How do you take control of your acne? For one Chicago-based teen with combination skin, using gentle and hydrating K-beauty products are key. Read on for her breakout-fighting routine that’s perfect for all ages.
Donna was 13 when her skin erupted in cystic acne. Completely new to skin care and on a budget, it took her some time to find a routine that worked to keep her breakouts under control and combination skin balanced. Since discovering K-beauty, the now 17-year-old and beauty blogger behind The Korean Corner, built an arsenal of skin care favorites. Below, she shares her must-haves.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
“For these dry, cold Chicago mornings I keep coming back to the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($12). It’s one of the only cleansers I have found to be both gentle and effective. Stripping cleansers actually cause me to break out more, so gentle cleansers are the name of the game. For hot, humid summer weather or when my skin is extra oily, I prefer the Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foaming Cleanser ($19).”
Benton Aloe BHA Toner
“Toners have been a game changer for my skin, and the Benton Aloe BHA Toner ($19) in particular is excellent for both exfoliating with BHA while moisturizing with aloe. I also love that it also has snail mucin, which is great for healing acne scars.”
The Klog Snail Mucin Energy Essence
“An oldie but goodie, I bought this essence ($21) years ago because of the simple but incredible ingredient list. I mean, 96% snail mucin? It can’t get much better than that in terms of effectiveness. It’s super moisturizing and with that much snail mucin, you can say goodbye to hyperpigmentation.”
Manefit Honey Nutrition + Vitalizing Mask
“If I’m still feeling a little dry I’ll use a sheet mask. Honey is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, the two conditions that cause acne! After a sheet mask, my skin is usually quenched and I can move onto a spot treatment. If I forget to stock up on sheet masks, after cleansing, I like to take two cotton pads, soak them in green or chamomile tea and then stick them on my cheeks for a few minutes. It works nicely to calm, moisturize, and tighten my skin!”
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
“I’ve tried all kinds of hydrocolloid acne patches and these ($5) remain the best BY FAR. I always have ten of these stocked in my bathroom and my brother and I still run through these like fire. I love the variety in size and if the big ones are too big, I like to cut them in half and they work perfectly! If I could only choose one acne product, this would be it.”
A Humidifier
“If the weather is dry, getting a humidifier will help keep your skin moisturized all day and all night. An underproduction of sebum will force your skin to overcompensate and create too much sebum. Keeping the skin moisturized is critical toward achieving clear, glass skin!”
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