Kako se riješiti akni: kompletan vodič + najbolja skincare rutina
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, but treating acne-prone skin isn’t about aggressively cleansing or drying it out. A well-balanced skincare routine should help keep pores clear, regulate excess sebum, soothe visible redness and irritation, and support a healthy skin barrier.
In this guide, we explain what can contribute to acne and breakouts, which skincare ingredients are worth looking for, and how to build a complete Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin.
What causes acne?
Acne can develop when several factors occur at the same time, including:
excess sebum production
clogged pores and buildup of dead skin cells
bacteria associated with acne
inflammation
That’s why an effective routine for acne-prone skin should focus on gentle cleansing, keeping pores clear, soothing the skin and maintaining proper hydration.
STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSING
A good cleansing routine is the foundation of skincare for acne-prone skin.
1. Oil cleanser – evening
An oil cleanser helps dissolve sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum and oil-based impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day.
Recommendations:
Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil
beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
Follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
2. Gel or foam cleanser
The second cleansing step removes sweat, dirt and remaining impurities while preparing the skin for the rest of your routine.
For acne-prone skin, look for formulas containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or soothing botanical extracts.
Recommendations:
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Medicube Zero Pore Clearing Capsule Cleansing Foam
Celimax The Real Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
STEP 2: EXFOLIATION
Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent them from accumulating inside pores.
For acne-prone skin, chemical exfoliants such as AHA, BHA and PHA acids are commonly used. BHA, including salicylic acid, is particularly popular in routines for oily and blemish-prone skin.
Recommendations:
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Start gradually rather than introducing several exfoliating products at once. Depending on the product and your skin’s tolerance, exfoliation can usually be incorporated a few times per week.
STEP 3: TONER – soothing & hydration
After cleansing, a toner can provide an additional layer of hydration and soothing care.
For acne-prone skin, ingredients such as Centella asiatica, tea tree, mugwort and madecassoside are particularly popular in Korean skincare.
Recommendations:
MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
STEP 4: TARGETED TREATMENT
This is the step where you can introduce products formulated specifically for concerns associated with acne-prone skin, such as blemishes, excess sebum, uneven skin tone and post-acne marks.
Some of the most popular ingredients include:
azelaic acid
niacinamide
tea tree
soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients
Recommendations:
Purito Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum
Medicube Azelaic Acid Exosome Shot 2000
numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum
Azelaic acid is particularly popular for blemish-prone skin because it can be incorporated into routines targeting both breakouts and the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.
Spot treatments for individual blemishes:
For individual pimples, pimple patches and targeted spot products can be a useful addition to your routine.
Recommendations:
Patch Holic Acne Pimple Spot Patch
Pimple patches also create a physical barrier that can help prevent touching or picking at blemishes.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZER
One of the most common mistakes with oily and acne-prone skin is skipping moisturizer.
Even oily skin needs hydration. Over-cleansing and excessive use of drying products can compromise the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling tight, irritated or dehydrated.
For acne-prone skin, lightweight gel creams and soothing moisturizers are often a comfortable choice.
Recommendations:
Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream
Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream
Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream
numbuzin No.1 Pantothenic B5 Cream
EXTRAS: MASKS & WEEKLY CARE
Masks can be incorporated into your routine once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s needs and the type of product.
Recommendations:
Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Pore Mask
Clay and pore-focused masks are useful when you want to target excess sebum, while soothing masks can be a better choice when the skin feels irritated or stressed.
Don’t forget SPF
If you use exfoliating acids or products targeting post-acne marks, daily sun protection is especially important.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step of your morning skincare routine. Consistent sun protection also helps prevent existing post-acne marks from becoming more noticeable.
Common mistakes when treating acne-prone skin
using too many active ingredients at the same time
skipping moisturizer because the skin is oily
over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers
exfoliating too frequently
picking or squeezing pimples
changing the entire skincare routine too often
forgetting daily SPF
The goal is not to use as many anti-acne products as possible. A simple routine that your skin tolerates well is usually a better starting point.
How long does it take to see results?
Skincare requires consistency, and results will depend on your skin, the products you use and the severity of your breakouts.
Some changes in hydration or skin comfort can appear relatively quickly, while improvements in breakouts, texture and post-acne marks generally require several weeks of consistent use.
Introduce new active ingredients gradually and give your skin time to adjust.
FAQ – Acne skincare
Which skincare ingredients are best for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide are among the most popular ingredients used in skincare routines for oily and blemish-prone skin. Soothing ingredients such as Centella asiatica, tea tree and mugwort can also complement the routine.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. Oily skin can also be dehydrated, so a lightweight moisturizer can help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier without feeling heavy.
How often should I exfoliate acne-prone skin?
It depends on the exfoliant and your skin’s tolerance. If you are new to acids, start slowly and avoid combining several strong exfoliating products in the same routine.
Can I use several acne treatments at the same time?
More is not always better. Introducing too many active ingredients at once can increase the risk of irritation. Add new products gradually and monitor how your skin responds.
What is the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
A good basic routine consists of gentle cleansing, a targeted treatment, moisturizer and daily SPF. Toners, exfoliants, masks and spot treatments can then be added depending on your individual skin concerns.
Final thoughts
The best skincare routine for acne-prone skin doesn’t need to be complicated.
Focus on gentle cleansing, targeted active ingredients, soothing care, hydration and daily SPF. Introduce products gradually, avoid over-exfoliating and stay consistent with your routine.
If acne is severe, painful, persistent or leaves significant scarring, skincare products alone may not be enough and consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.
