Hormonal acne: how Korean skincare can help regulate and soothe hormone-related breakouts
Hormonal acne affects a large number of people, regardless of age. Between cycle fluctuations, stress, contraception, pregnancy, or seasonal changes, our skin often reacts with outbreaks of inflammatory and painful spots. Fortunately, Korean skincare offers a gentle, progressive, and highly effective approach to soothe inflammation while respecting the skin barrier. With its philosophy centred on hydration, consistency, and soothing ingredients, Korean skincare provides an ideal alternative to calm breakouts while improving the radiance and health of the skin in the long term.
In this article, we explore the origin of hormonal acne, the ingredients to prioritise, and above all, how to incorporate Korean skincare into your routine to achieve balanced and radiant skin.
Why does hormonal acne occur?
Hormonal acne is mainly linked to fluctuations in androgen hormones. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands and increase the production of sebum. When this sebum becomes too thick or mixes with dead skin cells, the pores become clogged. The result: inflammation, painful cysts, red spots, and deep imperfections, especially on the lower part of the face.
Korean skincare tackles the root of the problem: calming inflammation, regulating sebum without stripping, strengthening the skin barrier, and deeply hydrating. Unlike aggressive routines that dry out too much, Korean skincare adopts a balanced approach that avoids rebound effects.
The key ingredients of Korean skincare for hormonal acne
Korean skincare focuses on natural ingredients that are scientifically recognised for their soothing, repairing, and antibacterial properties. Here are the ones to prioritise:
1. The centella asiatica
A must-have in Korean skincare.
Why does it work?
- Soothes redness
- Reduces inflammation
- Accelerates healing
- Strengthens the skin barrier
Ideal in serums, creams or masks.
2. Niacinamide
Very commonly used in Korean skincare, this molecule:
- Regulates sebum
- Refines the pores
- Reduces post-inflammatory marks
- Improves skin texture
Perfect for skin stressed by hormones.
3. Salicylic acid (BHA)
A gentle exfoliant that is very common in Korean skincare.
- Deeply cleanses the pores
- Dissolves sebum
- Reduces active buttons
To be used 2 to 3 times a week to avoid irritation.
4. Tea tree and propolis
These two popular ingredients in Korean skincare:
- Are antibacterial
- Reduce inflammation
- Helps to balance the skin flora
Very useful in cases of cystic hormonal acne.
5. Hyaluronic acid
The Korean skincare routine uses it a lot to maintain well-hydrated skin. Well-hydrated skin = less inflammation and better repair.
How to incorporate Korean skincare into a hormonal acne routine
Here is a simple routine inspired by Korean skincare philosophy:
1. Double cleaning
A pillar of Korean skincare.
- Makeup removing oil to dissolve sebum + SPF
- Gentle cleansing gel to purify without causing irritation
This prevents pore clogging while maintaining the skin's flexibility.
2. Hydrating toner
It prepares the skin and soothes irritations.
Choose a toner based on centella, niacinamide, or green tea (very commonly used in Korean skincare).
3. Targeted serum
For hormonal acne:
- Niacinamide
- Propolis
- Centella asiatica
Korean skincare brands are known for their very lightweight yet powerful serums.
4. Exfoliating treatment (2-3 times/week)
BHA is a classic of Korean skincare: perfect for clogged pores.
5. Moisturising cream
A lightweight cream that does not clog pores is essential. Korean skincare excels here with gel, hydragel, or "water-based" cream textures.
6. Sun protection
Essential every morning.
The SPFs of Korean skincare are known for being lightweight, non-sticky, and perfect for acne-prone skin.
The visible effects thanks to Korean skincare
With a regular routine, Korean skincare can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce excessive sebum production
- Limit hormonal surges
- Improve healing
- Preventing marks and pigment spots
In 4 to 8 weeks, the skin becomes more stable, soft, and radiant.
Conclusion
Hormonal acne requires a gentle yet effective approach. With its philosophy centred on hydration, regulation, and repair, Korean skincare offers an ideal solution to soothe the skin without causing irritation. By incorporating ingredients such as centella, niacinamide, or BHA, Korean skincare helps to achieve healthier skin while reducing hormonal breakouts. With a regular and tailored routine, Korean skincare becomes an essential ally for anyone looking to treat hormonal acne effectively and sustainably.
