Adult Acne: How to Treat It Naturally with Korean Skincare?

Although the high prevalence of acne among adolescents has contributed to the perception of acne as a youth disorder, acne remains a significant problem for many adults.

Post-adolescent acne is indeed a common disorder after the age of 25, more common in women than in men. As with juvenile acne, multiple factors contribute to the development of acne lesions in adult women.

What to do? There are solutions, and K-beauty has proven to be particularly effective in combating acne at any age.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to some of the best Korean acne-fighting products and share the experiences of adult women who have successfully treated their acne with K-beauty. But first, let's briefly summarize how and why acne can also occur in adults.

Common causes of acne in adults (especially women)

Hormonal fluctuations (androgens, menstrual cycle), smoking, and cosmetics can contribute to the formation of comedones in adult women and play a role in the development of acne.

Androgens: Although most adult women with acne have normal androgen levels, there is a link between high androgen levels and acne. Androgens are hormones that can stimulate the growth of the skin's oil glands and can increase sebum production.

The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women is polycystic ovary syndrome, while less common causes include late-onset adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian disorders, and virilizing tumors of the ovaries or adrenals.

Additionally, contraceptives containing pro-androgenic progestins and lacking anti-androgenic estrogens may contribute to the development of acne in adulthood.

Menstrual cycle: Many women with acne notice a correlation between an increase in papules and their menstrual cycle. Sebum accumulation in the sebaceous glands due to a reduction in the size of the pilosebaceous orifice during the premenstrual period has been proposed as one possible cause. However, the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains poorly understood.

Smoking: Several studies have linked smoking to acne in adult women. Although the effects of nicotine on sebum production have been proposed as a potential risk factor, a causal link between smoking and acne has not yet been definitively established.

Cosmetic products: The terms "cosmetic acne" and "ointment acne" are used to describe a link between the use of cosmetic skin or hair products and acne, a phenomenon that has been attributed to the occlusion of hair follicles induced by certain agents contained in these products. This phenomenon may contribute to the insidious and slow development of comedones and, ultimately, inflammatory acne lesions.

Additionally, follicular irritation associated with cosmetic application can lead to the rapid onset of a rash characterized by small inflammatory papules that closely resemble acne vulgaris. However, individual reactions to certain products may vary depending on various factors and individual characteristics.

 

Other factors: Stress, diet, and genetics are considered specific risk factors for post-adolescent acne in women. Some studies have found a link between adult female acne and a history of acne in adolescence, a family history of acne, no previous pregnancy, hirsutism, office work, high psychological stress, and a low weekly intake of fruits, vegetables, or fish.

The Korean routine to follow to fight adult acne

Cleanse your skin not once, but twice!

You may not realize it, but as the day goes on, your skin gets dirtier and dirtier. Sweat, natural oils, pollution, and layers of makeup clog your pores, increasing the risk of developing unsightly acne breakouts. So it's important to cleanse your skin thoroughly, especially if you've been outdoors or have been wearing sunscreen and makeup.

For acne-prone skin, it is highly recommended to cleanse your skin twice. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based makeup and sebum. You can then use a water-based cleanser to gently cleanse the rest of your skin.

Exfoliate your pores

Cleansing your skin doesn't stop with cleansers. To achieve clear skin, you also need to exfoliate. Dead skin cells build up throughout the day, and if you don't remove them, your skin becomes dehydrated. A mechanical exfoliant is more of a scrub, while chemical exfoliants use certain ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs. Find the one that works best for you!

You can easily purchase exfoliating products from Korean brands in our online store. Deliveries are made from Switzerland to all of Europe.

How to (properly) treat your adult acne?

After thoroughly cleansing and exfoliating your skin, it's important to use the right creams and moisturizers to help fight acne breakouts. Korean serums are specifically designed for different skin concerns, so use serums that contain acne-fighting ingredients.

Examples include glyceric acid, AHA, BHA, and salicylic acid. After letting the serums absorb into your skin, apply a rich moisturizer to your face. Not only will this keep your skin hydrated, but it will also help the serums absorb more easily.

Choose a moisturizer that has good oil control, as this helps prevent acne in both adults and teens.

Selection of K-beauty products for acne and pimples

Korean skincare is synonymous with innovation and effectiveness in treating skin imperfections. Thanks to advanced formulas, natural ingredients, and modern technologies, K-Beauty offers a targeted solution for every skin type, including oily and/or sensitive skin, and for every type of problem, including pimples and impurities!

All products featured below are available on our store coreebeauty.com Deliveries to Switzerland and throughout Europe are fast (within approximately two to three days), we already have everything in stock!

1. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - The K-beauty cleansing gel to gently purify

Deeply cleanse your oily skin... but gently! How? With Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser , the cleansing gel specially designed for oily, acne-prone, and blemish-prone skin. Thanks to its balanced pH, Cosrx's cleanser helps maintain the skin's natural balance and improve its texture. After application, you'll discover soft, moisturized skin with fewer impurities!

Key ingredients: Evening primrose flower extract, tea tree oil.

Features: Balancing, cleansing, refreshing.

Who it's for: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and oily skin. Tested and approved to fight adult acne.

Directions: Massage a small amount of gel onto wet skin, then rinse with warm water.

Opinion and experience: I like it for its softness and the feeling of clean and refreshed skin that it provides . Morgane, 22 years old

2. Skin1004 Centella Soothing Cream - The Korean gel cream that balances and refreshes

We know it all too well: with oily skin, spots, and impurities, it's often difficult to find a moisturizer that balances skin's sebum, without leaving an unpleasant greasy film, and that feels refreshing to the touch. Luckily, there's Skin1004 Centella Soothing Cream !

This gel cream has a light and refreshing texture, perfect for rebalancing excess sebum. Formulated with high-quality dermatological ingredients, this cream purifies pores and evens out skin texture. Its formula quickly soothes the skin and provides all-day comfort. After application, your skin will feel fresh, soft, and radiant!

 Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, squalane and niacinamide

Features: moisturizing, purifying, refreshing.

Who it's for: Ideal for oily skin and skin prone to enlarged pores.

Directions: Apply one or two pumps to the face and massage gently until absorbed.

 Opinion and experience: Having oily skin, I can't stand the greasy feeling that most moisturizers leave.

With Skin1004's gel cream, I can be sure of one thing: hydration and freshness at the same time, heaven! " Clara, 31.

3. Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch - K Beauty Acne Patch for Stubborn Pimples

 Cosrx Acne Patch Master is the perfect patch to fight adult acne and stubborn pimples!

Use it for immediate and effective action against blemishes that won't go away. This anti-acne patch adheres well to the skin, protecting inflamed areas and speeding up the healing process. Thanks to salicylic acid and tea tree oil, it helps reduce the size of pimples and fight bacteria, ensuring targeted treatment. Order at a low price from our K-beauty store in Switzerland.

Key ingredients: cellulose gum, polyurethane protective film

Features: protective, effective.

Who it's for: Ideal for those with stubborn spots or skin blemishes.

Directions: Apply the patch to the blemish and leave it on overnight or during the day.

Reviews and experience:

"After applying the patch, I immediately saw an improvement. Finally! " Jennifer, 31.

4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule - The Korean Miracle Face Serum Against Acne

Here is the perfect serum for oily and acne-prone skin : formulated with centella asiatica and flower extracts, it very effectively soothes irritations and reduces skin inflammation.

After application, the skin appears more even, ready to reveal its most beautiful aspect. Its effectiveness has won thousands of hearts around the world, becoming a real trend on TikTok.

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, chamomile flower extract

Features: Soothing, regenerating, moisturizing.

Who it's for: Perfect for oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin in adults and adolescents.

Directions: Apply one or two drops to inflamed areas after cleansing and toning.

Review and experience : “ My faithful ally when acne appears on my skin. Highly recommended. ” Michèle, 36 years old.

FAQ – Treating adult acne naturally with Korean cosmetics

1. Why do we still suffer from acne in adulthood, and what are the main causes?

Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't just for teenagers. Many adult women, especially those over 25, continue to suffer from it.

Several factors can be the cause: hormonal fluctuations (such as excess androgens or variations related to the menstrual cycle), the use of certain contraceptives, smoking, occlusive cosmetics, or even genetic or lifestyle factors.

2. How to integrate an effective K-beauty routine to treat adult acne naturally?

Korean cosmetics offers a multi-step routine specifically designed to purify, soothe, and rebalance skin without stripping it. Double cleansing is essential: an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to remove oil, impurities, and makeup.

Next, regular exfoliation (chemical or mechanical) helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts. The skin should then be nourished with targeted treatments such as serums containing anti-acne active ingredients (salicylic acid, AHA, BHA).

In case of localized outbreaks, Cosrx anti-blemish patches are particularly effective.

3. What Korean products are recommended for fighting stubborn pimples and blemishes?

Korean skincare, known for its effectiveness and gentleness, offers effective solutions for adult acne-prone skin. Some of the most recommended, but not exhaustive, are Cosrx Low pH Cleansing Gel , Skin1004 Centella Soothing Cream, Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, and Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Serum .

These products, available on Coree Beauty , are shipped quickly throughout Europe from Switzerland, with a promise of effectiveness already praised by many users.