8 Korean Skin Care Products That Help With Acne

The other day I was sitting at a BBQ, speaking with someone about how she had developed super painful cystic acne as an adult. I didn't even believe her — and I told her so — because her skin looked completely clear to me. She told me her secret: Korean skin care products for acne that actually do what they say they will. She said she tried everything to get rid of the recently developed acne, and Korean skin care routines for adult acne were the one thing that worked for her.

She told me that after doing a lot of research she realized that Koreans are really serious about their skincare and the ingredients that can be found in their skincare products are super beneficial to maintaining healthy, clear skin. (It had never even crossed my mind to order products online from another part of the world to treat such a common problem.) Korean skin care products use a lot of natural ingredients that help restore your skin to its normal pH level, which ultimately means that your skin will look and feel its best.

Here are some of the best Korean products for acne-prone skin (from spot treatments to cleansers and everything in between) that you can purchase online and have delivered right to your doorstep.

1. Spot Treat Your Zits With A Stay-Put Patch

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 count) , $5, Amazon

If you have a terrible, painful pimple that just won't go away, your best bet in making it disappear is to use a spot treatment. This little hydrocolloid patch heals blemishes while preventing future breakouts. When applied correctly, the patch will suck up bacteria deep beneath the skin, as well as keep any other bacteria out. They come in various sizes and are subtle enough for daytime use.

2. Cleanse Without Harming Your Skin's Natural pH Balance

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, $11, Amazon

If you can never find a mild cleanser that works, you should be looking for one with a low pH similar to that of skin, Use one that has natural ingredients like tea tree oil, which controls oil and tightens the appearance of pores. Use it in the morning as your only cleanser, and use it at night before bed as a second cleanser. The natural BHA exfoliates skin but won't cause it to dry out.

3. Banish Blackheads With BHA Power

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid , $17, Amazon

One of the best ways to banish blackheads? With a toner made of white willow bark water. Many toners use purified water, but white willow bark water strengthens and hydrates skin while reducing the formation of blackheads. It also contains betaine salicylate, a natural BHA ingredient that helps clear any blackheads you may have. One user said, "After one month of use, my nose pores were much cleaner, my cheeks purged most of the blackheads, and my chin really cleared up."

4. Restore Moisture With Snail Mucin To Keep Skin Smooth

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence , $17, Amazon

It may seem kind of odd, but using an essence with snail secretion can do wonders for your skin. You'll retain moisture and your skin will look and feel smoother. This essence promotes elasticity of skin, all while improving any damage previous skin issues may have left behind. One user said, "Who would have thought that snail slime could be so great?"

5. Heal Breakouts And Fade Post-Acne Marks With This Powerful Sheet Mask

Dr. Jart Micro Jet Clearing Solution Mask Sheet, $16 (5 Pack), Amazon

This sheet mask from Dr. Jart is designed specifically for acne prone skin — which is something that can't be said for most masks out there. The formula contains Salicylic Acid, to gently slough off dead skin cells and clear out pores, as well as tea tree oil, which brings down redness and inflammation naturally. And, you don't have to worry about this mask leaving your skin dry as it also contains Hyaluronic Acid and glycerin to hydrate your skin while treating acne. The generous dose of a B Vitamin called "niacinamide" in this mask helps to improve skin's barrier function over time.

6. Hydrate Skin With This Moisturizer Designed For Use With Acne Treatments

Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisutizing Lotion With Birch Sap, $21, Amazon

One of the biggest skin care mistakes people prone to breakouts can make is skipping moisturizer. Acne prone skin needs hydration too, but it's important to choose a moisturizer that won't trigger breakouts with irritating or pore-clogging ingredients. The very first ingredient in this oil-free moisturizer from Cosrx is birch sap, a natural extract filled with healing properties that are great for acne prone skin. As an added bonus, birch sap is also rich in Vitamin C to help even out the skin and fade post-acne marks. And, this light moisturizer was actually designed to be used along with Cosrx's acne treatment products, and is free of alcohol and fragrance, which can make breakouts worse.

7. Thoroughly Remove Makeup & Excess Sebum With This Award-Winning Oil Cleanser

Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity, $25, Amazon

Washing oily or acne prone skin with oil might not sound like a good idea, but it really is the best way to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum from your pores. And that's thanks to the fact that oil clings to oil, allowing oil cleansers to do a much better job of removing oil-based impurities than regular foaming cleansers alone. And, for an even deeper clean, you can try the Korean double cleansing method, which involves first cleansing with an oil cleanser and then following up with a gentle, sulfate-free foaming cleanser.

While it's a great idea for people prone to breakouts to use an oil cleanser nightly, not all oil cleansers are created equal. Many contain mineral oil, which can clog pores, and irritating artificial fragrances. Banila Co's Clean It Zero Purity is a hypoallergenic balm, which melts into an oil cleanser when you rub it between your palms. This award-winning cleanser is free of mineral oil and other potential acne triggers, and it will leave your skin looking and feeling clean, without drying it out.

8. Deep Clean Pores Weekly With This Volcanic Clay Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $16, Amazon

This volcanic clay wash-off mask works like a magnet for clogged pores, deeply cleansing the skin with volcanic ash, kaolin, and bentonite clay. Apply this mask for 10 minutes once or twice a week, after cleansing and toning, to help draw out blackheads and extra sebum. As with any skin care product, using the product consistently is key, and you should expect to start seeing results in three or four weeks.

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Images: Amazon (8)