Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine - Oily/ Acne Prone Skin

It's been a while since we last talked about the Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine, but we've been getting feedback that you guys would like something a little more specific and tailored to your skin types. Don't worry; Mermaid's got your back! We'll be exploring how this wholesome (albeit, somewhat tedious) routine can work for everybody, no matter what skin troubles you're facing.

We'll first start off with a skin type that has been highly requested for: oily/ acne prone skin! There could be some reasons why your complexion gets spots more than others or can resemble more of an oil slick rather than healthy and fresh, but one of the biggest causes is due to hormones. They can cause the skin to produce more sebum than it needs, leading to enlarged, clogged pores. The key to treating this kind of skin type is picking products that have soothing and hydrating properties and being sure to keep away from oilier, thicker items. Here is a couple of stuff we recommend plus how to use them to make the most out of your beauty routine!

Step 1: Makeup Removal/ Oil Cleansers
This step is super important, especially when we've been out and about all day. You really want to ensure that your pores aren't blocked with external impurities, so a lightweight oil cleanser like Nature Republic's Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil will help remove that and any makeup you might have on your skin. Make sure you don’t tug too hard on your skin as this could lead to wrinkles showing earlier than they should!

Step 2: Cleanser
Deep cleansing is excellent for making sure your skin is clean from the inside out, and there aren't any residues left on the surface. Opt for a sudsy cleanser like Althea Collection's Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser with ingredients that clean but doesn't dry out the skin too much, and be sure to cleanse in gentle, circular motions as to not irritate or cause more redness to the skin.

Step 3: Exfoliator
Whisking away dead cells helps to renew skin cell turnover, evening out the skin's natural texture and minimizes enlarged pores. Picking a gentle enzyme-based one like Onsaemeein's Yogurt Peeling helps to gently peel away flaky skin without the irritations abrasive scrubs can sometimes have. You'll be left with soft, supple skin minus the stinging.

Step 4: Toner
Toners are great for getting rid of any leftover gunk the cleansers may have missed, plus it helps prep the skin for skincare that's to come. Some By Mi's AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is a gentle exfoliating formula that removes impurities as well as dead skin cells to reveal soft, smooth skin underneath. It also helps control sebum and treat troubled spots too. Saturate a cotton pad and gently wipe onto the face for best results.

Step 5: Essence
Essences treat the skin on a cellular level, so be mindful of the ingredients that go into this one as they'll be one of the core components of the skincare routine. Nature Republic's Super Aqua Max Watery Essence is one that contains deep sea water to cool and hydrate the skin, perfect for soothing those painful red spots.

Step 6: Serum
Once your skin is well and properly prepped, it's ready to take on the big guns: serums or ampoules! For oily or acne prone skin, it's better to stick to serums as ampoules are usually richer and more geared towards dry skin. It's Skin Power 10 Formula PO Effector is a lightweight, quick absorbing serum made with Houttuynia Cordata that helps to regulate sebum production, making this suitable for those with oilier faces.

Step 7: Sheet Mask
Take this opportunity to pick a mask that hydrates deep into the layers of the skin while providing anti-bacterial properties to repair the top surface. A'bloom's Ac-Me-Peach Anti-blemish is made with peach and tea tree extracts to calm irritations and balance the water-to-oil levels for a healthy, nourished complexion.  

Step 8: Eye Product
Eye creams are known to be rich, nourishing formulas for the delicate eye area. However, if your skin is on the oily side even around the eyes, try out Prreti's Be Moist Moisturizing Eye Stick: a lightweight product that treats the delicate area around the eyes without being too heavy and emollient. The stick packaging makes it really handy for travel too!

Step 9: Moisturizer
Two words: light hydration. Choose a hydrating moisturizer that'll lock in all the goodness you've just put on your skin without weighing it down. After all, there's nothing worse than that sticky, heavy feeling while you're halfway through the day. Althea Collection's Skin Relief Calming Cream is made with panthenol and deep sea water to remove redness and fortify the skin's barrier, making it a great way to seal in the skincare routine you've just put on.

Step 10: Sun Protection
Just because you're oily doesn't mean you skip out on being protected. Some By Mi's Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Sunscreen is made with natural, gentle ingredients that don't irritate or further add to the redness. Be sure to slap some on before you head out the door!

Phew! That was quite a bit of information, wasn’t it? We hope this guide helps those of you out there with oily, acne prone skin, and it paves the way for clearer, brighter skin that'll make even a lightbulb jealous! All the products mentioned here are available at Althea's site, so be sure to check them out there. Would you follow this Korean beauty regime on a daily basis? If you do, what are some of your favorite products? Share with us in the comments below!