Koreans often avoid acne through a comprehensive skincare routine that emphasizes prevention and gentle treatment. This routine is typically more extensive than Western skincare approaches.
Here's a breakdown of key components:
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Double Cleansing: This involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. This ensures pores are thoroughly cleansed, minimizing breakouts.
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Toners and Essences: Toners balance the skin's pH after cleansing, while essences hydrate and prepare the skin for subsequent products. These contribute to a healthier skin barrier, which is less prone to acne.
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Twice Daily Moisturizing: Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Moisturizers help prevent the skin from overproducing oil, a common cause of acne.
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Regular Exfoliation: Weekly exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores, preventing acne formation. However, Koreans generally favor gentle exfoliating methods.
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Sheet Masks: Sheet masks provide concentrated hydration and nutrients to the skin. Many contain ingredients that target acne, such as tea tree oil or centella asiatica. Masks are typically used weekly.
In summary, Koreans emphasize a proactive, multi-step skincare routine that includes thorough cleansing, hydration, exfoliation, and targeted treatments to prevent and manage acne.
