Routine Overview

Korean Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne - Normal Skin

Hormonal acne typically shows up as deeper, more stubborn breakouts (often along the jawline/chin) and can come with redness and post-acne marks. This routine keeps things simple: gentle pore-cleansing, calming hydration, a proven all-rounder treatment (azelaic acid), barrier support, and daily SPF to prevent marks from getting darker.

What results to expect (realistic): In 1-2 weeks, skin usually feels calmer and less reactive. In 3-6 weeks, you should see fewer new inflamed breakouts and quicker “life cycle” of pimples. In 6-10 weeks, post-acne marks typically start fading more noticeably (SPF is non-negotiable for this part).

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanse (30-45 seconds), rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Pat on toner (hands or cotton), let it absorb.
3. Apply treatment serum (thin layer, avoid eye corners).
4. Moisturize (pea to almond size, depending on comfort).
5. Sunscreen (2-finger rule for face + neck). Reapply if outdoors.

1) Cleanser: [Anua] Heartleaf Succinic Moisture Cleansing Foam 150ml

This is a smart “hormonal acne friendly” cleanser because it cleans deeply without turning your face into a desert. It helps lift excess oil, buildup, and pore debris so breakouts do not get fed by congestion. Great for keeping pores clearer while still respecting the barrier.

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

Hormonal acne skin often gets irritated easily, especially when you start treating it seriously. This toner focuses on calming, balancing, and hydration so your treatment step works better and your skin stays more stable (less redness, less “angry” feeling).

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

Azelaic acid is one of the best “do-it-all” actives for hormonal acne: it helps calm inflamed breakouts, supports clearer pores, reduces visible redness, and also helps fade post-acne marks over time. The added hydration support helps keep it comfortable for daily use.

Pro tip: Start 3-4 mornings per week for 1 week, then move to daily if your skin feels fine.

4) Moisturizer: [Dr.G] Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream 70ml

Barrier support is the difference between “my acne is improving” and “my face is irritated and breaking out more.” This lightweight soothing cream helps reduce the look of redness and supports recovery so you can stay consistent with treatment instead of quitting after 5 days.

5) Sunscreen: [Anua] Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen 50ml

This is mandatory if you want post-acne marks to fade. Daily broad protection helps stop UV from deepening pigmentation and helps your treatment results show up faster. It is also comfortable for everyday wear, including under makeup.

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanse thoroughly (especially if you wore sunscreen/makeup).
2. Apply toner to re-hydrate and calm.
3. Apply azelaic serum (thin layer).
4. Moisturize to seal hydration and support barrier recovery.
5. Optional: Add a second thin layer of the same moisturizer on jawline/chin if you feel dryness or irritation.

1) Cleanser: [Anua] Heartleaf Succinic Moisture Cleansing Foam 150ml

Night cleansing is where you remove the day’s sunscreen, sweat, and pollution so pores do not stay clogged overnight. Consistency here seriously matters for hormonal acne.

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

Hydration and calming at night helps your skin recover and reduces the chance of over-drying, which can trigger more irritation and breakouts.

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

This supports fewer inflamed breakouts and helps fade post-acne marks over time. If you are using other strong acne actives elsewhere, keep this as your “steady, skin-friendly” treatment to avoid overload.

4) Moisturizer: [Dr.G] Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream 70ml

Locks in hydration and supports a calmer barrier, which is key for hormonal acne routines that actually stick long-term.

5) Sunscreen: [Anua] Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen 50ml (AM only)

Not used at night, obviously. But it is listed in this 5-product routine because it is essential for preventing post-acne marks from lingering longer than necessary.