Sharing what I had conversation with my client ♥️

Getting clogged pores skin currently not dry or itchy.

Her Current routine;

Morning:

1. Anua oil cleanser

2. Man•yo deep pore cleansing foam

3. Haruru toner

4. Goodal Serum

5. SPF round lab birch juice

Night:

1. Anua oil cleanser

2. Man•yo deep pore cleansing foam 

3. Medicube pore pads (1-2 a week)

4. Haruru toner

5. Goodal Serum

6. Illiyoon Lotion

Skincare Notes & Adjustments for Breakouts / Clogged Pores

Here’s a breakdown of what might be causing congestion and how to adjust the routine

🫧 Double Cleansing (Oil + Foam):

Double cleansing is mainly needed at night to remove sunscreen and makeup. If you’re already limiting it to nighttime but still breaking out, there are two possible reasons:

• ⏱️ Not cleansing thoroughly enough — especially during the emulsifying step of the oil cleanser.

• 🫙 Oil cleanser might be clogging your pores — in that case, switching to a cleansing balm or a lighter oil can help.

⸻

💧 Goodal Serum:

This serum is excellent for fading scars and hyperpigmentation, but it can sometimes worsen active breakouts.

• During acne flare-ups, consider skipping it and focus on calming and healing instead.

• You can reintroduce it once pimples have dried, but avoid using it every single day if it seems to trigger more breakouts.

⸻

🫧 Man•yo Deep Pore Cleanser:

This is a deep cleanser, and using it morning and night might be too much — over-cleansing can disturb your skin’s water balance.

• Try switching to a gentler, low-pH cleanser in the morning to keep your skin barrier balanced.

⸻

💦 Illiyoon Moisturizer:

It’s a good moisturizer, but if your skin still feels clogged after simplifying other steps, the texture might be too heavy.

• Consider switching to a gel-type moisturizer that won’t block pores.

⸻

🧪 Lack of Exfoliation or Sebum Control:

There’s no strong chemical exfoliant or sebum-regulating ingredient in the current routine, so dead skin and oil can remain trapped.

• You’re already using the Medicube Pore Pads — try using them 2–3× per week (as long as your skin doesn’t feel dry).

• Alternatively, consider adding a more exfoliating product into the routine to help clear congestion.

⸻

✅ Suggested Routine

🌞 Morning (Simple & Non-Clogging)

1. ✅ Gentle foam cleanser only – skip oil cleanser. (Try something lighter than Man•yo.)

2. ✅ Haruharu toner – optional; skip if your skin doesn’t feel dry.

3. ✅ SPF – Round Lab Birch Juice SPF is great.

⸻

🌙 Night (Target Clogged Pores)

1. ✅ Oil cleanser – only if wearing SPF or makeup. Take more time during cleansing. If pores still clog, try switching to a different type.

2. ✅ Foam cleanser – alternate between Man•yo and a gentler cleanser.

3. ✅ Medicube pads – increase to 2–3×/week if skin isn’t too dry. Leave them on for a few minutes before gently wiping off.

• On other nights, use Haruharu toner only.

4. ✅ Gel-type moisturizer – switch if Illiyoon feels too heavy (you could try Illiyoon Soothing Gel or Iunik calming gel cream or Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream).

⸻

💡 Extra Tips

• Less is more: When skin is congested, simplify the routine. Too many hydrating layers can make clogged pores worse.

• Check oil cleanser ingredients: If it contains heavy esters or mineral oils, it might be leaving a residue. Try switching to a lighter oil (e.g., Skin1004 Light Cleansing Oil) or a balm(Beauty of Joseon Cleansing Balm).

• If it doesn’t improve: Consider adding a salicylic acid cleanser, powder cleanser OR clay mask to help clear clogged pores more.

Disclaimer: These skincare recommendations are for general guidance only. Everyone’s skin is different, so what works wonders for one person may not work the same for you. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or ongoing concerns, it’s always safest to check in with a dermatologist first. Please use any products or routines mentioned at your own comfort and discretion!