Acne Bringing You Down? Try This 7-Step Korean Skincare Routine

If you’re one of us – read, people who break out randomly – then you’re right where you need to be. And if you really are one of us, you already know people will tell you a dozen different things and give you so many acne DIY solutions that you just don’t know where to begin and what to follow! Bestie, you’re not alone. Caring for your skin doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming, you see. To help you navigate this endless maze of acne-prone skin nightmare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide which will give you the answers you are looking for.

First Things First – What Is Acne?

It is a very common skin condition where the hair follicles and the oil glands get clogged, leading to cysts and pimples. There are two types of acne:

- Non-inflammatory : These are your run-of-the-mill clogged pores that show up as blackheads and whiteheads. These are the mildest type and easiest to spot and treat. Blackheads have a dark top and can appear flatter against the skin. Whiteheads are small skin-colored bumps.

- Inflammatory: Anything that is red, painful and inflamed, is inflammatory acne. This can range from papules, pustules, nodules and even cysts. Papules are small red bumps, while pustules are small bumps that contain pus. Then, there is also nodules which you can feel deep under your skin and can be extremely painful.

Causes Of Acne

So, what causes these pesky skin conditions? It is usually a combination of factors and it can depend from person to person. Here are a few causes of acne:

• Your follicles are producing too much oil
• Dead skin cell accumulation in the pores
• Bacteria build-up
• Puberty
• Hormonal imbalance
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Using the wrong skincare products
• Unhealthy food habits

How To Prevent Acne

While we can’t control everything, we can control this! Here are a few simple tips to prevent acne from forming and from worsening

• Wash your face twice a day
• Avoid harsh scrubs
• Don’t pick or pop your pimples
• Use safe extraction methods, preferably with a skin expert
• Use non-comedogenic products
• Check your haircare ingredients
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid oily and processed food

Creating the Perfect Korean Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

If you’re tired of listening to people from all around, here’s a definitive guide to saying bye-bye to acne for good! Try this simple 7-step Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin and see actual results!

Step 1: Use a gentle cleansing balm

We hope you already know that you need to wash your face twice a day – and you don’t actually need a realllly harsh cleanser to do it. The Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm glides on smooth and as we know – oil dissolves oil! Plus, it leaves your skin clean while giving it a boost of nourishment. A thorough cleanse should dissolve excess oil, dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells without leaving your skin stripped or stretchy.

Step 2: Double cleanse with a gel face cleanser

To complete your Korean skincare double cleanse, follow up with a water based cleanser to remove any residue left behind on your skin. The foaming gel-based Chialeader Shine Control Face Wash contains brightening orange peel oil that removes all impurities and leaves the skin shine-free yet glowing. It also comes with a built in brush that removes dead skin cells, so you’re combining two steps for one – cleansing and exfoliation!

Step 3: Spot treat

For any active acne, stick a pimple patch over it! It can be a task to stop yourself from touching a zit over and over again. The Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches contain glycolic and salicylic acids to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and help heal the acne faster. It also contains soothing ingredients like cica and tea tree oil, as well as a gentle astringent, witch hazel, which reduces inflammation.

Step 4: Tone and hydrate

This step is crucial as it gives your skin back its lost moisture and preps it to absorb skincare products that follow, a lot more efficiently. It refines skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, giving you smoother, healthier looking skin. Our go-to essence has to be the Mon Cherry Intense Brightening Essence that you can layer on for extra hydration!

Step 5: Prevent acne, dark spots and blemishes

To prevent acne, try the Chialeader Zit Fix Serum which contains a unique blend of salicylic acid, cica and ceramide that work to defend your skin against acne without drying it out. It leaves the skin fresh, mattified and clear. Use daily to see a difference in your skin. Try acne patches to tackle zits, blackheads and whiteheads – just stick a patch if you feel one coming on and stop it in its tracks!

Step 6: Lock in hydration

All of your skincare needs to be sealed in with a good moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. The refreshing Chialeader Oil Control Moisturizer gives you a boost of long lasting hydration which will keep your skin fresh and glowing all day long. Plus, it comes with a unique roller ball applicator that massages your face for optimal absorption.

Step 7: Protect your skin

If you’re going out in the day, the best thing you can do is to slather on a high SPF sunscreen and wait at least 20 minutes before heading out. Make sure the product you are using is non-comedogenic and lightweight so it doesn’t contribute to your acne woes. Don’t skip this step as sun damage can aggravate skin sensitivities, cause dark spots and also cause skin cancer.

At night, give your under eyes a cooling massage and a boost of nourishment and hydration with the Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Undereye Cream which comes with a metal roller ball applicator, giving you refreshed looking eyes – no one will know you stayed up till 3 am!

Acne is tricky yet treatable! Checkout our reads that can help you tackle this skin concern:

Sneaky Causes Of Acne And How To Get Rid Of It

The ‘Maskne’ Struggle is Real! Here's How To Avoid It

Do Acne Patches Really Work?