The Korean skincare routine for oily skin in 7 steps — your guide to clear, shine-free skin

If you have oily skin, you know the challenges all too well… the shine that appears quickly, the pores that are clearly visible under the light, the small pimples that suddenly appear, and the feeling that your face needs a second wash after only two hours.

But the good thing is? Oily skin is not a problem — on the contrary, it is strong, youthful skin, rich in protective oils… it just needs a proper and balanced routine .

This is where the Korean routine comes in , not because it is long or complicated, but because it is based on a very simple idea:

Deep cleansing + balancing + smart hydration = stable, shine-free skin.

With the right products chosen, results start quickly.

Step one: A cleanser that restores balance from the first use.

The first step in any successful Korean skincare routine is cleansing… but for oily skin specifically, cleansing must be:

Nice
Effective in removing fat
What causes dryness
It deeply cleanses pores without irritation.

This is exactly what a Korean face wash for purifying the skin and minimizing pores with green tea extract – MIGUHARA – offers .

Its plant-based formula, based on AHA + BHA, cleanses pores from within, dissolves accumulated oil, and gives the skin a visibly refreshed look. Green tea soothes, mint provides a pleasant cooling sensation, and chamomile balances the skin without disrupting its natural barrier.

What does this step do for your skin?

Real cleaning, not just superficial cleaning.
Gradually reduce the size of the pores.
Removes oils without stripping the skin of its moisture.
Preparing the skin to absorb the following steps.

How to use:

Use it morning and evening with a light lather that you massage onto oily areas.

You will notice an immediate feeling of purity after use, without tightness or dryness.

Step two: A treatment that marks the beginning of skin free from enlarged pores.

After cleansing, we move on to a crucial step for oily skin: treating pores, oils, and pimples from within.

Here, a Korean gel for treating acne and purifying pores – MIGUHARA – excels .

This lightweight gel works with three powerful effects:

AHA for smoothing the skin surface
BHA for deep pore cleansing and fat dissolving
PHA for gentle exfoliation suitable even for sensitive skin

With the addition of green tea and hyaluronic acid, the treatment becomes effective without dryness or irritation.

Why does oily skin need it on a daily basis?

It reduces pimples before they appear.
It noticeably reduces blackheads.
It evens out the texture and reduces spots caused by grains.
It balances oil secretion, and this is the secret to reducing skin shine.
It absorbs quickly without any sticky residue.

How to use:

Apply a thin layer to areas with visible pores or pimples.

Within a few days, you will notice a smoother appearance and less visible pores.

This is the foundation upon which the Korean routine for oily skin is built… practical and clear steps that give your skin a strong start before moving on to the next steps such as toner, serum, light moisturizing, and suitable sunscreen.

Step three: Toner that resets the skin in seconds

After cleansing and treatment, oily skin needs a quick balancing step—a step that restores calm, reduces irritation, and prevents excess oil production. This is where Korean toner comes in.

In the Korean skincare routine, toner isn't just a refreshing liquid—it's an important preparatory step that allows all subsequent products to work more effectively. Specifically for oily skin, toner helps to:

Gently tighten pores
Reduce shine
Soothe any redness after washing
Adjusting pH levels to ensure a healthy skin barrier

Apply the toner to a cotton pad or pat it directly onto your skin. The idea is to give the skin a light layer of balanced hydration before applying serums.

Step four: A serum that controls skin shine throughout the day

Serum is at the heart of the Korean routine… especially for oily skin.

The lightweight, fast-absorbing serum works to:

Controlling fat secretion
Smoothing skin texture
Improve the appearance of pores
Lightening acne scars

Choose a lightweight, antioxidant-rich serum and apply it all over your face. This step will give you a strong base for better makeup wear and clearer skin.

Step five: Smart hydration…because oily skin needs it more than you might expect.

The most common mistake? The belief that oily skin does not need moisturizing.

