Acne Treatment Guide — Choosing the Right Method for Your Acne Type and Managing It While Traveling

Who this suits / What to check first

This guide is for anyone who wants to treat active acne — pimples that keep coming up — at a Korean dermatology clinic. Acne is rarely solved with a single procedure. In most cases it is managed over several weeks to months by calming inflammation, taking care of oil and pores, and adding medication when needed.

• You get red, pus-filled pimples on your cheeks, forehead or chin again and again
• Small bumpy, rice-grain-like acne is making your whole skin texture rough
• You get deep, painful pimples along the jawline or around the mouth before your period or when stressed
• You worry that squeezing pimples will leave marks or scars
• You want to calm your skin within your trip schedule and also take home a plan for aftercare

What type of acne do I have?

The treatment that works best depends on the type. It is common to have several types mixed on one face.

Acne Treatment at Korean Dermatology Clinics

The actual combination is decided by the doctor after an examination. Below are the methods commonly used.

• Extraction: sterilized instruments remove clogged comedones and pus to help keep inflammation from spreading.
• Anti-inflammatory injection: a small amount of medication is injected directly into a large, painful pimple to quickly reduce swelling and pain. Frequent or heavy injections can make the skin sink in, so the doctor adjusts the amount and number of injections.
• Scaling/peels: clears dead skin and oil to reduce clogged pores. Often used for small bumpy acne and rough skin texture.
• Follicle radiofrequency (AGNES, etc.): very fine insulated needles are placed inside the follicle and deliver radiofrequency energy, the idea being to selectively reduce the oil glands behind recurring acne.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): a light-sensitive medication is applied and then light is shone on the skin to reduce oil glands and acne bacteria. You must strictly avoid sunlight for a period afterward, so be sure to discuss it against your trip schedule.
• Laser/toning: used alongside other treatments to calm inflammation and redness and to fade the red or brown marks left after acne.
• Medication: topical and oral medication are the foundation of acne treatment. Use them only after an examination and with a doctor's prescription.

Comparing Treatments — Which Fits Your Trip?

Main Treatment Comparison

Oral and Topical Medication — Always by Doctor's Prescription

Acne medications work well, and they also come with clear cautions. Use every medication only after an examination and with a doctor's prescription; do not buy it on your own or use someone else's.

• Topical medication: ingredients that clear dead skin and reduce clogged pores, and ingredients that reduce acne bacteria and inflammation, are used. They can cause dryness and stinging at first, so be sure to get instructions on how to use them.
• Oral antibiotics: sometimes used for a set period for inflammatory acne. It is important to follow the period and dose your doctor sets.
• Oral vitamin A derivatives (isotretinoin class): a strong medication used for severe acne that requires regular visits and monitoring.
• Hormone-related medication: sometimes used for jawline acne at the doctor's discretion.

Short Trip vs. Repeat Visits — A Realistic Plan

Short trip (3–5 days)

• Day 1
  Consultation and diagnosis → a quick-recovery treatment such as extraction and anti-inflammatory injection or scaling + soothing care
• Days 2–3
  Once the red dots settle you can go sightseeing. If needed, a follow-up check and a light laser
• Before you leave
  Home care instructions and the treatment direction going forward; progress shared by photo

Repeat visits (every 2–4 weeks or each season)

1. First visit: diagnosis + inflammation treatment to calm your current condition.
2. Next visit: depending on your response, follicle radiofrequency, peels, lasers, etc. are added step by step.
3. Maintenance: once the acne is stable, you continue with mark care and recurrence prevention.

Treatment Day Step by Step

1. 1
   Check-in and consultation (about 20–30 minutes): we confirm your acne type, any medication you are taking, pregnancy status and trip schedule, and decide today's treatment. Your manager interprets.
2. 2
   Cleansing and photostaking before photos makes it easy to compare at your next visit.
3. 3
   Treatment (15–60 minutes)extraction and anti-inflammatory injection, scaling, laser and so on, in the planned order. For follicle radiofrequency, numbing cream is often applied first.
4. 4
   Soothing carefinished with cooling and a calming cream.
5. 5
   Aftercare instructionsyou are told how to do home care, how to use any prescribed medication, and the next schedule.

Cautions While Traveling and Bringing Prescription Medication

• For 1–2 days after treatment, avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, swimming pools, alcohol and strenuous exercise. Heat and sweat can make inflammation flare up again.
• If you had photodynamic therapy (PDT), you must strictly avoid sunlight and strong indoor lighting for the period you are told. If your itinerary is mostly outdoor sightseeing, ask about other methods.
• Most people can fly from the next day. Cabin air is dry, so bring a gentle moisturizer.
• If you bring your usual acne medication to Korea, carry the prescription or an English medical certificate and keep it in its original packaging. Import rules differ by country, so check before you leave.

Avoiding Scars and Marks

Acne scars form more easily the deeper and longer the inflammation lasts, and the more you squeeze or pick. Taking good care during the active acne stage is the best scar prevention.

• Do not squeeze pimples or pick scabs. This spreads inflammation deep into the skin and causes indented scars.
• Do not try to handle large, painful pimples yourself; get them treated early.
• Consistent sun protection leaves fewer brown marks after acne.
• Unlike scars, red and brown marks are a pigment issue and can be faded with lasers or toning.
• Indented scars are planned separately once the acne has settled.

Home Care After You Return

• Wash 1–2 times a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, softly. Scrubbing hard can make things worse.
• Use a non-greasy moisturizer and sunscreen. Avoid heavy products that easily clog pores.
• For 1 week after treatment, pause scrubs, exfoliation and retinol products, and use prescribed medication only as instructed.
• Lack of sleep and stress can make acne worse.
• If a large new pimple appears, or your skin becomes very red after using medication, take a photo and send it to your manager.

Good Questions to Ask at Your Consultation

1. What type of acne do I have, and what do you suspect is the cause?
2. What treatment are you doing today, and why that method?
3. How many days of downtime, and what will my skin look like on my departure day?
4. How many sessions and what interval do you think I need? Is that possible with my visit schedule?
5. If I need medication, which one, and can I keep using it after I go home? Does it need a prescription in my country?
6. I am planning a pregnancy (or breastfeeding) — are there treatments or medications I should avoid?
7. What should I be careful about to prevent scars and marks?

How to Choose an Acne Clinic

• Does a board-certified dermatologist first diagnose your acne type and cause?
• Does the clinic plan step by step to fit your condition rather than pushing a single device or package?
• When prescribing medication, does it fully explain side effects, pregnancy-related cautions and how long to take it?
• Is extraction and anti-inflammatory injection done hygienically, with the injection amount carefully controlled?
• Does it take before and after photos and follow your progress by photo after you go home?
• Does it offer foreign-language service and organize your prescription and treatment records so you can continue with a local doctor after you return?

KBEAU connects you with partner clinics run by board-certified dermatologists in Gangnam and Apgujeong. If you send face photos (front and both sides) in advance, we will tell you your acne type and the treatments possible within your schedule, and a dedicated manager accompanies you on treatment day to interpret. We can also arrange accommodation near the clinic and airport pickup.