming cleanser is great.

If you deal with dry or dehydrated skin, a gentle gel cleanser is a great choice. Low pH Gel Cleanser by CosRx is perfect for sensitive skin and also contains tea-tree oil, which has natural antibacterial qualities.

Step 2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a necessary step for clear skin because exfoliating removes dead skin cells. When dead skin cells pile up, your skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, resulting in dry, cracked skin that allows for external bacteria to easily penetrate.

There are two different kinds of exfoliation--manual and chemical. Manual exfoliation relies on bits or beads to scrub away dead skin. The best part of manual exfoliation is the instantaneous freshly-cleaned feeling, but the key for effectiveness is to be gentle! A too vigorous scrub can actually break your skin’s protective barrier, allowing more bacteria to get in and acne to make camp. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week.

Chemical exfoliators rely on acids, typically AHA’s or BHA’s, to rid skin of dead skin cells and deep-seated grime. Don’t be troubled by the word chemical, these acids are naturally-derived and are clinically proven to exfoliate while being gentle enough for even sensitive skin. In fact, chemical exfoliators are ideal for those with sensitive skin because there is no chance of over scrubbing

Step 3. Tone

After cleansing and exfoliating, toning balances your skin’s pH levels and preps it for the next layers of treatment. But the right toner can also do double-duty and help fight acne.

Step 4. Treat

This step is the heart of the Korean skincare routine, potentially including multiple layers. Essences, serums and ampoules all come into play in this step, each treating a specific skincare issue and of course, adding extra hydration. To fight acne, Ohlolly’s top picks come from CosRx.

If whiteheads or hormonal acne are your main concern try  AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. AHA’s are also a great choice if you have damaged and dry skin or skin with hyperpigmentation.

If blackheads are more your concern try BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. BHA’s are oil-soluble, making them a great exfoliator if your skin is more oily.

Be extra careful when mixing chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA. Although these exfoliators are completely safe, even for those with sensitive skin, it’s best to never overdo it. Using multiple products with chemical exfoliants does not mean your skin will heal quicker. Similar to manual exfoliation, too much chemical exfoliation can actually cause your skin to be irritated. Begin by using one chemical exfoliation once a week and slowly increase to two or three times per week.

Sometimes, no matter how religious you are about your skincare routine, a pimple appears. Again, acne pimple patch can save the day with their packed active ingredients these patches never fail to fight blemishes fast. Put on one as soon as you see or feel a pimple and then watch your pimple magically disappear.

Step 5. Moisturize

This step not only adds another layer of moisture but it also locks in the previous layers of treatments. CosRx makes a rich moisturizer that is gentle enough for everyday use and leaves your skin super soft thanks to BHA.

Chose your moisturizer depending on your skin type. If you have normal to dry skin, then go for some heavy moisturizers and if you have normal to oily skin then go for lightweight moisturizer but make sure to check if those are non-comedogenic. 

Step 6. Protect

Protecting your skin from the sun is a step you should never forget no matter what your skin concerns are. Sunscreens are crucial especially if you’re using any products that have chemical exfoliants, like AHA and BHA; (vs. ,) your skin is extra-sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. 

No matter whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, always go for sunscreens which are non-comedogenic so it doesn't clog your pores. 

Contact us at kblisscanada@gmail.com for curated skin care tips and product suggestions based on skin concern.