Routine Overview

Korean Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne - Dry Skin

This routine is built for dry skin dealing with hormonal acne (often deeper, stubborn breakouts around the chin and jawline) while preventing the common dry-skin mistake: over-treating until your barrier flakes, stings, and breaks out more. The strategy is simple: gentle low-pH cleansing, hydration that supports comfort, azelaic acid to calm breakouts and redness while helping post-acne marks, a barrier-repair moisturizer to stop dryness-triggered irritation, and daily sunscreen to prevent marks from lingering.

What results to expect (realistic):

• 7-14 days: less tightness and reactivity, calmer redness around active breakouts, skin feels more stable.
• 3-6 weeks: fewer inflamed flare-ups and faster healing of pimples (especially if you avoid picking).
• 8-12 weeks: fewer recurring breakouts and gradual fading of post-acne marks (SPF is the deciding factor here).

The 5 Products (Luxiface catalogue)

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

Why it fits hormonal acne + dry skin: Dry acne-prone skin needs a cleanser that removes buildup without stripping. Stripping triggers irritation, and irritation keeps hormonal acne inflamed longer.

• Low-pH cleansing helps keep the barrier comfortable and less reactive.
• Removes daily impurities without the tight “squeaky clean” feeling.
• Preps skin so toner and treatment apply evenly and feel gentler.

2) Toner: [ImFrom] Rice Toner 150ml

Why it fits dry acne: Dry hormonal acne often looks worse because the skin is dehydrated and dull, making redness and marks stand out. This toner adds hydration and softness so treatment is better tolerated and skin looks more even.

• Hydrates and improves comfort (helps reduce “treatments made me dry” issues).
• Supports a healthier glow so marks and unevenness look less harsh over time.
• Creates a hydrated base so the serum spreads smoothly and consistently.

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

Why this is ideal for hormonal acne on dry skin: Azelaic acid is one of the most dry-skin friendly acne actives. It helps calm inflamed breakouts and redness while also supporting improvement in post-acne marks, without relying on harsh daily exfoliation.

• Helps reduce the look of inflamed breakouts and visible redness.
• Supports clearer texture and fewer repeat breakouts over time.
• Helps fade post-acne traces (PIH) in a routine-friendly way.

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

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

Why it matters: Hormonal acne routines fail when dryness and barrier damage keep triggering inflammation. This moisturizer is the “stay consistent without suffering” step that keeps treatment sustainable.

• Deep moisture support reduces tightness, flaking, and irritation.
• Barrier-lipid support helps reduce reactivity and improves tolerance to treatment.
• Helps breakouts heal with less redness and less lingering discomfort.

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

Why it is non-negotiable: UV deepens post-acne marks and keeps inflammation lingering. Dry skin needs a sunscreen that feels comfortable enough to wear daily, otherwise the routine fails quietly.

• Helps prevent post-acne marks from getting darker and lasting longer.
• Comfortable wear that supports dry skin consistency.
• Protects the results you earn from treatment and barrier repair.

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse for 30-45 seconds with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water (it worsens dryness).
2. Toner: Apply 1-2 thin layers and press gently. Layering beats soaking.
3. Treatment Serum: If you are sensitive or new, use only 2-3 mornings/week at first. Apply a thin layer (start small).
4. Moisturizer: Apply a nourishing layer, especially cheeks and around the mouth.
5. Sunscreen: Apply generously to face and neck. Reapply if outdoors or near strong daylight.

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse gently but thoroughly to remove sunscreen and daily buildup.
2. Toner: Apply 2 thin layers if you feel tightness. Keep it gentle, no rubbing.
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 AM to support overnight recovery.
5. Dry-skin rule: If you feel new tightness or flaking, reduce serum frequency first (do not increase cleansing). Barrier stability clears hormonal acne faster.