My name is Jisoo, and I’m the head of social media at Soko Glam. Today I’m sharing with you the Korean products for acne that keep my breakouts under control.
As the head of social media, I often read through all the comments we get on our Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook posts. For a while, I’ve been reading a lot of requests for an acne skin care routine video, and I thought it was finally time for me to share my own K-beauty journey with the world!
When I was in middle school, puberty hit me like an avalanche, and along with it came super oily, acne-prone skin. I was super desperate to treat the breakouts I had on my forehead and cheeks. I would use all kinds of drugstore acne products, until I realized none of them really worked for me. That’s when I decided to use benzoyl peroxide in my routine, more specifically the Proactiv Acne Treatment Set. It was scary knowing how harsh these ingredients were on my skin, but I didn’t know any better and it did the job. Eventually my acne disappeared in high school, but it came back with a vengeance sophomore year of college.
I’m now almost a year out of college, and it was a year ago that I also discovered K-beauty. Funny enough, I was born in South Korea and would go back every year, but I never knew the value of Korean beauty until joining Soko Glam’s team. It’s always difficult getting started in Korean skincare, because there are just so many choices out. Acne skin care is also a difficult subject, so I never had anyone advise me on how to actually treat my specific skin concerns.
Finding the right routine for my troubled skin is always a work in progress, but let me share with you the products I’ve been using to help treat my acne bumps, specifically the whiteheads on my forehead and cheeks:
Banila Clean It Zero Purity
Oil cleansing is a MUST. For the longest time I thought that oily skin types can’t use oil cleansers, until a coworker told me that oil actually attracts oil. This cleansing balm’s great for my sensitive skin, and it’s super satisfying watching all my dirt and makeup wash off with this product.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser
I’m very picky about cleansers not drying my skin out, because I tend to have dehydrated skin. I particularly enjoy this cleanser because it’s gentle on my skin and the low pH doesn’t strip my skin of natural oils.
Manefit Natural Gift Green Tea Pore Care Sheet Mask
I’m such a sucker for products with green tea because it does wonders to my irritated skin. This hydrogel mask is clean to use and always soothes my face after use. Plus, the kelp-like mask makes for a great selfie.
Neogen Real Flower Cleansing Water – Calendula
This is definitely one of the most unique cleansing waters I’ve come across, and I’m in love with it. Calendula is great for removing excess oils on the skin and this step allows me to triple cleanse and make sure everything is off my face. Did I mention it smells like heaven?
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
If you told me a year ago I’d be using snail mucin on my face, I’d think you’re crazy. But once you hop on the snail train, you’re hooked. I can’t speak enough about the wonders snail mucin has done for my skin. Not only it is super hydrating (and surprisingly non-sticky), but it’s also helped improve my acne scars a lot!
E Nature Birch Juice Hydro Emulsion
I love E Nature as a brand because it’s great for my sensitive skin. Their products are free of artificial fragrances or parabens so I never experience any irritation with use. I still love using a serum to moisturize, even though I have oily skin. The birch juice really hydrates my skin without a heavy feeling.
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Aloe is my sensitive skin’s BFF. Not only does it have amazing soothing and healing properties, but it makes for a great moisturizer because of its lightweight, easily-absorbent texture! This gel is really easy to apply and it has a cooling effect, which I really enjoy.
Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye Cream
I get chronic panda eyes whenever I put on eye makeup, because of my oily lids. So eye cream’s super important to me since I tend to rub my under eyes often. This cream’s extra moisturizing and also leaves a very cooling sensation behind.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen (Day)
I have searched far and wide for a sunscreen that is non-greasy and doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin. This sunscreen is not only super lightweight and moisturizing, but it leaves zero white cast and feels just like a moisturizer on my skin! I can’t even tell I’m wearing sunscreen and it’s the perfect step before putting on makeup.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch (Night)
I’ve tried my fair share of pimple patches, but this is the only one that’s worked for me. An important tip with these pimple patches is that you should use it only when your pimple’s become a whitehead or close to the surface, or if you’ve been bad and popped your pimple!
Personal tip: Before I put on these patches, I take my calendula cleansing water with a Q-tip and wipe the problem area so there’s no other skincare products underneath. This patch not only really helps to conceal my pimples in a sanitary fashion, but it also absorbs all the dirt from my pimples overnight!
So that’s my current skincare routine, but it’s always a work in progress. Treating acne is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and I’m still on a journey to find the best regimen for my specific skin concerns. I think it’s important to have a positive mindset, to actively work towards better skin every day. I’m always open to learning and exploring new ways to improve my skin, and I hope this helped you move towards that step as well!