10-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

By Aria Delgado | Published May 6, 2025

Korean skincare has taken the world by storm, and for good reason—it’s all about nurturing your skin to look healthy and clear.

If you struggle with acne-prone skin, the famous 10-step K-beauty routine can help calm breakouts, reduce oil, and keep your face glowing without irritation.

Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds! I’ve broken it down into easy steps with tips that work for sensitive, oily, or combination skin prone to pimples. After trying this routine myself and talking to skincare lovers, here’s a straightforward guide to get you started.

Why Korean Skincare for Acne?

Acne-prone skin needs extra care—too harsh, and it gets irritated; too heavy, and pores clog. Korean skincare is perfect because it emphasizes gentle, hydrating products that strengthen your skin barrier while tackling oil and bacteria.

“K-beauty is about prevention and balance, not stripping your skin,” says Dr. Soo Jin Park, a Seoul-based dermatologist. This routine uses lightweight layers to keep your skin happy and clear, with ingredients like tea tree oil, centella asiatica, and niacinamide to soothe and heal.

The 10-Step Routine

1. Oil-Based Cleanser

Start by melting away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. An oil cleanser won’t strip your skin but will clean deeply to prevent clogged pores.

• How to Do It: Massage a small amount onto dry skin for 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.

• Try: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm ($19) – Gentle and non-comedogenic.

• Tip: Use at night; skip in the morning if your skin feels clean.

2. Water-Based Cleanser

Follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser to remove any leftover dirt or sweat. Look for low-pH formulas to avoid drying out your skin.

• How to Do It: Lather a pea-sized amount with water, massage for 20 seconds, and rinse.

• Try: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($12) – Soothes with tea tree oil.

• Tip: Don’t over-cleanse; it can make your skin produce more oil.

3. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)

Exfoliation clears dead skin that can trap oil and cause breakouts, but go easy to avoid irritation. Chemical exfoliants are gentler than scrubs for acne-prone skin.

• How to Do It: Apply a BHA (like salicylic acid) toner or pad after cleansing, avoiding active pimples. Use at night.

• Try: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($35) – Unclogs pores.

• Tip: Start with twice a week to see how your skin reacts.

4. Toner

A hydrating toner preps your skin to absorb the next steps and restores balance after cleansing.

• How to Do It: Pat a small amount onto your face with clean hands or a cotton pad.

• Try: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner ($22) – Calms with centella asiatica.

• Tip: Look for alcohol-free toners to avoid dryness.

5. Essence

Essences are lightweight liquids that boost hydration and help your skin heal, reducing redness from acne.

• How to Do It: Gently pat a few drops into your skin until absorbed.

• Try: Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X ($30) – Brightens and hydrates.

• Tip: A little goes a long way—don’t overdo it.

6. Serum

Serums deliver powerful ingredients to target acne, scars, or oiliness. Niacinamide and tea tree are great for breakouts.

• How to Do It: Apply 2-3 drops, focusing on problem areas, and pat in.

• Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6) – Controls oil and fades marks.

• Tip: Use morning or night, but avoid mixing with strong acids like retinol.

7. Sheet Mask (1-2 Times a Week)

Sheet masks give your skin a burst of calming, hydrating ingredients to soothe active acne or redness.

• How to Do It: Apply for 10-15 minutes, then pat in the leftover essence.

• Try: Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask ($2 each) – Fights acne with tea tree.

• Tip: Pop it in the fridge for a cooling effect on inflamed skin.

8. Moisturizer

Even oily, acne-prone skin needs moisture to stay balanced and prevent overproducing oil. Choose a gel or lightweight cream.

• How to Do It: Apply a dime-sized amount morning and night.

• Try: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($20) – Hydrates without clogging pores.

• Tip: If your skin feels greasy, use less in the morning.

9. Spot Treatment (As Needed)

Target active pimples with a treatment to reduce inflammation and speed healing.

• How to Do It: Dab a tiny amount on breakouts at night after moisturizer.

• Try: Innisfree Bija Trouble Spot Essence ($18) – Soothes with torreya seed oil.

• Tip: Don’t pick at pimples—it’ll make scars worse.

10. Sunscreen (Morning Only)

Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars and redness. Pick a non-comedogenic formula.

• How to Do It: Apply a quarter-sized amount as your last step in the morning.

• Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 ($22) – Oil-free and lightweight.

• Tip: Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outside a lot.

Why This Routine Works

Each step builds on the last to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected without overloading it. “Acne-prone skin thrives on gentle care and consistency,” says Dr. Park. The routine avoids harsh ingredients that can trigger more breakouts and uses soothing actives to calm inflammation. After a month of following this, my own skin felt less oily, and my breakouts were smaller and less frequent. Friends who tried it noticed fewer red spots and smoother texture, too.

Tips for Success

• Patch Test: Always test new products on your wrist or jaw to check for reactions.

• Start Slow: Introduce one new product at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin.

• Stay Gentle: Avoid scrubs or high-alcohol products—they can make acne worse.

• Lifestyle Matters: Drink water, eat less greasy food, and wash pillowcases weekly to help your skin.

• Be Patient: Clear skin takes time—give it at least a month to see results.