IDHOSPITAL

Acne is more than just a common skin condition; it’s a pervasive concern that affects millions of people worldwide, spanning all ages and backgrounds. Despite its ubiquity, the emotional and psychological impacts of acne are profound, influencing self-perception and social interactions. In Korean culture, where skin health is often seen as a reflection of one’s overall well-being, the quest for clear skin has transcended mere aesthetics to become a vital aspect of personal care. This has fueled the development and popularity of advanced skincare practices and products, making Korea a leader in the dermatological world. Understanding acne’s types, causes, and treatments is essential, not only for effective management but also for maintaining one’s mental and emotional health.

Understanding the Types and Causes of Acne

Acne originates from the pilosebaceous units of the skin, which consist of hair follicles and their accompanying oil glands. The primary factors contributing to acne include hormonal fluctuations, excess sebum production, proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation. These factors are influenced by genetics, diet, stress levels, and environmental triggers.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase oil production, leading to acne.
Excess Sebum: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, which can clog pores and provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Bacterial Growth: Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria naturally present on the skin, can overpopulate and cause inflammation, leading to acne formation.
Inflammation: The body’s immune response to clogged pores and bacteria can cause the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions.
Types of acne vary from the non-inflammatory types, such as blackheads and whiteheads, to inflammatory types, including papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Understanding these can help tailor treatment strategies more effectively, employing both preventative and curative approaches that are so well-refined in Korean skincare regimens.

When to be Concerned

Some acne is expected to occur when you are a teenager or young adult, but severe acne can have a bigger impact on your life. People with severe acne can experience low self-esteem and negative thoughts about themselves which may start with appearance-based issues but can connect to deeper psychological things. These issues can be hightened by the customs and rules of where you live, e.g.: whether it is normal to wear face coverings like masks, whether you are allowed to wear makeup in your school or household, and how much emphasis is put on appearance in your society. You don’t even have to have severe acne for it to become a problem that impacts your life greatly. It’s normal for young people to be extra sensitive about the way they look in front of their peers, and whether or not they are seen as attractive by people they are interested in romantically. If someone has been through past traumas, then they may be psychologically primed to catastrophise seemingly mild problems, worsening their mental health. And of course, because acne is mostly seen in people going through hormonal changes like puberty, persistant acne that appears in adulthood (adult acne) is also a daily struggle for many people.

Help from Topical / Over-the-Counter Products

With the right ingredients, a lot of patience and consistancy to stick to a routine, skincare products can help a lot of people reduce or (hopefully) remove acne.
As you are probably aware, Korean skincare has become a worldwide trend lately due to the advanced scientific formulations, innovative ingredients and affordable prices. Oh, and the aesthetic, Instagram-able packaging. But there are so many different products, brands, videos, lists and ingredients, how can you get a grasp on what products would help your skin?
It’s very tempting to just scroll through social media and make purchasing decisions based on the advice of influencers who have gorgeous, vibrant skin. And, while reviews from customers are a good way to evaluate the general opinion of a product, the hard facts are going to come from people who work professionally in the industry such as dermatologists and cosmetic chemists – and you will also be able to find them on social media.

Ingredients you Should Focus on

– Anti-inflammatory, “soothing”, “calming”.
– Actives for Discoloration. “brightening”, “skin tone improving”

Some K-beauty Tips

• Korean skincare is infamous for the “double-cleanse” technique. This is where you first use a cleansing oil or cleansing blam, rinse your face with water, and then use a water-based or foam cleanser. The first cleanse is designed to break down any makeup, suncreen, oils, dirt particles etc, while the second step will wash those impurties away along with any bacteria and dead skin cells. A gentle but thorough clease will help acne a lot better than scrubbing your face until it’s red, painful or tight.
• Hydration is a big part of Korean skincare. If you have oily skin, you may think that more hydration might make it worse, but in fact the oil can be overly produced by the skin because it lacks adequate moisture and hydration. Before your moisturiser you can apply moisturising serums or eccences to get a double hydration boost.
• Avoid fragrenced products. Some people’s skin can become irritated by the fragrences used in some skincare products, and irritation can lead it breakouts. If you’re dealing with skin trouble, you want your skincare to be sterile like an operating theatre rather than fragrant like a garden.
• Always wear sunscreen, even in winter. Some old wives’ tales about acne recommend “drying it out in the sun”. But actually, the UVA and UVB damage that sunlight does to our skin compunds over time and will not only contribute to premature aging but can have a general negative effect on the delicate skin on our faces.
• The use of fermented ingredients is popular in both modern and historical Korean beauty, with many saying that they can increase the bioavailability of active ingredients, provide extra hydration and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Science is still confirming the validity of these claims, but studies on extracts such as green tea and red ginseng suggest that Koreans may well be onto something.
• When you begin to use new skincare products, introduce them to your skin one at a time over the course of several weeks. This means if you have a bad reaction, you know exactly what product caused it.
• Always wash your hands before you wash your face.
• Acne patches, a K-beauty staple, will help prevent further irritating acne by creating a seal over the trouble area which you can put on before bed or in the morning before any makeup.
  

How to Ask for Professional Help

There are so many people who won’t go to their doctor or a dermatologist because “it’s just acne”. However, a good medical practicioner will know that different people have different levels of sensitivity about their appearance, and they should not riducule you if you explain honestly the impact this skin condition is having on your happines and quality of life. Depending on the type and severity of acne, treatment can come in the form of in-clinic treatments, creams or medications.

The World of Korean Dermatology Clinics

In Korea, especially for the working young, visiting a cosmetic dermatologist is common, cheaper than you’d think, and very readily available. There’s no shyness about it “just being acne” here, because everyone is here for aesthetic improvement. In many places outside Korea, seeing a private cosmetic dermatologist is a fanciful luxury of only the rich. But here, thousands of clinics are competing to be as effective, high-tech, luxurious and also cheap as each other. Just like Korea’s plastic surgery industry before it, cosmetic dermatology is also throwing open its doors to medical tourism. With not only translation options available for English, Chinese and Japanese-speaking patients but also for South East Asian and continental European languages as well. For example, ID Hospital’s Dermatology Clinic can call up translators for ten different languages including Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Russian and Arabic.
The world of Korean dermatology clinics is facinating to a first-time visitor. Most will offer the usual range of injectable fillers and anti-aging shots. But other popular treatments include facials, such as the popular Aqua Peel, and lazer treatments to address every manner of skin concern. Not only can you get non-invasive lasers to treat and prevent acne, but also for pitted acne scars, uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Korean acne treatment strategies exemplify a holistic approach to skincare, blending scientific innovation with traditional practices. The cultural emphasis on maintaining pristine skin has propelled the development of products and treatments that address not just the symptoms of acne but also its root causes, including hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors. As we embrace these insights from K-beauty, it becomes evident that effective acne management is a balanced mix of science, patience, and mindfulness. Whether through double-cleansing methods, judicious use of targeted ingredients, or professional dermatological treatments, the secrets of Korean acne care offer valuable lessons for achieving healthier, clearer skin. With these tools and knowledge, individuals can feel empowered to tackle their skin concerns, enhancing both their dermatological health and overall well-being.