Routine Overview

Korean Skincare Routine for Acne and Breakouts - Dry Skin

This routine is built for dry skin that still breaks out (because why would skin problems come one at a time). The goal is to clear acne while protecting and repairing the barrier, since over-drying usually leads to more irritation, slower healing, and more breakouts. You get a gentle low-pH cleanser, a calming toner for oil-moisture balance, an azelaic-acid treatment serum (great for breakouts + redness + post-acne traces), a barrier-repair moisturizer to reduce flaking and sensitivity, and a soothing sunscreen to prevent post-acne marks from getting darker.

What results to expect (realistic):

• 7-14 days: less redness and irritation around active spots, reduced tightness and flaking, calmer skin overall.
• 3-6 weeks: fewer new breakouts, faster recovery of pimples, smoother texture (especially around clogged areas).
• 8-12 weeks: more stable skin with fewer flare-ups and less noticeable post-acne marks (daily sunscreen is the deciding factor).

The 5 Products (Luxiface catalogue)

1) Cleanser: [Etude House] SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 250ml

Why it fits dry acne: Dry acne-prone skin needs cleansing that removes buildup without stripping. Over-cleansing triggers barrier damage, and barrier damage makes acne look angrier and heal slower.

• Low-pH cleansing helps keep skin comfortable and balanced.
• Helps remove impurities without the tight “squeaky clean” feeling.
• Supports a calmer base so treatment feels less irritating.

2) Toner: [Anua] Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 250ml

Why it fits: Dry acne is often dehydration + inflammation. This toner adds calming hydration and supports oil-moisture balance so your skin does not swing between “tight” and “breaking out.”

• Soothes visible redness and supports calmer-looking skin.
• Helps maintain oil-moisture balance (important for dry skin that still breaks out).
• Preps skin so the serum applies more evenly and feels gentler.

3) Treatment Serum: [Anua] Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml

Why this is the acne treatment step for dry skin: Azelaic acid is a dry-skin friendly acne active because it helps reduce the look of breakouts and redness without relying on harsh daily exfoliation. The added hydration support helps reduce the “treatment made me dry” problem.

• Helps calm acne-prone skin and reduce the look of redness.
• Supports clearer-looking texture and fewer repeat breakouts over time.
• Helps reduce the look of post-acne traces (PIH) while staying routine-friendly.

Dry-skin pacing: Start 2-3 nights/week for 1 week. If comfortable, increase to nightly. Consider AM use only after your skin stays calm.

4) Moisturizer: [Aestura] Atobarrier 365 Cream Plus 90ml

Why it matters: Dry acne improves faster when the barrier is strong. This moisturizer focuses on deeper barrier support so you can treat acne without triggering flaking, stinging, and rebound irritation.

• High moisture support reduces tightness and flaking.
• Barrier-lipid support helps reduce reactivity and irritation.
• Improves consistency with treatment (and consistency is what clears acne).

5) Sunscreen (AM only): [Cosrx] Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml

Why this is essential: UV exposure darkens post-acne marks and keeps inflammation lingering. A sunscreen that feels comfortable on dry skin is the one you will actually use daily, and that is what prevents marks from becoming long-term.

• High UV protection helps prevent post-acne marks from deepening.
• Soothing, moisturizing wear supports dry skin comfort.
• Protects your progress while breakouts heal and tone evens out.

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse for 30-45 seconds with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water (it worsens dryness).
2. Toner: Apply 1-2 thin layers with palms and press gently. No rubbing.
3. Treatment Serum: If you are new or sensitive, use in AM only 2-3 times/week at first. Otherwise apply a thin layer (1-2 drops) to acne-prone areas.
4. Moisturizer: Apply a nourishing layer, especially on cheeks and around the mouth.
5. Sunscreen: Apply generously to face and neck. Reapply if outdoors or in strong daylight near windows.

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse gently but thoroughly to remove sunscreen and daily buildup.
2. Toner: Apply 1-2 thin layers depending on tightness (layering beats soaking).
3. Treatment Serum: Use 2-3 nights/week initially, then increase as tolerated. Keep the layer thin.
4. Moisturizer: Seal with a slightly richer layer than morning to reduce overnight dehydration.
5. Dry-acne comfort rule: If you feel new tightness or flaking, reduce serum frequency first (do not increase cleansing). Barrier stability clears acne faster.