By Ggot-song Kim, a Seoul-based K-lifestyle curator. With years of personal experience navigating the challenges of oily, acne-prone skin, Ggot-song is dedicated to sharing tried-and-true solutions that truly work.
This bible to Korean skincare for acne is your first step to a new routine.
Fighting acne can feel like an endless war. You try harsh scrubs and drying treatments, only to be left with irritated skin. But K-Beauty starts not by attacking acne, but by understanding and nurturing your skin. As a Seoul-based K-Beauty expert, Ggot-song is here to share the step-by-step secrets of the acne bible!
Step 1 of Korean Skincare for Acne: Double Cleanse Gently
- The Philosophy: The K-Beauty double cleanse is key! An oil cleanser melts away makeup and sebum, while a low-pH foam cleanser washes away impurities from your pores.
- Ggot-song’s Experience: “I used to use harsh, alkaline cleansers, but my skin just got drier and redder. After switching to an oil cleanser followed by a low-pH foam, my sebum was perfectly removed while my skin stayed hydrated! This is essential for oily-combination skin.”
- The Holy Grail Cleansers:
- Oil Cleanser: Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Oil
- Foam Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
The Second Commandment: Exfoliate Smart, Not Hard
- The Philosophy: Don’t damage your skin with physical scrubs. Instead, use a chemical exfoliant like BHA to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells deep within your pores.
- Ggot-song’s Experience: “I used to rub my skin with harsh scrubs and got red spots. After switching to a BHA toner pad for my evening routine, my blackheads gradually faded. Focusing on my nose area made a huge difference!”
- The Holy Grail Exfoliator: medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
The Third Commandment: Hydrate and Soothe
- The Philosophy: Acne-prone skin often produces more oil because it’s dehydrated. Soothe it with lightweight hydration and calming ingredients.
- Ggot-song’s Experience: “I didn’t realize my ‘inner dryness’ was causing more oiliness. Once I started hydrating with a Cica cream and an Eoseongcho (Heartleaf) toner, the redness subsided and my skin texture became smooth. Layering a hyaluronic acid serum doubles the moisture-locking effect!”
- The Holy Grail Soothing Serum: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
The Fourth Commandment: Protect Thy Skin Barrier
- The Philosophy: A broken skin barrier is an open invitation for acne-causing bacteria. Strengthen it by replenishing moisture with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Ggot-song’s Experience: “I used to avoid cream-type moisturizers because I have oily skin, but my oil balance actually improved after switching to a gel cream. The Dr.G Red Blemish Cream has a gel-cream texture that hydrates without leaving any greasy feeling.”
- The Holy Grail Moisturizer: Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
The Fifth Commandment: Target with Precision
- The Philosophy: For active pimples, attack them directly with a spot treatment containing ingredients that quickly calm inflammation.
- Ggot-song’s Experience: “When a pimple pops up, I apply tea tree oil with a cotton swab. But the key is choosing the right texture for your skin type! Use a cream type for dry skin and a gel type for oily skin.”
- The Holy Grail Spot Treatments:
- For Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
- For Oily Skin: FATION Nosca9 Trouble Spot Cream
Beyond the Bottle: Ggot-song’s Lifestyle Tips for Acne
Amazing products are key, but a truly holistic approach to Korean skincare for acne also includes your daily habits. Here are a few lifestyle tips that have made a huge difference for me:
- Change Your Pillowcase Often: Your pillowcase collects oil, bacteria, and old product residue. I change mine at least twice a week to give my skin a clean surface to rest on.
- Diet Matters: While everyone is different, I noticed a significant reduction in inflammation when I cut back on dairy and sugary foods. Focus on antioxidant-rich foods like berries and green tea.
Final Thoughts
Acne care starts with understanding your skin, not just treating it. With these K-Beauty commandments—double cleansing, smart exfoliation, hydration, barrier protection, and precision spot care—you can reclaim your clear, healthy skin!