Treatment-Forward, The Acne Protocol

The Acne Protocol

Treatment-Forward

This routine is active-ingredient-heavy, built for adult acne and clogged pores. BHA in the mornings, a triple-acid toner 3-4 times a week, 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

View on Amazon→

02 / ESSENCE Essence

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Betaine salicylate 4% · willow bark · daily AM

View on Amazon→

03 / MOISTURIZER Moisturizer

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion

Birch sap · light · non-comedogenic

View on Amazon→

04 / SPF SPF

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50

SPF 50 · non-comedogenic · oil-free

View on Amazon→

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

View on Amazon→

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

View on Amazon→

03 / TREATMENT Treatment

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Hydrocolloid patches · 24 ct · spot only

When to add: add for active spots, especially overnight

View on Amazon→

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 cover active spots overnight. Don't skip moisturizer because skin feels oily; dehydrated skin overproduces oil to compensate.