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.
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.