Dehydration
Great picks: Hyaluronic acid, rice extract, squalane, glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides. They help retain moisture, plump the skin, and smooth dehydration lines.
Better avoid: Over-foaming cleansers, drying alcohol, strong fragrances, and mattifying textures that can further dehydrate the skin.
Product recommendations: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Fragrance Free), Dr. Althea Rapid Firm Sculpting Cream
Wrinkles & fine lines
When skin loses elasticity, fine lines can look more noticeable. The key is skincare that supports the skin structure while staying gentle.
Great picks: Retinol alternatives like bakuchiol, peptides, niacinamide, antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, ferments) and ceramides support renewal, promote collagen, and help the skin look smoother and plumper.
Better be cautious with: Harsh scrubs, very strong acids without barrier support, and frequently switching between highly active products.
Product recommendations: HANSKIN Vitamin A Glow Retinol Cream, Purito Seoul Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence, MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence 5X
Sebum & shine
Oily skin can shine quickly, especially in the T-zone. The goal isn’t to remove every bit of sebum, but to regulate it and keep the skin balanced.
Great picks: BHA (salicylic acid), niacinamide, gentle toners, lightweight gel moisturizers and non-comedogenic oils. They help keep pores clear, softly mattify, and still hydrate.
Better avoid: Very occlusive heavy creams, rich oils in thick layers, and aggressive “oil-control” cleansers that leave the skin feeling tight.
Product recommendations: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Acne & blemishes
Breakouts, clogged pores and “maskne” take patience — and skincare that works without being harsh. The goal is to calm inflammation and protect the skin barrier.
Great picks: BHA, Heartleaf, Centella Asiatica, tea tree (moderate dose), niacinamide and zinc. They help regulate sebum, soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Better avoid: Irritating alcohol toners, heavily fragranced products, rough scrubs, and constantly switching active ingredients — it can stress the skin even more.
Product recommendations: AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment, ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Pores & blackheads
Visible pores and blackheads happen when sebum, dead skin cells and sometimes makeup clog the pores. The key: gently dissolve — don’t scrub.
Great picks: BHA, PHA, lightweight clay masks and oil cleansers as part of double cleansing — they keep pores clear and refine the look of skin without drying it out.
Better avoid: Harsh physical scrubs with large grains, constant squeezing, and very aggressive pore strips.
Product recommendations: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, PURITO BHA/PHA Exfoliating Toner
Dark spots & pigmentation
Sun damage, post-acne marks or melasma can make the complexion look uneven. For visibly more even-looking skin, you’ll need patience, consistent SPF, and brightening actives.
Great picks: Niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, rice extract and licorice extract — help gently brighten discoloration and even out skin tone. Daily SPF is a must.
Better avoid: DIY lemon juice, aggressive exfoliation without sun protection, and using too many strong actives at once.
Product recommendations: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, NEOGEN Real Vitamin C Serum, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
Cell renewal & texture
Rough patches, small scars or a dull-looking complexion can happen when skin cell turnover slows down. Gentle but consistent exfoliating can help.
Great picks: AHA, PHA, lactobionic acid, enzyme exfoliants, barrier creams, ceramides and panthenol — smooth the surface and soothe the skin.
Better avoid: Exfoliating too often, layering multiple acids, or strong peels combined with retinoids — it can irritate the skin.
Product recommendations: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask, NEOGEN Lemon Bright PHA Gauze Peeling
Redness & sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can react quickly with redness, warmth or tightness. A minimal routine with maximum soothing ingredients is key.
Great picks: Centella, Heartleaf, panthenol, madecassoside, ceramides and low-fragrance formulas — strengthen the barrier and reduce redness.
Better avoid: Strong fragrance, essential oils, high-percentage AHA/BHA, and harsh rubbing with cloths or pads — anything that further irritates the skin.
Product recommendations: haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner - Free of Alcohol & Fragrance, Anua Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream, Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
