[Ed note: For those unaware, Korea has a universal, single-payer healthcare system, and in-office treatments are far more affordable than they are in America.]
Skin-Deep Treatments
About five years ago, skin-care technology started to advance, and acne patients started adding laser treatments and radiofrequency-charged microneedling to their weekly visits, Dr. Ban says.
Gold photothermal therapy [or Gold PTT] is a favorite of Dr. Sang Wook Lee, a board-certified dermatologist at Seoul's Yezel Clinic, for treating patients with severe acne. My friend even undergoes this treatment with Dr. Sang and swears by its visible and non-invasive results. Basically, a special serum spiked with gold nanoparticles is layered onto skin. Next, an ultrasound wave device is used to encourage pores to absorb it.
Then, a long-pulsed diode laser, often Vbeam, heats up the gold molecules and, more or less, shrink pores and stop oil production by damaging sebaceous glands — in a good way — while killing acne-causing bacteria. Major studies are just starting to be done on Gold PTT over the past three years, so it isn't available in the U.S. just yet. However, VBeam is widely offered at dermatology offices across the U.S.
Dr. Cho, on the other hand, has personal experience with a more heavy-duty laser for managing her acne: Fraxel, which comes with major downtime. But, "It slows down breakouts for those who constantly get them," Dr. Ban adds.
Injectables are also an option. Of course, cortisone injections are often done at dermatologist offices to help quickly nip cystic pimples in the bud — just as they are done in America. But Korea takes injections several steps further with what is called skin booster shots. [I've explored them in-depth when sharing what the future of K-beauty looks like and when I tried out a few myself.] The most popular one for acne is called Rejuran Healer, according to Dr. Choi Bo Youn, a board-certified dermatologist in Seoul. With the assistance of DNA from salmon, shallow injections of the elixir help balance out oil production and moisture levels. "It also helps with redness and rejuvenating," she adds.
Prescription topical creams are also offered. They are considered the fastest route to clearing up acne, Dr. Choi says. Antibiotic-based ones and Epiduo are the most popularly prescribed in Korea, adds Dr. Ban. The latter is often prescribed in America, too, particularly for cystic acne.
Sticking to It
And, of course, Korea is the home of pimple patches. The small, round hydrocolloid stickers help heal acne without drying it out while protecting skin from further environmental aggravation, Dr. Ko Lamm says. The stickers also keep you from picking at or popping your pimples, Dr. Chang adds. When I'm out to dinner with friends in Seoul or even backstage at a K-pop show, I always see at least one pimple patch on someone's face. They are also easily accessible with numerous racks of them at any store that sells beauty products. Luckily, you can find them just as well in the U.S. lately, thanks to Hero Cosmetics and Soko Glam.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original
The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch
Cosrx Master Patch Intensive
Acropass Trouble Cure
Although most acne stickers aren't medicated, some are infused with gentle-yet-effective anti-inflammatory ingredients, Dr. Ko Lamm mentions. The Cosrx Master Patch - Intensive, which is an essential in my skin-care routine, covers zits with a tea tree oil-boosted blanket, while the Acrosspass Trouble Cure is barbed with painless, dissolvable darts of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides.
The American Acne Way
As mentioned above, as patients, we love a quick fix for our medical issues. Physicians and patients in America, on the other hand, value evidence-based medicine, according to Dr. Chang. They often rely on large clinical studies when recommending acne products. The ingredients that are often put into action in these successful studies are typically benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, despite their drying and irritating side effects, she says.
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect skincare routine for teens, check out our selection of Korean products to keep you blemish-free.
Your teenage years can be a super anxious time, and with puberty, comes skin that doesn’t always behave. As you transition from your teens to your adult years, you’ll notice your skin will be changing too, so you need to find the best skincare routine to tackle those pesky problems like oily pores and blemishes.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the different skincare products available, then a simple and easy regimen from K-Beauty UK could be what you’re looking for.
To help keep your skin clean, moisturised and blemish-free, discover the best Korean products for teenage skin and create the perfect routine for a fresh, healthy face.
Always Start with a Basic Cleanser
The foundation of a healthy skincare regime is keeping your face clean, and that begins with the right cleanser. Whilst some cleansers can be quite intense, for teenage skin, you’ll need something gentle enough to clean your pores without being too abrasive.
The COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a great entry-level cleanser for new skincare regimens. It contains purifying botanical ingredients like aloe vera and mild acids to gently cleanse the skin, leaving it soft and soothed without the tight, drying effect of many cleansers.
Its three-in-one function means that it completely removes all traces of makeup [including waterproof mascara] as well as toning and re-balancing the skin's natural pH level. This cleanser is perfect for normal, sensitive and dry skin, and can be used every morning to keep your skin nice and fresh.
Use Patches to Deal with Pesky Pimples
While pimples are pretty common with teenage skin, they have an annoying habit of popping up when you least want them to! As tempting as it may be to pop your spots, this will leave you with acne scars that can be difficult to get rid of.
Wave goodbye to these blemishes with the COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch. Practically invisible and easily hidden under makeup, these acne patches cling to the skin and make whiteheads, blackheads and picked zits disappear in just a few hours!
Whether sweating at the gym or washing in the shower, the ultra-thin clear hydrocolloid patch will stay on and draw out all the gunk in your pimples while protecting them from bacteria.
Strengthen Skin with a Light Moisturiser
Once your skin is nice and clean and you’ve got all your blemishes under control, the next step is to get your skin moisturised. A good moisturising cream can strengthen skin and tighten its natural defensive barrier, reducing your chances of future acne breakouts.
You’ll want to find a cream that doesn’t clog up your pores, or your skin won’t be able to breathe. Teenage skin can sometimes be uneven and blotchy, so try the SOME BY MI AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream.
This lightweight cream contains a blend of natural tea extract and mild acids to exfoliate and dislodge dead, dull skin cells to reveal a more even tone while minimising pores and blackheads and reducing breakouts. The miracle cream is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, so it can be included as part of your daily, morning and nighttime skincare routine.
Finish Your Skincare Routine for Teens with a Toner
A good toner is a key part of any Korean skincare regimen — just ask the fresh-faced members of K-Pop sensation BTS. The right toner is the perfect end to your cleansing routine — rather than washing it off, it can stay on the face for an extra moisturising [but never greasy!] layer of protection.
If you want an entry-level product to try, the Laneige - Cream Skin Refiner is a great, versatile solution that doubles as a hydrating toner or light moisturiser.
The soft and velvety formula evolves into a watery moisture bomb when massaged into the face, and it effectively calms irritated and acne-prone skin whilst visibly brightening the complexion for a radiant look.
The Cream Skin Refiner also comes in "mist" form, for a refreshing spray to finish your skincare routine, or to have on-the-go to lightly moisturise throughout the day!
So now you have the perfect skincare routine for teens, you can find all the Korean products to create your regimen to keep your skin healthy here at K-Beauty UK.
Ready to start your Korean skincare routine? Discover all the products you need to tackle acne-prone teenage skin and keep your face fresh and clean with skincare solutions from K-Beauty UK.