But the truth is that a lack of hydration causes the skin to produce more oil to compensate for the deficiency. The result?

Extra shine
clogged pores
pimples appear

Therefore, moisturizing is an essential step… but on one condition: light, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy moisturizing.

Choose a gel or cream moisturizer with a matte finish.

Apply a thin layer after the serum, and allow the moisturizer to work to improve the skin's balance and keep the oil layer under control.

Step 6: Treating blemishes and pores—the daily corrective touch-up

Even with a perfect routine, some pimples may appear… and that’s normal.

Therefore, oily skin needs a targeted treatment product that is used when needed.

Here, the effectiveness of a Korean gel for treating acne and purifying pores – MIGUHARA (Korea) – becomes apparent .

This gel should only be applied to the areas where it appears:

pimples
blackheads
large pores

Its triple formula of AHA + BHA + PHA deeply cleanses pores and dissolves oil, while green tea soothes redness. It acts as a corrective layer, preventing breakouts and restoring clarity to the skin.

Apply it in the evening or as needed for a noticeable result and a smoother texture.

Step seven: Sunscreen that protects without shine

No matter how great the routine is… it all falls apart without a sunscreen suitable for oily skin.

Daily exposure to the sun causes:

enlarged pores
Increased fat secretion
appearance of dark spots
Weak skin barrier

Choose a lightweight, oil-free Korean sunscreen with a matte finish that prevents shine.

Apply it in the morning, and reapply as needed.

With this step, the daily routine is completed in a way that gives you stable, less shiny skin, closer to the famous smoothness and purity of Korean skin.

Customer experiences with the Korean skincare routine for oily skin

Noura – Riyadh

"My skin was so oily that the shine would appear after just one hour… but after I started the routine, especially the MIGUHARA cleanser and acne gel, I noticed a very quick difference. My pores became tighter, and the small pimples around my nose almost disappeared. It's the first time I feel that my skin is really stable ."

Amani – Jeddah

"I always tried to skip the moisturizer because my skin is oily, but I discovered that this was the cause of all the confusion. When I went back to moisturizing lightly and followed the steps in order, the shine decreased and the texture became much softer. The makeup stayed on better than before."

Hiba – Dammam

"MIGUHARA acne gel has become an essential part of my routine… I use it on areas where pimples appear under the skin, and it calms them down within hours. It really makes a difference in confidence and in the appearance of the skin."

Frequently asked questions about oily skin and the Korean skincare routine

1) Is the Korean skincare routine suitable for all skin tones of oily skin?

Yes, because it relies on gentle, gradual steps that focus on balancing oil production rather than drying out the skin. And with the right products, the results are visible and safe.

2) When will the results of the routine be visible?

The first signs usually appear between 10–14 days:

Less shine
narrower pores
Fewer pimples
The biggest results appear after a month of commitment.

3) Can the medicated gel be used daily?

Yes, the Korean acne treatment and pore purifying gel – MIGUHARA (Korea) is suitable for daily use because it is light and non-drying.

4) Should I use moisturizer even if my skin is very oily?

Yes. Leaving moisturizer on causes increased oil production, resulting in more shine and larger pores. Light moisturizing is essential for skin stability.

5) Can the routine be combined with makeup?

Of course—quite the contrary, makeup adheres better to a balanced, matte complexion.

6) What should I do if the shine increases during the day?

Use mattifying wipes or a light toner spray. And remember: consistency in your routine will gradually reduce shine.

In conclusion — oily skin… but balanced, clear, and full of radiance

Oily skin has always been misunderstood. Many see it as a problem… but it's actually a blessing if we know how to deal with it correctly.

The Korean routine isn't a miracle, but it's a consistent approach that focuses on:

Effective cleaning without cruelty
natural fat balance
Smart moisturizing prevents shine
Targeted treatment that controls pores and pimples

And with products such as:

Daily skincare becomes not a burden… but a pleasure that gives you lighter, clearer, and easier-to-manage skin.