No one miracle product can effectively treat, prevent, and maintain oily and acne-prone skin. A foundational acne-focused skincare routine is essential because it helps address multiple factors that contribute to breakouts such as excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.

A foundational acne skincare routine not only treats existing bacteria but also prevents new breakouts, improves skin texture, and reduces the risk of long-term scarring or pigmentation.

The Saranghae Acne 5-Step Skincare Routine is the most effective acne-fighting formula that is safe for sensitive skin.

The Five Key Steps

step 1: Saranghae Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil + Foam Cleanser

Cleansing is the foundation of any acne-fighting regimen. The goal is to remove dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and pollutants from the skin’s surface, which, if left untreated, can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. Saranghae Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil + Foam Cleanser unclog pores, control excess oil and prevents bacterial growth.

A proper cleansing routine normally involves 2 steps, an oil cleansing step and a foam cleansing step. This is because oil binds with oil (sebum) and foaming washes away the excess. Sarangahe Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil + Foam Cleanser combines these two steps into one, providing a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution.

step 2: 2% AHA/BHA Pore Minimizing Exfoliant

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are chemical exfoliants used to treat acne.  AHAs (lactic acid) are water-soluble and primarily exfoliate the skin’s surface by dissolving dead skin cells. They are particularly useful for treating surface-level acne- like whiteheads and improving skin texture.  BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deep into the pores, where they dissolve oil and dead skin cells that may clog the hair follicles and cause acne. Salicylic has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, reducing redness and swelling associated with acne.

For proper treatment, we need BOTH AHA & BHA working together. The optimal concentrations when considering acne prone sensitive skin is salicylic acid at 2% and lactic acid at 1%.

step 3: Advanced Pore Minimizing & Skin Tone Corrective Serum With 10% Niacinamide + 1% Glutathione

The combination of niacinamide and glutathione not only addresses active pimples but also prevents future breakouts by regulating oil production, calming inflammation, minimizing pores, and promoting skin healing.

Anti-inflammatory action: Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which is crucial in calming down active breakouts and minimizing redness and swelling.

Sebum regulation: It helps control excessive oil production, a major factor in the formation of acne.

Minimizes pores: By controlling sebum, niacinamide can also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, often a concern in acne-prone individuals.

Supports the skin barrier: It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing dryness and irritation, which can exacerbate acne.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant made from amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. 

Reduces oxidative stress: Acne can be worsened by free radical damage from environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, reducing their harmful effects.  

Brightens the skin: It can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) that often follow acne breakouts.

Promotes skin repair: Glutathione aids in cellular repair, which can help the skin heal faster after acne-induced inflammation.

step 4: Calm & Glow Snail Mucin Serum 96

Snail mucin has been Korea’s number 1 skincare ingredient for 25 years. It is rich in proteins, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and other compounds that can help the skin heal from existing acne while keeping it hydrated and protected from future breakouts.

Healing properties: Snail mucin promotes wound healing, which helps repair skin damage from acne lesions and reduces scarring.

Hydration: It is an effective humectant, which helps retain moisture in the skin. Proper hydration is crucial to maintaining the skin’s barrier and preventing excessive oil production.

Anti-inflammatory: Snail mucin has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, which can calm irritated skin and reduce redness from active acne.

Step 5: Orora Bioactive Collagen Cream

Many people with oily or acne-prone skin avoid moisturizing because they fear that it will lead to more oil and breakouts. However, proper moisturization is critical in any acne treatment plan. Orora Bioactive Collagen Cream is a lightweight, completely unscented, and non-comedogenic moisturizing cream essential to lock in moisture and seal without clogging pores or causing additional breakouts.

Hydration balance: Orora Bioactive Collagen Cream helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels, preventing it from becoming too dry or oily. Dehydrated skin can trigger more oil production, leading to further breakouts.

Skin barrier support: Moisturizers reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, which is often compromised in acne-prone skin, especially with the use of strong acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.

Helps Balance Skin Microbiome and Heal: Bifida ferment filtrate is a probiotic ingredient derived from a specific type of yeast obtained by fermenting the Bifida bacteria.  It helps sensitized skin become less sensitive to environmental aggressors by strengthening its microbiome. Centella Asiatica is sometimes referred to as tiger grass or gotu kola. It is a powerful antioxidant with noted skin-soothing and healing properties.