Breakouts get the best of all of us at times, but not all products are made the same when it comes to dealing with different types of acne.
To ensure you effectively tackle acne head on, no matter how or where it appears, we’ve put together our list of Korean Beauty for every breakout. If you’re looking to tackle whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pustules, congestion and more, this is the list you need!
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when pores clog with dead skin cells and sebum. When the clog occurs near the top layers of the skin, whiteheads or blackheads form. Deeper clogs cause pimples and acne cysts.
The Different Types Of Acne
In order to effectively tackle your acne, it’s important to identify what kind of breakouts you have. The key types include blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cystic acne, and bacne.
Blackheads
These develop when a pore is clogged without a layer of skin protecting it. When this happens, the open pore and gunk inside is exposed to air and oxidizes (giving it the black colour we know and hate).
The best method to prevent blackheads is to regularly exfoliate to boost skin cell turnover; thereby avoiding clogged pores altogether!
This is a powerful BHA skin treatment that is designed to prevent the formation of blemishes before they even occur.
Unlike most Western BHA products, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is formulated using betaine salicylate rather than the more common salicylic acid.
We love it because it's not as drying as other BHA products.
Whiteheads:
Whiteheads appear when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, sebum and or bacteria. Got one of those annoying and very awkward pimples brimming with a head that’s white? Hydrocolloid acne patches are the solution.
The Best Products to Use:Subi’s Perfect Pimple Patch help drain whiteheads of their fluid while protecting damaged skin.
These ones are thin enough to wear day and night, so there’s no need to interrupt your treatment if the pimple hasn’t cleared by the next morning.
For best results, make sure you leave your patch on until all the fluid has been drained from the pimple and is picked up by the patch.
You’ll know your patch is ready to be removed when it turns white (this means the pus has been transferred from your skin onto the patch!)
Pustules
A pustule is a bulging patch of skin full of yellow pus. These spots show up when you have some sort of infection your body is trying to fight it off with white blood cells. The result is a mixture of infected fluid and dead white blood cells. When this builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule.
Unlike other types of acne, pustules involve an infection. For this type of acne, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne involves large, red and often very painful breakouts rooted deep within the skin. These breakouts are often infected and can sometimes linger for years causing scarring, amongst other issues. Seeking the advice of a doctor or dermatologist should be your first step, as true cystic acne rarely clears up on its own.
Because most medication for cystic acne involves the use of Vitamin A. Unfortunately, this dries the skin out. As a result, many cystic acne sufferers find their skin turning flaky, dry and sore to the touch. If your treatments have left your skin looking dry and sensitive, try these nourishing products.
Back acne (or ‘bacne’ as it is commonly known), has many of the same characteristics of facial acne, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, red spots, oily skin and even scarring. Lifestyle factors can also contribute, such as working out or having a labour intensive job. Sweat that is left on the skin for too long can often lead to breakouts on the back and body.
Not only does this stellar formula contain 92% of Centella asiatica aka Cica, it also combines Tea Tree Leaf water, Mugwort Leaf extract. In addition it has Rosemary Leaf Oil to quickly soothe skin.
Further, it has a cooling effect on the skin, which feels lovely when skin is sensitive or irritated. There are multiple ways to use this product:
Firstly, across your body;
Secondly, under eyes and face to relieve dryness;
Thirdly, to irritated parts of the skin; and
Finally, to cool the skin down.
The combination of AHA, BHA, and PHA smooths the skin because it removes sebum, skin waste, and dead skin. This assists with textural issues. In addition, triple hyaluronic acid provides rich moisture to the skin.
Blemish Busting Ingredients
In addition to these products, there are a range of ingredients in K-Beauty products that can assist with acne and breakouts. Some of our favourite ingredients include: Tea Tree
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help unblock sebaceous glands and clear up pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Try Tea Tree 95 Essence.
Clay
Perfect for oily skin, clay deep cleanses, makes pores appear smaller and tighter, removes excess sebum from the skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, and enhances skin tone for a more even complexion. Try
Propolis
A natural ingredient from bee resin, propolis reduces the inflammation in breakouts while also ridding skin of bacteria. Try Dr Ceuracle Vita Propolis Ampoule.
Snail Secretion Filtrate
This K-beauty favourite contains skin-friendly antioxidants, proteins, elastin, and glycolic acids. It is especially helpful for blemishes, uneven skin tone and acne scarring. Try APLB Healing Moisture Snail Cream.
Do you have a favourite K-Beauty product for breakouts? Let us know in the comments section!
"In order to effectively tackle your acne, it’s important to identify what kind of breakouts you have. The key types include blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cystic acne, and bacne."
