Oily skin with big pores, redness and bumpy – what skincare routine to use?

There are definitely a few tweaks and additions you can consider to tackle the redness, bumpy texture, and discoloration while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced. Your skin may be signalling that it needs gentler, more hydrating steps to repair its barrier while still addressing oiliness and congestion. Here are some tailored recommendations to adjust your routine for better results:

Morning Routine Recommendations:

1. Gentle Cleanser: Since your skin is dehydrated and sensitive, using a salicylic acid cleanser daily may be stripping your skin, worsening redness and texture. Replace the CosRX Salicylic Cleanser with a gentler option like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. Both are effective for oily skin while being mild enough to prevent dehydration.

2. Toner for Hydration: Introduce a soothing, hydrating toner before your lotion to better address dehydration. Try Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus, which is packed with multiple types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, or Etude House SoonJung Centella Relief Toner for calming redness.

3. Snail Mucin Replacement: If the CosRX Snail Mucin doesn’t seem effective, switch it out for a calming serum. The COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule could work well; it hydrates, brightens, and has anti-inflammatory benefits without being heavy.

4. Reevaluate Sunscreen: Your Skin1004 Sun Serum is a great choice! If you feel it’s not hydrating enough, you could layer it over a lightweight calming serum or consider a sunscreen with added hydrating or soothing properties, like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+, which contains rice and probiotics to prevent dehydration while protecting your skin.

Evening Routine Recommendations:

1. Oil Cleanser: If the KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil is working for you, keep it, but ensure you’re fully emulsifying and rinsing it off to avoid pore congestion. If not, switch to a more soothing Korean option like iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil, which is gentle and nourishing.

2. Second Cleanser: The Excuse My Frank Hydra Cleansing Gel could be replaced with something more calming and gentle for sensitive skin, like the Etude House SoonJung Foam Cleanser or the Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser. Both balance hydration and effectively cleanse without irritating.

3. Exfoliation Adjustment: Using CosRX AHA/BHA Toner a few times a week is fine, but it might contribute to sensitivity if overused with your Vitamin C, retinol, and salicylic acid cleanser. Consider reducing it to just once a week or swapping to something milder, like the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner, which exfoliates gently while soothing redness.

4. Alternate Actives: Vitamin C and retinol are excellent for dark spots and texture, but alternating them with care is key. You might benefit from trying the Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum, which is gentle yet effective for sensitive skin. For your retinol days, ensure you buffer with a thicker moisturizer afterward to reduce irritation and peeling.

5. Barrier Cream: The Pyunkang Yul Intensive Repair Cream and LRP Cicaplast B+ seem like excellent picks for repairing and soothing your skin barrier. You can alternate these as needed but consider introducing a sleeping mask 2-3 times a week, like the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask, for an extra calming layer to lock in moisture overnight.

Weekly Boost Suggestions:

• Calming Masks: Add soothing and hydrating sheet masks, like Mediheal Tea Tree Sheet Mask for acne-prone areas or Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Mask for hydration and barrier repair, to help calm redness and give your skin a hydration boost.

• Clay Mask for Oil Control: For occasional T-zone oiliness and congestion, try a gentle clay mask like the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X, but use it sparingly (once a week max) and follow with a hydrating toner or essence.

General Tips:

• Hydration is Key: Dehydrated skin often overproduces oil to compensate, which can lead to the oily-but-tight feeling you described. Layering hydrating steps (toner, essence, lightweight ampoules) and sealing them with a proper cream will help rebalance your skin over time.

• Introduce Slowly: Avoid overwhelming your skin by introducing one new product at a time and monitoring how it reacts.

• SPF Daily: Continue diligent sunscreen use as it’s vital for reducing dark spots and redness.

Tweaking your routine with these Korean skincare products and steps can help address your concerns while soothing your sensitive and dehydrated skin. With patience, hydration, and barrier repair, you should begin to see improvements in texture and discoloration!