03
The Acne Protocol
Treatment-Forward
Active-ingredient-heavy routine for adult acne and clogged pores. Salicylic acid in the mornings, retinoid alternative at night, niacinamide everywhere in between.
Acne-Prone · BHABHANiacinamide
The Essentials
The minimum routine. Skip nothing here.
01 / CLEANSER
Cleanser
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleanser
Foam · AHA-BHA-PHA · daily
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02 / ESSENCE
Essence
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Salicylic 4% · willow bark · daily AM
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03 / MOISTURIZER
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
Birch sap · light · non-comedogenic
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04 / SPF
SPF
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
SPF50+ PA++++ · non-comedogenic
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The Extras
Optional add-ons. Each has a "when to add" trigger, none are daily-use unless the trigger fits.
01 / TONER
Toner
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Triple-acid exfoliating toner · 3-4× weekly
When to add: add 3-4× weekly for deeper exfoliation; never daily
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02 / SERUM
Serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide · oil regulation
When to add: add daily AM for compounding oil control + post-acne marks
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03 / TREATMENT
Treatment
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Hydrocolloid patches · 24 ct · spot only
When to add: add for active spots, especially overnight
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The biggest mistake in acne routines is stacking too much at once. Pick BHA OR retinoid OR vitamin C, not all three on the same day. Some By Mi's 30 Days Miracle line is the K-beauty entry point for AHA-BHA-PHA exfoliation. COSRX's pimple patches lead their category three years running. Don't skip moisturizer because skin feels oily, dehydrated skin overproduces oil to compensate.