K-Beauty Routine for Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores

Shine by midday, a glossy T-zone, blackheads on the nose, clearly visible pores… Oily skin types often feel they need to "strip" their skin to cope. Big mistake! K-beauty offers a different approach: cleanse deeply without aggression, exfoliate gently and hydrate with lightweight textures. Here's the ideal routine for oily skin and enlarged pores.

Oily skin and enlarged pores: what you need to know

Oily skin produces more sebum than average, often on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). When sebum builds up with dead cells and impurities, pores look more visible and blackheads can appear.

Pore size partly depends on natural factors, but a suitable routine helps keep pores clear and refine their appearance.

The mistake to avoid: drying out your skin

Overly harsh cleansers and skipping moisturiser can throw the skin off balance, leaving it both oily and uncomfortable. Oily skin needs hydration too.

The evening K-beauty routine for oily skin

1. Cleansing oil: yes, even for oily skin

Oil dissolves oil: a cleansing oil helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is formulated for skin prone to blackheads and sebaceous filaments. To get it right, read our guide to Korean double cleansing.

2. Purifying foam cleanser

Choose a foam that cleanses deeply without leaving skin tight. The SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam combines BHA, centella and tea tree to unclog pores and regulate excess sebum while soothing the skin.

3. BHA exfoliant, 2 to 3 times a week

BHA is the go-to active for oily skin: oil-soluble, it works inside the pores to help dissolve excess sebum and impurities.

• The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, with 4% betaine salicylate, helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads.
• The dual-texture Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 combine BHA and AHA to exfoliate and smooth the skin.

Start slowly, and avoid using them on the same night as retinol. Discover all options in our AHA BHA collection.

4. Purifying toner

On nights without exfoliant, a gentle purifying toner takes over. The SKIN1004 Poremizing Clear Toner combines centella, gentle exfoliating acids and pink salt to refine skin texture without aggression.

5. Light serum targeting pores and sebum

• The SKIN1004 Poremizing Fresh Ampoule, with over 50% centella extract, hydrates and helps minimise the look of pores.
• The COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum helps regulate excess sebum and even out skin tone.

6. Hydrating gel-cream

Don't skip hydration! Opt for a light texture like the SKIN1004 Poremizing Light Gel Cream, which hydrates and leaves skin soft and mattified, with no sticky feel.

The morning routine

• Gentle cleanser to remove overnight sebum;
• Light toner;
• Niacinamide serum;
• Gel-cream in a thin layer;
• Non-greasy sunscreen with a matte or light finish. The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick is ideal for touch-ups on the T-zone.

The bonus step: a clay mask

Once a week, a clay mask helps absorb excess sebum. The Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask, with red bean and clay, purifies without drying.

Our tips for oily skin

• Don't squeeze blackheads: rely on regular, gentle exfoliation instead.
• Use blotting papers during the day rather than washing your face again.
• Change your pillowcase regularly and clean your makeup brushes.
• Be patient: give your skin a few weeks to adapt.

FAQ: oily skin and K-beauty

Does oily skin need moisturising?

Yes. Oily skin can also lack water. A light gel-cream hydrates without weighing the skin down and helps keep it balanced.

How often should you use a BHA?

Generally 2 to 3 times a week to start with. If your skin tolerates it well, you can increase gradually, following the product's instructions.

Can you permanently shrink your pores?

No, but a consistent routine (cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, sun protection) helps keep pores clear and visibly refine their appearance.

Build your oily skin routine

Browse our oily skin and pores selections to build your routine. Free shipping in France on orders over €70, or free Click & Collect in store.

Want personalised advice for your skin? Our team welcomes you at the MAAS K-Beauty shop, 178 rue Ordener, 75018 Paris, Monday to Saturday 11am–1pm and 2pm–8pm, and Sunday 2pm–7pm. More details on our contact page.