Dealing with acne-prone skin can be an uphill battle. Acne is a skin concern that affects many people around the world, whether it’s down to genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle or other reasons. The formation of breakouts, pimples and blemishes is a result of excess sebum and buildup clogging the pores and becoming inflamed. Luckily you’re not the only one tackling this issue and there is hope for acne-prone skin. Below is a compilation of the top 8 skincare essentials to add to your routine for balancing sebum levels, clearing impurities, and banishing those pesky blemishes. Ready to achieve strong, healthy and clear skin? Start your transformation by exploring the picks below.

No. 1

TIA'M - Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TIA'M

The TIA'M Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser has impressed users with its gentle, low-foaming formula infused with Snail Mucin and Azulene. The former ingredient contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating and healing properties, while the latter is an effective redness and inflammation-reducer. They work together in this syrupy, fragrance-free cleanser to remove dirt and impurities while calming and balancing the complexion, sans any stripping, “squeaky clean” sensation.

No. 2

Millford - AC Bubbly Bubbly Wash-Off Pack

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Millford

Acne-prone complexions tend to experience a lot of sebum and dead skin cell buildup. This can be broken down and cleared away with the unique Millford AC Bubbly Bubbly Wash-Off Pack, a Kaolin Clay-based wash-off mask that absorbs excess oils and detoxifies as it smooths out skin texture. Upon application the mask will lightly bubble up and start to pop after 5-10 minutes, which is your sign to massage the creamy formula into the skin before rinsing it away and revealing soft, refreshed skin.

No. 3

ANUA - Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ANUA

If you only nab one thing off of the list, make sure it’s the ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. It blew up on social media and became a fan-fave for good reason: the Heartleaf-enriched toner douses the skin in lightweight but dense hydration, calming irritation and sensitivity in the process. You can splash some product onto cotton pads to sweep the skin or use your hands to gently pat it on; regardless of how you choose to apply it, the lightweight formula is layerable so you can pack on its soothing hydration as many times as you want.

No. 4

COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

Don’t let the slimy texture of Snail Mucin deter you; the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is powerful stuff and you won’t regret adding it to your daily routine. Fans around the world have raved about how this essence has saved their skin, transforming an irritated, uneven complexion into one of radiance and bounce. There’s its key ingredient to thank, as well as hydrating Betaine and soothing Panthenol that heal damaged skin and ups its natural dewiness without clogging pores.

No. 5

PURITO - Clear Code Superfruit Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

If your blemishes are triggering a Code Red response, let the PURITO Clear Code Superfruit Serum relieve you of your skin troubles. The superfruit in question is Noni, a nourishing ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that alleviate breakouts and inflammation. The newest addition to PURITO’s lineup clarifies the skin and controls sebum production, making sure the skin is balanced and soothed. Layer it between skincare steps to support the health of your skin microbiome and bid your breakouts goodbye.

No. 6

Aestura - AtoBarrier 365 Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Aestura

There are a handful of skincare rules we’ll always stick by, one of them being to support and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s responsible for keeping irritants out of the skin and protecting against acne flare ups, and for this the Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream comes in handy. It’s packed with Ceramide, fatty acid and Cholesterol, all of which are significant components in fortifying the skin barrier and sustaining the skin’s hydration levels. The cream instantly boosts the skin’s moisture levels when applied and promises up to 100 hours of hydration.

No. 7

Isntree - Onion Newpair Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

The Isntree Onion Newpair Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++ was made for blemish-prone complexions in mind so every aspect of it is intentional, down to its lilac hue. The key ingredient is 5% Red Onion extract, good for reducing and soothing breakouts while brightening skin tone alongside a Multi Vita Complex. Furthermore, Allantoin boosts the skin’s hydration levels and Glycoproteins create a skin-blurring effect to disguise pores. The purple tint acts as a color corrector for the entire face, canceling out sallowness and unevenness to revitalize your appearance.

No. 8

SOME BY MI - Clear Spot Patch

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

Pimple popping is a big no-go; it’s a surefire gateway to inflicting wounds and damaging the skin. Instead, reach for the SOME BY MI Clear Spot Patch. These handy hydrocolloid patches are intended to be stuck over blemishes on clean and dry skin, allowing them to absorb all exudates and let your skin heal itself. At the same time, they keep the skin clear of external contaminants to minimize scarring and hyperpigmentation. The patches are designed with a thicker center to effectively do its job, while the thin edge adheres seamlessly to the skin.

Which acne-fighting essentials will you be adding to your routine today? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!