When it comes to skincare, achieving healthy, glowing skin takes more than just luck—it requires understanding your skin and tailoring a routine to address your specific concerns. Dark eye circles, large pores, whiteheads, and milia can be stubborn issues, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you’re new to Korean skincare and feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! This guide breaks down each concern and provides practical, affordable solutions for a student-friendly budget.

1. Dark Eye Circles

Dark eye circles can stem from genetics, hyperpigmentation, or circulation issues. These are tricky to fade entirely but can improve with the right ingredients.

• Ingredients to Look For: Niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides are brightening and collagen-boosting powerhouses.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Budget-Friendly: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (Infused with ginseng and snail mucin for brightening and hydration)
  • Mid-Range: Benton Fermentation Eye Cream (Contains ceramides and bifida ferment for repairing the skin barrier)

2. Large Pores and Dehydration

Dehydration often makes pores appear larger, as your skin may produce excess oil to compensate.

• Solution: Incorporate hydrating toners and lightweight moisturizers while avoiding heavy oils. Removing debris from pores gently through chemical exfoliation also helps.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Hydration: Etude House SoonJung 5.5 Toner (Hypoallergenic and soothing for sensitive skin)
  • Exfoliation: Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (Balances oil production, removes dead skin cells)

Product Comparison for Hydration	Main Ingredient	Skin Type Suitability	Price
Etude House SoonJung 5.5 Toner	Panthenol, Madecassoside	Sensitive, dehydration	Budget-friendly
Torriden Dive-In Serum	Low molecular hyaluronic acid	All skin types	Mid-range

3. Whiteheads (Sebaceous Filaments)

The “whiteheads” on your nose may actually be sebaceous filaments, which are natural but can become more noticeable if pores are clogged.

• Solution: Use a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) exfoliant like salicylic acid to dissolve oil and debris in pores. Avoid squeezing to prevent dark spots or scarring.
• Product Suggestions: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (Gentle yet effective for sensitive skin)

4. Milia

Milia are tiny, keratin-filled bumps that are tough to address. Over-cleansing or using products too rich for your skin can make them worse.

• Solution: Gently introduce a retinol-based product to promote natural cell turnover. Start slow to avoid irritation.
• Product Suggestions: BE PLAIN Retinol Eye Cream (Retinol formula tailored for sensitive skin around the eyes)

Building Your Routine

Here’s how to combine these products into a simple Korean skincare routine tailored to your sensitive, normal skin type:

1. Cleanser (Anua Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil)
2. Water-Based Cleanser (SVR Physiopure Cleanser)
3. Toner/Exfoliant (Etude House SoonJung Toner or COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid)
4. Serum (Torriden Dive-In or Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA Toner depending on your concern)
5. Moisturizer (Torriden Low Molecular Cream)
6. SPF (Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA+++)

Keep it consistent but introduce one new product at a time to assess your skin’s response.

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Q&A Guide

Q1. How quickly can I expect results with a new skincare routine?

Depending on the product and concern, visible improvements can take 4–8 weeks. Be patient and consistent.

Q2. Can I layer exfoliants like BHAs and AHAs?

Yes, but only if your skin can handle it. For sensitive skin, alternate days, and use sunscreen daily to prevent sensitivity.

Q3. Are Korean skincare products safe for eczema-prone skin?

Yes, many are formulated with gentle ingredients. Stick to hypoallergenic products like Etude House SoonJung line or anything with ceramides and madecassoside.

Q4. Should I avoid makeup if I have these issues?

Not necessarily. Ensure proper cleansing to remove makeup thoroughly. Use non-comedogenic products and avoid heavy, oil-based foundations.