Korean Skincare Journey

Embarking on My Korean Skincare Journey: Top-Rated Routines for Sensitive & Acne-Prone Skin

For years, I’ve struggled to find the perfect skincare routine that keeps my sensitive, acne-prone skin happy and healthy. After hearing countless success stories about Korean skincare, I’ve decided to take the plunge and commit to a full K-beauty regimen! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be testing out some of the top-rated Korean skincare routines designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin. I’ll be documenting my experience, sharing before-and-after pictures, and giving you the inside scoop on what works (and what doesn’t). I did the research so you don't have to!

What Makes Korean Skincare Unique?

Korean skincare is known for its multi-step approach, focusing on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and long-term skin health rather than quick fixes. Many K-beauty products prioritize natural ingredients and calming formulations, making them a great fit for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin like mine.

The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine (With Acne & Sensitivity-Friendly Products)

I’ll be following this classic Korean skincare routine but tailoring it with products that are highly rated for sensitive and acne-prone skin (linking them incase you want to join me on this journey; if you do join, tag me on IG and let me know how your journey is going @leighann.manross):

**As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

1. Oil-Based Cleanser – Removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. Recommended: Heimish All Clean Balm (gentle and non-comedogenic)

2. Water-Based Cleanser – Washes away impurities left after the oil cleanse. Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (soothing and pH-balanced)

3. Exfoliator (2-3 times a week) – Helps unclog pores and improve skin texture. Recommended: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (gentle on sensitive skin)

4. Toner – Prepares the skin to absorb moisture. Recommended: I’m From Rice Toner (hydrating and calming)

5. Essence – Boosts hydration and skin renewal. Recommended: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (soothing and great for healing acne scars)

6. Serum/Treatment – Targets specific skin concerns like acne or redness. Recommended: Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule (anti-inflammatory and calming)

7. Sheet Mask (2-3 times a week) – Provides extra hydration and nourishment. Recommended: Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask (calms breakouts)

8. Eye Cream – Hydrates the delicate under-eye area. Recommended: Pyunkang Yul Eye Cream (gentle and nourishing)

9. Moisturizer – Locks in hydration and repairs the skin barrier. Recommended: Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream (designed for sensitive skin)

10. Sunscreen – Protects against UV damage and prevents hyperpigmentation. Recommended: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (lightweight and non-irritating)

    
    

Morning Routine (AM)

1. Water-Based Cleanser – Washes away impurities from overnight. Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (soothing and pH-balanced)

2. Toner – Prepares the skin to absorb moisture. Recommended: I’m From Rice Toner (hydrating and calming)

3. Essence – Boosts hydration and skin renewal. Recommended: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (soothing and great for healing acne scars)

4. Serum/Treatment – Targets specific skin concerns like acne or redness. Recommended: Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule (anti-inflammatory and calming)

5. Moisturizer – Locks in hydration and repairs the skin barrier. Recommended: Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream (designed for sensitive skin)

6. Sunscreen – Protects against UV damage and prevents hyperpigmentation. Recommended: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (lightweight and non-irritating)

   
   

   Evening Routine (PM)

   1. Oil-Based Cleanser – Removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. Recommended: Heimish All Clean Balm (gentle and non-comedogenic)

   2. Water-Based Cleanser – Washes away impurities left after the oil cleanse. Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (soothing and pH-balanced)

   3. Exfoliator (2-3 times a week) – Helps unclog pores and improve skin texture. Recommended: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (gentle on sensitive skin)

   4. Toner – Prepares the skin to absorb moisture. Recommended: I’m From Rice Toner (hydrating and calming)

   5. Essence – Boosts hydration and skin renewal. Recommended: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (soothing and great for healing acne scars)

   6. Serum/Treatment – Targets specific skin concerns like acne or redness. Recommended: Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule (anti-inflammatory and calming)

   7. Sheet Mask (2-3 times a week) – Provides extra hydration and nourishment. Recommended: Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask (calms breakouts)

   8. Eye Cream – Hydrates the delicate under-eye area. Recommended: Pyunkang Yul Eye Cream (gentle and nourishing)

   9. Moisturizer – Locks in hydration and repairs the skin barrier. Recommended: Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream (designed for sensitive skin)

   
   

My Plan: Testing & Reporting Back

I’ll be using these products consistently for the next month, documenting my skin’s progress with before-and-after photos, and sharing updates on:

✔️ Initial reactions to each product

✔️ How my skin adjusts over time

✔️ Any improvements in acne, redness, or sensitivity

✔️ Final thoughts on whether this routine is worth the hype

If you’ve ever wondered whether Korean skincare could be the solution to your skin concerns, stay tuned! I’ll be giving you my honest feedback so you can decide if this routine is right for you. Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!

Products I am trying