The Skincare Lab, Episode 2: K-Beauty for Acne-Prone Skin Made Simple

We’re back in the Mask Marie Skincare Lab — and this week, we’re diving into a topic so many of you have asked us about: acne-prone skin. Breakouts can feel overwhelming, confusing, and honestly… exhausting. But with the right K-Beauty approach, caring for acne doesn’t have to be harsh or complicated.

🎥 Watch the full episode here:

Ep. 2 | K-Beauty for Acne-Prone Skin 💚 How to Cleanse, Treat & Heal Breakouts

In this episode, Mask Marie co-founder Gloria and our social media manager Dana sit down for an honest, calming conversation about what actually helps when you’re dealing with acne. From why cleansing is the true foundation of any acne routine to how to choose treatments that support (not stress) your skin, they break it all down in a way that feels simple, doable, and—most importantly—gentle.

True to the K-beauty philosophy, this episode focuses on calming before correcting. Instead of stripping the skin or over-treating breakouts, Korean skincare emphasizes maintaining a healthy barrier so skin can heal itself more effectively. That mindset alone can make a huge difference when managing acne long-term.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why cleansing matters so much for acne-prone skin
Gloria and Dana walk through why a thorough—but non-stripping—cleanse sets the tone for everything that follows. They share their go-to cleansing favorites, including balm cleansers like ABOUT ME Red Recipe Cleansing Milky Balm and MA:NYO Deep Clear Cleansing Balm for removing makeup and sunscreen, followed by gentle water-based options like MEDIHEAL Teatree Trouble Calming Cleanser and DERMATORY Acne Cleansing Foam to keep pores clear without irritation.

Simple, effective products that support clearer skin
]You’ll hear easy recommendations for toner and treatment steps that help rebalance acne-prone skin. A standout is the MA:NYO Blackhead & Pore Toner, which helps refine pores without that tight, stripped feeling, and the TIRTIR Azelaic Acid 12% Serum, a powerful but skin-friendly option for calming redness, supporting clearer skin, and improving texture over time.

How Korean acne patches work for all three stages of a pimple
One of the most helpful parts of the episode is their breakdown of acne patches—and why using the right patch at the right stage matters. They cover:

• Early stage: T.G.I. Patch Microcone Trouble Spot Patch
• Mid stage: T.G.I. Patch Blemish Cover Cocktail
• After stage: T.G.I. Patch Microcone Dark Spot Patch

Used correctly, these patches can help protect the skin, speed healing, and reduce the urge to pick (we’ve all been there).

When sheet masks actually help acne
Not all masks are created equal, and this episode explains when masking can truly support breakout-prone skin. Calming, soothing options like the MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask and MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Essential Mask are highlighted for moments when skin feels inflamed, stressed, or reactive and needs comfort—not harsh actives.

We loved making this episode, and we hope it helps you build an acne routine that feels supportive, soothing, and realistic for everyday life. If it resonates, we’d truly appreciate your likes, shares, and subscribes—it helps us grow the Mask Marie community and continue bringing you skincare content rooted in care, not pressure.

Here’s to gentler routines, clearer skin, and masking together 🤍

🔗 Links to all products shown or mentioned in the video are included above so you can explore what works best for your skin.