Routine Overview

Korean Skincare Routine for Acne Marks and Scarring - Dry Skin

This routine is designed for dry skin dealing with acne marks (red/brown leftover spots) and post-acne texture (roughness and early scar appearance). The goal is to fade marks and support smoother texture while keeping your barrier strong, because dryness + irritation makes marks last longer and makes scarring look worse.

What results to expect (realistic):

• 2-4 weeks: less tightness/flaking, calmer skin, and newer post-acne marks start fading slowly.
• 8-12 weeks: clearer-looking tone + gradual improvement in uneven texture with consistent retinol use.
• Reality check: deep/pitted scars rarely disappear with skincare alone, but this routine can improve texture appearance and prevent new marks from becoming stubborn.

Products

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

A low-pH, fragrance-free style cleanser that keeps dry skin comfortable while still cleansing properly. This matters because over-cleansing makes dryness worse, and dryness makes marks look more obvious.

• Gentle cleansing without that tight, stripped feeling.
• Helps reduce irritation triggers that can prolong post-acne marks.
• Preps skin so toner and treatment apply evenly.

2) Barrier Toner: [Laneige] Cream Skin Cerapeptide Refiner 170ml

This is your “dry-skin cheat code” step: a milky toner that supports barrier comfort and hydration so you can stay consistent with treatment.

• Deep hydration from the first step, which reduces dryness-related rough texture.
• Barrier-supporting feel helps improve tolerability of retinol nights.
• Helps skin look plumper and smoother (dryness can exaggerate texture).

3) Night Treatment (marks + texture): [Innisfree] Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 50 ml

This is the core step for improving post-acne texture and helping marks fade more evenly over time. Retinol supports skin renewal, while the Cica-focused base is positioned to be more tolerable for reactive or dry-leaning skin.

• Supports smoother-looking texture (post-acne roughness and unevenness).
• Helps marks look lighter over time as skin renews.
• Works best when introduced slowly and protected with daily sunscreen.

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

A rich barrier cream that helps reduce moisture loss and dryness flare-ups. This is what lets dry skin use retinol without falling apart.

• Deep moisture support to reduce tightness and flaking.
• Barrier-lipid support helps keep skin less reactive and more resilient.
• Improves consistency with retinol by reducing dryness-related drop-off.

5) Sunscreen (AM): [Beauty Of Joseon] Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics 50ml

Daily sunscreen is the deciding factor for acne marks. Without it, marks re-darken and linger longer. This sunscreen is designed to feel like a light moisturizing cream, which is exactly what dry skin needs to stay consistent.

• Helps prevent post-acne marks from deepening and “sticking around.”
• Comfortable, moisturizing finish supports daily wear.
• Protects progress while skin renews with retinol use.

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse gently for 30-45 seconds, rinse lukewarm, pat dry.
2. Barrier Toner: Apply 1-2 layers of Cream Skin (hands or cotton). Press in, do not rub.
3. Moisturizer: Apply Aestura Cream Plus (thin layer, add a bit more on dry patches).
4. Sunscreen: Apply Beauty of Joseon generously to face + neck as the final step.
5. Reapply sunscreen: If outdoors, reapply every 2-3 hours (this is what speeds up mark fading).

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 4)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse thoroughly to remove sunscreen and daily buildup.
2. Barrier Toner: Apply Cream Skin (1-2 layers) to reduce dryness and improve comfort.
3. Retinol (start slow): Apply 1 pump of the Innisfree Retinol Cica Ampoule on fully dry skin. Start 2 nights/week for 2 weeks, then increase only if comfortable.
4. Moisturizer: Apply Aestura Cream Plus to seal everything in. If you get dry easily, do a “moisturizer sandwich” using the same Aestura: thin layer → retinol → Aestura again.