The Best Actives for Active Breakouts and Acne-Prone Skin: Korean Skincare Recommendations

Dealing with acne can be a frustrating and ongoing battle, but with the right skincare actives, you can manage breakouts effectively and maintain clearer skin. Korean skincare is known for its innovative and gentle yet effective products, making it a great choice for those with acne-prone skin. In this post, we’ll explore the best actives for treating active breakouts, preventing future ones, and addressing acne scars, along with some top Korean skincare product recommendations.

Key Actives for Acne-Prone Skin

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: This powerful antibacterial agent is highly effective in killing the bacteria that cause acne (P. acnes) and reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, in Korea, benzoyl peroxide products are only available via prescription, but don’t worry—there are other effective alternatives.

   
   

2. Exfoliators (AHAs and BHAs): AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like glycolic acid help exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) like salicylic acid penetrate deeper into the pores, clearing out excess sebum and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. These exfoliators are essential for keeping skin clear and smooth.

   
   

3. Sulfur: Sulfur has antimicrobial properties and is great for spot treatments as it helps dry out pimples quickly and reduce redness.

   
   

4. Retinoids (Especially Adapalene): Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Adapalene is a gentle retinoid that’s particularly effective for acne treatment.

   
   

5. Azelaic Acid: This multi-tasking acid helps reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and brighten post-acne marks. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin, making it a great option for regular use.

   
   

6. Vitamin C: Known for its brightening properties, vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation and can improve the appearance of acne scars over time.

   
   

7. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great alternative to benzoyl peroxide for treating acne. It works well in both spot treatments and daily skincare products.

   
   

8. Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that helps regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. It’s often found in spot treatments to calm and heal blemishes.

   
   

9. Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps regulate oil production, improve the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation. It pairs well with other actives, enhancing their effectiveness without irritating the skin.

Product Recommendations

While benzoyl peroxide may not be readily available in Korea, here are some effective alternatives and other powerful Korean skincare products for daily use and targeted acne care:

• Tea Tree Spot Treatments:

  • SOME BY MI - 30 Days Miracle Tea Tree Clear Spot Oil: A milder option for treating breakouts with tea tree oil.

  • Dr. Jart+ - Teatreement Soothing Spot: A stronger tea tree oil treatment for more stubborn spots.

• Exfoliators + Zinc Spot Treatments:

  • Dr. Althea - 15% Calamine Spot Powder: With calamine (zinc) and salicylic, great to soothe and dry out pimples.

  • COSRX - The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment: A hygienic, effective spot treatment combining exfoliators with soothing ingredients (comes in pre-soaked cotton balls with tweezers to prevent skin to skin contamination)

• Exfoliating Spot Treatments:

  • AXIS-Y - Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment: Contains niacinamide and a powerful anti-inflammatory blend to reduce redness and inflammation.

• Daily Exfoliators:

  • APLB - AHA BHA PHA Centella Ampoule Serum: A mild and calming exfoliating serum perfect for daily use.

  • COSRX - AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner: Combines exfoliators with vitamin C for a gentle, brightening daily treatment.

  • SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream: A soothing cream that gently exfoliates while keeping skin hydrated, also contains a low concentration of tea tree oil

  • SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser: A great option for treating body acne with exfoliating acids and soothing ingredients, has a similar formulation to the face cream

• Sulfur Spot Treatments:

  • So Natural - Yellowcica Spot Powder: Combines sulfur with calming ingredients to quickly dry out blemishes.

  • Ciracle - Red Spot Cica Sulfur Gel: A sulfur-based gel that targets stubborn acne and reduces redness.

• Retinoids for Consistent Use:

  • COSRX - The Retinol 0.1 Cream: A beginner-friendly retinol cream that helps refine skin texture and prevent breakouts.

  • APLB - Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Ampoule Serum: Combines retinol with vitamin C and E for a powerful anti-acne and anti-aging treatment.

  • SOME BY MI - Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum: Features a mix of retinoids for a comprehensive approach to acne and aging.

• Azelaic Acid Regular Use Serums:

  • Cos De BAHA - Azelaic Acid AZ 10 Serum: Contains niacinamide for additional oil control and skin-soothing benefits.

  • NINELESS - A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum: Targets acne and redness with azelaic acid while being gentle enough for daily use.

• Pure Vitamin C for Daily Use (Also Helps with Acne Scars):

  • Purito SEOUL - Pure Vitamin C Serum: A potent yet gentle vitamin C serum that brightens and reduces post-acne marks.

• Tea Tree for Regular Use:

  • Farm Stay - Tea Tree Biome Calming Ampoule: A daily treatment ampoule that soothes and prevents breakouts with tea tree oil.

    
    

• Microneedle pimple patches: while I'll do a more in depth article on pimple patches, it's great to remember that expecially ones with microneedles are a great way to penetrate these actives into the skin

  • RiRe - Red Spot Micro Needle Patch: With salicylic acid, tea tree and zinc.

  • ACROPASS- Trouble Cure Set JUMBO: Infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Final Tips

When using these actives, it’s crucial to always follow up with sunscreen during the day. Exfoliators and retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and unprotected exposure can lead to further damage and dark spots.

Finding the right combination of products for your skin can take time, but with these recommendations, you’re well on your way to clearer, healthier skin. Stay tuned for more articles on the best actives for different skin concerns, and remember, consistency is key!

All the linked products are from Yesstyle, you can save 5% on your order by using my code CLAUDIA252 at checkout!