Dermatologist-Approved Acne Treatments You Need to Try! | Popular Korean Skin Clinics in Gangnam, Myeongdong & Hongdae

Many people try to cover up acne with concealer, pop pimples, or rely on home remedies, thinking it’s the best way to handle breakouts. But improper care can actually make things worse, leading to scarring or even more acne. The key to effectively treating acne is understanding your skin type and getting the right treatments. In this blog, I’ll share the best treatments for different types of acne to help you find the right solutions and tackle stubborn breakouts, especially if you’re visiting a dermatologist in Korea!

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Why should I visit a dermatologist for acne treatment?

1. Get the right diagnosis

Everyone’s acne is different, so getting professional advice is key. Korean dermatologists are especially skilled at diagnosing acne based on your unique skin condition, ensuring you get the right care.

2. See real results

Professional treatments deliver faster and longer-lasting results. Whether it’s medication, laser therapy, or another tailored approach, you’ll get solutions that actually work. Regular visits can also help manage sebum production and keep breakouts under control.

3. Fix the root problem

Dermatologist care and consistent skin maintenance do more than just treating the acne. They help regulate oil, clear out impurities, and strengthen your skin barrier. This means you’re not just treating the surface; you’re solving the problem at its source.

Which treatment should I get for my acne?

Regular Skincare

The best way to deal with acne is to prevent it before it starts! Even if you’re not currently struggling with breakouts, regular skincare treatments can enhance the results of your at-home routine. That’s why I’m sharing detailed insights into acne treatments that are cost-effective, deliver noticeable results quickly, and come highly recommended from my own experience.

1. AQUA PEEL

Details	Combining patented water and vacuum technology, it removes waste and follicle mites from pores for deep cleansing while effectively improves dullness, acne, swelling, and other skin troubles.
Recommended for	Those who want regular skin care or have acne and oily skin troubles.
Precautions	As a non-invasive procedure, you can apply makeup immediately after the treatment without redness.
Before/After

2. SKIN BOOSTER

Details	By injecting nutrients into the skin, it helps with skin hydration and recovery. Various components (moisturizing, whitening, firming, etc.) can be injected to resolve skin troubles.
Recommended for	Those who want to improve skin troubles or conditions in a short period.
Precautions	The procedure is slightly painful, and you can request anesthesia. It is recommended to wait about 2 hours to 1 day after the procedure before applying makeup.
Before/After

3. LHALA FILL + BLACK PEEL

Details	Uses ingredients like AHA, BHA, and black vinegar to detoxify, improve, moisturize, and whiten the skin.
Recommended for	For those who don’t have sensitive skin and want to boost detoxification to slow down acne formation.
Precautions	The treatment doesn’t require anesthesia, and you can apply makeup right after. For sensitive skin, it’s best to consult a specialist and choose based on your skin condition.
Before/After

Non-inflammatory Acne (comedonal acne)

Whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples are common forms of non-inflammatory acne. Since they aren’t inflamed, it’s best to avoid popping them yourself and instead use acne-specific ointments. For faster results and healthier skin, visiting a dermatologist for extractions and skincare treatments is highly recommended. Here are some effective procedures to help treat comedonal acne.

1. LDM COMEDONAL ACNE MODE

2. ACNE LASER (NEO BEAM LASER)

Details	The high-power Diode Laser technology uses a specific wavelength to deliver thermal energy to a specific layer of the skin, providing acne treatment effects.
Recommended for	Those who want blackhead reduction, pore tightening effects, or comprehensive acne management.
Precautions	You should stop using toners and cosmetics containing alcohol and apply plenty of regenerative and moisturizing cream.
Before/After

3. SKIN SCALING

Details	This treatment applies mildly acidic medication with effective ingredients for acne, helping to soothe inflammation and calm the skin.
Recommended for	Anyone who wants acne treatment that allows for a quick return to daily life.
Precautions	You can wash your face starting the day after the procedure, and it is recommended to frequently apply moisturizers and regenerating cream as dryness may occur.
Before/After

Inflammatory Acne

When inflammation worsens, acne medications are often paired with extractions or anti-inflammatory injections. To prevent scarring, it's important to include acne scar treatments in your overall care.

1. INFLAMMATION INJECTION

2. GOLD PTT

Details	After using ultrasound to accumulate tiny gold micro-particles in the sebaceous glands and acne bacteria in the dermis layer, a specific wavelength of laser energy is used to selectively destroy the sebaceous glands.
Recommended for	Those who have red, severe inflammatory acne and want to improve skin elasticity
Precautions	Cleansing and makeup are possible 1-2 hours after the procedure.
Before/After

Acne Scars

The right laser treatment can vary depending on the type of acne scars. While immediate results are rare, regular treatments can show great improvement.

