[Updated June 27 2023] 7 Step Korean Skincare Routine for Beginners: Acne-Prone Skin Edition

We know how confusing it can be to come up with a whole skincare routine, especially when there are so many steps involved. In this article, we curated an easy-to follow skincare routine for those with acne-prone skin type:

Step 1 - Cleansing

While it is common for many K-beauty routines to include double cleansing (one oil-based cleanser/balm to remove makeup and one water based foam/gel) we consider cleansing collectively as Step One. Eunogo Shop's pick is the iLomys Renew Derm Foam Cleanserwhich uses papaya fruit water, rice extracts, and beta-glucan (research shows that it's 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid) to cleanse your face without stripping it of any natural oils. Stop using cleansers that give you a "squeaky clean and dry" feeling!

Eunogo Shop's Pick: iLomys Renew Derm Foam Cleanser

Step 2 - Exfoliation

Did you know that our skin cells have a turnover cycle of 28 days? That makes it so important to exfoliate the dead skin off your face and let the new cells celebrate their glow up! You can use a mild chemical exfoliator using AHA, BHA or PHA which will gently remove excess dead skin cells, oil and wastes and provide the new baby skin cells more room to “breathe.” Our overwhelming favorite Team pick is Ceramine Botanical Peeling Gel, which you can use to exfoliate 1-2 times per week for acne-prone skin to help increase your glow, slough off unnecessary dead layers, and increase the absorption of your follow-up skincare steps.

Eunogo Shop's Pick: Ceramine Botanical Peeling Gel

Step 3 - Toner

Gone are the days when toner used to be astringent and strip your face of all the oils your skin needs to regulate sebum. Welcome to the modern age of toners, where we use them to calm our skin, give it extra hydration, and even help prime your face so that makeup sets more beautifully! Our favorite toner for acne-prone skin is the Ceramine Dual Balance Solution Toner that helps to normalize the skin condition by lowering the skin temperature and adjusting pH to slightly acidic = healthy skin.

Eunogo Shop's Pick: Ceramine Dual Balance Solution Toner

Step 4 - Spot Treatment

Eunogo Shop's pick for spot treatment goes to the Ceramine Concentrate 2.8, which is a moisturizing aqua balm ointment that soothes and restores skin problems such as acne, excess oil and sebum. Using safe and honest raw materials, it contains three combinations of patented ingredients, Centella Asiatica (CICA) complex, Ceramide and additional plant extracts to care for troubled skin. Use this as a spot treatment for your problem areas and watch the improvement unfold.  

Eunogo Shop's Pick: Ceramine Concentrate 2.8

Step 5 - Sheet Mask

This step that can be done from daily basis to 1-2 times per week, whenever you feel like your skin needs a little extra boost. Please keep in mind that even though you may have oily or acne-prone skin, it is important to hydrate to maintain balance to prevent breakouts and achieve glowing skin. Team Eunogo recommends a plant-based sheet mask like the Ceramine Aqua Chamaecyparis Obtusa Sheet Mask the with immediate soothing and moisturizing effects, to really elevate your routine. Best of all? One box contains 10 sheets making it a great value. Once you’ve finished with the mask please remember to let all the essence absorb before moving on to the next step. Giving your skin a light “tap tap tap” with your fingertips will help absorption and, frankly, feels great. 

Eunogo Shop's Pick: Ceramine Aqua Chamaecyparis Obtusa Sheet Mask

Step 6 - Serum

What is a Serum? In short, a serum contains a concentration formula of active ingredients with a light, easily absorbed consistency. Usually a serum will target a specific skin concern and will be used after toner but before applying moisturizer. For acne-prone skin, Team Eunogo recommends a serum that will address your main skin concern of acne and blemishes. Our go-to pick is the Moisture Aqua Serum that contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract to improve and prevent damaged skin and helpful for mark care as well as Hyaluronic Acid to provide skin protection and antibacterial effect.

Eunogo Shop's Pick: Moisture Aqua Serum

Step 7 - SPF

This step only applies to day time usage! If there is one step you cannot, and we mean CANNOT skip, it is applying Sunscreen on a daily basis. You can read more about it here but please take our word for it: SPF is indispensable. For acne-prone skin Team Eunogo recommends the iLomys Renew Derm No.4 Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++, a three-in-one lightweight sunscreen that delivers strong UV protection, hydration and soothing while leaving skin glowing and protected. The soft and mild texture ensures easy absorption, and does not leave the skin feeling sticky, keeping the skin oil-free for longer periods. Sounds amazing! 

Eunogo Shop's Pick: iLomys Renew Derm No.4 Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++

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