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Acne is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s usually a melting pot of excess sebum, dead skin cells, and a sprinkle of acne-causing bacteria that turns into breakouts. And to make matters more complicated, diet, hormones, genetics, and stress can also play a role.

But after 15 years of studying, testing, and curating Korean skin care—as an esthetician and cofounder of Soko Glam—I’ve learned that Korean skin care has a much more nuanced approach to acne. K-beauty focuses on supporting the skin barrier and calming acne-induced inflammation, rather than stripping the skin and treating it aggressively. It's an approach that has helped not only me, personally, but also countless others.

This philosophy has become more meaningful to me over time. I dealt with acne as a teenager, and then again in my 30s, and I know that I wasn’t alone, as 50% of adults deal with adult acne. Now that I’m 40, I’m a strong advocate for treating acne with gentle intention, cushioning your skin with the right hydration, medicinal botanicals, and even (mini) bandages for your breakouts.

Calming Medicinal Botanicals

Korean insiders know that soothing ingredients such as mugwort extract and Centella asiatica (commonly referred to as cica) still reign supreme in K-Beauty to help treat inflamed or sensitive skin. Mugwort is another traditional Korean ingredient known to be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It not only reduces visible redness but also helps support the skin’s natural healing process.

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I'm From

Mugwort Essence

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Soko Glam

$40

Ulta Beauty

I’m From’s Mugwort Essence has the most potent mugwort formula (100% mugwort) that helps calm redness and irritation without overwhelming the skin. Your skin will drink it up!

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Neogen

Real Cica Pads

$20

Amazon

$20

Soko Glam

These are a treat for irritated, inflamed, and congested skin. I love sweeping these soft pads across my skin, as the fragrance-free cica formulation gives my skin comfort and hydration.

Intentional Hydration

One of the biggest lessons Korean beauty teaches us is that dehydration can worsen acne. This can seem counterintuitive, especially for oily, breakout-prone skin, but when skin is stripped, it can lead to a cycle of congestion and breakouts. That’s why I turn to lightweight hydrators that can be layered—I’m talking about toners, essences, and lightweight creams that can bring the skin barrier back to life, so that it can be more balanced and keep acne at bay.

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Good Light

Glow Milky Toning Lotion

$28

Amazon

$28

Soko Glam

A classic milky toner that feels as juicy as it looks, this is like a drink of water for your skin—keeping your skin hydrated and looking radiant. You can skin-flood with this toning lotion, which then thankfully layers well under skin care and makeup. (Editor’s note: Good Light is shutting down, so grab this while you can!)

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Superegg

MicroBiome Mist

$56

Amazon (100 ml)

$56

Revolve (100 ml)

$24

Soko Glam (30 ml)

This is a superfine mist I reach for immediately after coming out of the shower or washing my face. It supplies a much-needed layer of hydration infused with fermented yeast and green tea, two anti-inflammatory ingredients that cocoon the barrier with moisture.

Patches to the Rescue

So you have a breakout, now what? Sometimes your path to healing faster and with a lower risk of scarring is to treat your pimple like a wound (because it technically is!). Hydrocolloid patches have been a staple in Korean skin-care routines, long before pimple patches became a global trend. They not only create a protective seal over blemishes, but they also absorb excess fluid, in addition to shielding skin from bacteria, picking, and your grimy hands—all important steps to flattening breakouts pronto.

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The Klog

Soft Shield Pimple Patch

$20

Amazon

$17

Soko Glam

I wanted to make sure that these were one of the most affordable sets on the market. When creating them, we focused on how well they can adhere—so they have beveled edges, making them very thin and discreet. This is key for people like me who want their pimple patches to stay on all day.

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Cosrx

Acne Pimple Master Patch

$33 $25 (24% off)

Amazon (10-Pack)

$6

Soko Glam (1-Pack)

A classic for a reason, these put pimple patches on the map. They are one of the best at absorbing and protecting the skin.

PHAs Over BHAs

If you haven’t gotten the memo by now, gentleness is king when it comes to treating breakouts in K-beauty. Korean products typically focus on exfoliants that have larger molecular sizes or gentler derivatives, so the ingredients don't penetrate as deeply and cause unnecessary irritation. PHAs, such as gluconolactone, are my favorite exfoliants in Korean skin care that can be used daily for acne-prone skin. Willow bark extract, a natural derivative of salicylic acid (which is a BHA), is my favorite ingredient that offers gentle exfoliation without compromising the skin barrier.

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Then I Met You

Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

$38

Amazon

$38

Soko Glam

I formulated this rice-infused cleanser with PHAs so that this second cleansing step can feel intentional and deliver results you can see: clearer and brighter skin after a few weeks of use.

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Some by Mi

AHA-BHA-PHA Miracle Cream

$16

Amazon

$27

Soko Glam

This bouncy, jelly-like miracle cream contains the trifecta of acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) and is cushioned with the right hydrating ingredients (think tea tree leaf water, cica, and madecassoside). Allow it to gently exfoliate while your skin repairs itself at night, so that you wake with congestion-free, clear skin.