1. FRAXEL LASER

Details	This procedure creates small holes in the skin with a fine laser beam to stimulate the dermis, inducing the production of collagen and elastic fibers, helping skin regeneration.
Recommended for	Those concerned with various acne scars, surgical scars, and burn scars.
Precautions	Cleansing and makeup are possible starting the next day after the procedure.
Before/After

2. LASER TONING

Details	This procedure effectively removes melasma and blemishes without irritating the skin by using a laser that only targets melanin pigment.
Recommended for	Those who want to remove dark spots and blemishes caused by acne.
Precautions	Redness or a warm sensation may last for about 2-3 hours after the procedure.
Before/After

3. POTENZA (PUMPING TIP)

Details	Delivers radio frequency (RF) energy to the dermis through micro-needles to coagulate skin tissue.
Recommended for	Those who are worried about acne scars or enlarged pores.
Precautions	Depending on the skin, keratin or troubles may emerge after about 3-4 days, and it is best not to touch them.
Before/After

Comparison for the Treatments

Here's a detailed comparison to acne treatments offered at dermatology clinics! It's best to review the options and select the right procedure for your skin concerns after a consultation.

Treatment Reviews

1. Active-Acne Treatment

I have tried the Active-Acne Treatment option! Here is what's included in this course!

Here is what my skin looks like before the treatment! You can easily see that there are a lot of acne marks and comedonal acne my face. 

After the doctor thoroughly cleansed my face, he began the 'Creamy Skin Treatment.' The process was seamless, and he explained each step clearly. He also explained that the Creamy Skin Treatment focuses on removing skin impurities, which helps make the next steps even more effective!

Next procedure was the BLACKPEEL & LHALA FILL.

This treatment also helps clear out waste from the skin and improves hydration. It’s completely painless and doesn’t cause any irritation.

Once the skincare routine is complete, the doctor puts on medical nitrile gloves and skillfully extracts acne. At Korean dermatology clinics, acne extraction usually comes with an extra charge and limits on how many can be treated. However, the Active-Acne Treatment Package I tried included full-face acne extraction, making it super cost-effective!

Next, we moved on to the acne-specific laser to target acne marks. Before starting, the doctor tested the laser’s energy on his own hand to ensure it wasn’t too strong, preventing any risk of pigmentation.

After the acne extraction and laser treatment, they soothe the skin to reduce irritation.

All the skincare products used during the procedure are available for purchase at Abijou Clinic. If you're interested in maintaining medical-grade skincare at home after the treatment, it might be a good idea to purchase them during your visit!

Next, we continued with EGF care, Cryocell, and LED treatments to boost the absorption of earlier products and address skin dehydration.

After completing all the steps, a mask pack and modeling pack are applied to enhance absorption. The entire procedure took about 1.5 to 2 hours.

After completing the treatment, my skin looked so much smoother and glossier, with most of the redness significantly reduced! The whole process was so relaxing that I even dozed off during the LED treatment!

2. Post-Acne Treatment

I have tried the Post-Acne Treatment option! Here is what's included in this course!

Even though I don’t have major acne issues, the doctor recommended the Post-Acne Treatment to address old acne scars and enlarged pores.

Since Potenza is a minimally invasive treatment, the doctor applies numbing cream before starting. If you're worried about pain, just let them know—they can apply extra anesthesia for your comfort.

After anesthesia, the Potenza procedure begins in about 20 minutes.

Exosomes can also be injected during the Potenza procedure, which helps save a lot of treatment time!

Since it was my first Potenza treatment, I asked the doctor to lower the laser energy slightly to make it more comfortable. The pain was manageable overall!

If you have areas with noticeably larger pores, let the doctor know—they can focus more on those spots during the treatment!

After the Potenza treatment, the doctor will calm your skin and follow up with the 12-minute LDM Dewy Skin Treatment.

The LDM Dewy Skin Treatment takes about 12 minutes and helps soothe irritation from the laser while replenishing skin moisture.

After all the treatments, they finished with a soothing pack and a modeling pack. Lying down the whole time with the electric blanket keeping me warm was so cozy—I almost fell asleep!

At the end, the doctor applied a regeneration cream and sunscreen. the whole process took about an hour.

Your face might look slightly red after the treatment, but it should fade within about 2 hours. The doctor suggests waiting until the next day to wash your face or apply makeup.

After trying the Post-Acne Treatment , I noticed a visible reduction in my pore size after just two days. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re not dealing with active-acne!

I went to Abijou Clinic for the procedures, and the clinic was clean with friendly and professional staff. I really appreciated the free interpretation service, and there were no extra charges for being a foreigner!

All branches are equipped with basic skincare products, hairdryers, and even hair straighteners!

At all Abijou Clinic branches, there’s even an unmanned coffee service where a robotic arm prepares your drink. It’s a fun and unique experience—don’t miss it when you visit for your treatment!

Creatrip Beauty Package

Are you curious about the acne packages introduced above? Creatrip has collaborated with Abijou Clinic for skin treatments! Not only that, if you're also planning on getting a full glow-up during your Korea trip, you could get it all for just under 450 USD! The Creatrip K-Beauty Package includes the scalp treatment, skin treatments, personal color analysis & dental scaling for just 450 USD!

Read more about it here 👇

Tips for Maintaining Clear Skin

The key to managing acne-prone skin is to avoid touching or irritating it too often. After a procedure, it’s a good idea to take a break from exfoliating products for a while. Instead, focus on keeping your skin hydrated, using sunscreen, and sticking to your regular skincare routine. With consistent care, you can reduce breakouts and enjoy healthier, clearer skin! 

If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!