Three types of acne

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Time to read 2 min

Acne is something many of us struggle with, but it is important to understand that not all acne is the same. To be able to choose the right products and methods, you first need to know what type of acne you have. In this week's video, we go through three common types of acne – what distinguishes them, what causes them, and how to best treat them with the help of Korean skincare.

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In this post, we go through three common types of acne,comedonal acne, inflammatory acne, and cystic acne. For each type, we provide tips on which ingredients and products are best suited – and why. All recommendations are based on gentle yet effective Korean skincare, with a focus on soothing the skin, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier without drying out or irritating. Below you can read more about each type of acne and get our best advice on how to take care of your specific skin.














Comedonal acne

This is the mildest form of acne and appears in the form of whiteheads (clogged pores under the skin) and blackheads (open pores with oxidized sebum that turns black on the surface). This type is also called non-inflammatory acne and is usually caused by overproduction of sebum and accumulation of dead skin cells.


How to take care of comedonal acne

  • Use gentle exfoliating ingredients like BHA (salicylic acid) to dissolve clogged pores.

  • Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that do not clog the pores.

  • Ingredients like green tea, centella asiatica, and tea tree are good choices because they are both cleansing and soothing.






Inflammatory Acne

When acne becomes red, swollen, and sometimes painful, it is inflammatory acne. Papules are small, red bumps without pus, while pustules contain pus and can be more visible.


How to take care of inflammatory acne

  • Choose products with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as cica (centella asiatica), mugwort, or propolis.

  • Avoid drying products or harsh scrubs – they can worsen the inflammation.

  • Remember that rebuilding the skin barrier is a key principle in Korean skincare.

💡 Tip! At Koreanbeauty, we offer a special Acne Starter Kit that is perfectly suited for inflammatory acne. Many of our customers have seen clear results within 30 days.






Cystic acne

Cystic acne is the most severe form and occurs deeper in the skin. It often appears as larger, tender lumps and can be persistent and difficult to treat. This type requires both patience and a consistent skincare routine.


How to take care of cystic acne

  • Use products with niacinamide, low-dose retinol, or sulfur, which can help reduce inflammation and balance sebum production.

  • Choose products that are both soothing and targeted – your skin needs care, not stress.

  • Remember that continuity is crucial. Results take time, but a gentle and consistent routine makes a big difference over time.






Summary


Understanding what type of acne you have is an important first step towards clearer skin. When you tailor your skincare to your specific acne type, you give your skin better conditions to recover – and it doesn't have to involve strong or aggressive products. Korean skincare focuses on nurturing and strengthening the skin, rather than fighting it. And that's exactly what your skin needs – especially when it is stressed by acne.


Do you have questions about which routine suits you? Feel free to leave a comment on YouTube or check out our recommended products on the page.

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