All of us have experienced some level of acne at one point in our lives, they could have been those small random pesky ones that flare up after too many late nights or those painful clusters and pustules like cystic acne. The lucky ones among us will have said good riddance to the dreaded pimple but some of us still suffer from bouts of adult blemishes.
Fortunately, with the help of Korean skincare and its effective yet gentle ingredients, not only do they assist in keeping skin clear but also healthy, youthful and glowing in the long run.
Here are our best 5 ingredients for acne found in Korean skincare.
Natural Chemical Exfoliants
Don’t be alarmed with the word ‘Chemical’. We as consumers are programmed to think all things chemical are harmful and toxic. The word Chemical derives from anything relating to chemistry, it exists everywhere, even our own bodies.
To put things in perspective Oxygen is a chemical element, one of the most natural elements on earth. So do not be scared, chemicals are in everything and not all bad.
Naturally derived acids from fruits and plants such as Alpha Hydroxy acids, Beta Hydroxy acids and Polyhydroxy acids are the key powerhouse active ingredients that will transform problem skin. Particularly Beta hydroxy acids, which go beneath the surface and clean out your pores.
Alpha Hydroxy and Polyhydroxy acids both help exfoliate the surface, but the latter are made of larger molecules so will not penetrate as far. Perfect for those with sensitive skin prone to irritation.
These chemical exfoliators are naturally derived from botanical sources. Chemical exfoliants are typically leave-on products that don’t require rinsing off. It would generally be used around the toning/essence/serum step after cleansing for maximum effectiveness.
Give these products a go:
Some By MiSome By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Be The Skin BHA+ Pore Zero Serum
Centella
Centella Asiatica, also known as Cica, Tiger grass, Asiatic/Indian Pennywort and Gotu Kola is an effective skincare ingredient for treating acne.
Centella targets three main causes of acne – oiliness, bacteria, and inflammation. It would be the perfect ingredient if it only increased skin cell turnover (easy fix just pair with vitamin C).
Centella is used in all varieties of Korean skincare products from cleansers, toners, essences, serums, masks, moisturisers and even sunscreens. It is rich in antioxidants, very hydrating, contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to control oil production.
Some of our favs are:
Jumiso Have a Good Cream Snail & Centella
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found naturally in milk, eggs, meat and green vegetables. Niacinamide is a fantastic skincare savior, especially for acne prone skin. It has antibacterial properties that make it a very effective treatment for acne caused by clogged pores. It reduces the amount of sebum produced, contains mild exfoliating properties, minimises the appearance of pores and calms redness and swelling.
Niacinamide is also known to assist in fading post acne scarring, helping support a healthy, glowing and blemish free skin barrier.
Get your hands on these must haves:
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is collected from the Melaleuca Shrub native to Australia. The thin clear-yellow oil derived from this plant is a popular remedy for various ailments, widely known as an effective skincare ingredient that helps combat acne. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties assist in reducing the amount and overall severity of many types of acne.
Tea tree oil is another one that’s also known to help reduce the appearance of acne scarring. It is used in many Korean skincare products, especially in the ever so popular pimple patches.
Grab these products that contain the native to Australia powerhouse ingredient:
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
Propolis
Propolis is a slightly sticky substance sometimes confused with honey. It is however a resin that bees produce to build, strengthen and protect their hives. The natural compounds found in Propolis also safeguards the hives and the bees within from parasites and diseases.
In skincare, the antioxidant rich Propolis is used to combat acne, hyperpigmentation, control excess sebum, boost collagen production, reduce redness and inflammation and promote healing. Touted as one of the best ingredients for acne in Korean skincare.
You definitely need this miracle ingredient from these products:
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis & Niacinamide
We have already done the hard yards and tested all these for you, so you don’t have to. GET YOUR GLOW ON with these amazing ingredients. Order them now along with our huge range of Korean Skincare.
Written by Cole