Clog-prone skin is a common concern for many, as it tends to get easily congested, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and an uneven texture. The key to treating and preventing clogged pores lies in balancing hydration, exfoliation, and protection without over-stripping the skin. For those looking to find a skincare regimen that tackles these issues while maintaining healthy, glowing skin, here’s the routine featuring some of my favourite products.
1. Step One: Double Cleansing with a Cleansing Oil
Starting your skincare routine with a Cleansing Oil is a fantastic way to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils without irritating your skin. For clogged skin, you need something that thoroughly breaks down impurities without clogging the pores further.
A cleansing oil works wonders because it draws out oil-based impurities, allowing your skin to breathe. The best part is, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind. it’s specifically formulated to gently dissolve excess oil while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. I use Haruharu black rice moisture deep cleansing oil. It is gentle and doesn’t clog my skin.
Apply onto dry skin and gently work into skin for 1-2mins before emulsifying with water and then rinsing off completely before moving onto the next step.

2. Step Two: Water based cleanser
After the oil cleanser has done its job, it’s time to follow up with a gentle but effective face wash. The Haruharu Black Rice Water Face Wash is an excellent option for clog-prone skin. With its formulation of black rice extract, it deeply nourishes and cleanses without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier. The mild yet effective formula makes it a great second step in double cleansing. When dealing with clogged skin, it’s crucial to choose a cleanser that not only removes excess oils but also keeps the skin hydrated. This face wash is ideal for that purpose.

3. Step Three: Hydrating Toner
After cleansing, it’s essential to tone the skin to restore its natural pH level and hydrate. Anua Rice Toner is a perfect addition to a routine for clogged pores. Rice extract is known for its soothing properties and ability to brighten and hydrate the skin. This toner contains a high percentage of rice water, which deeply nourishes and calms inflamed or irritated skin while balancing moisture level.Pat the toner into your skin with your palms rather than wiping it off with a cotton pad. This ensures more product gets absorbed and prevents unnecessary friction.

4. Step Four: Calming Serum
Next up, we introduce the Madagascar Centella Ampoule, a powerhouse for calming and healing sensitive, inflamed skin. Centella Asiatica has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and promote the healing of acne or blemishes.
For clog-prone skin, it’s important to reduce inflammation and speed up skin renewal. This serum provides just that by delivering nutrients and promoting collagen production. It not only soothes but also helps to repair the skin barrier, which is essential for anyone struggling with clogged pores and occasional breakouts.

5. Step Five: Retinoid (for Night Use)
Incorporating a Retinoid into your routine is key to preventing clogged pores in the long run. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, promotes cell turnover, helping your skin shed dead cells and regenerate new skin. This not only reduces the chance of clogged pores but also helps prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
If you have sensitive skin or are new to retinol, start by applying it 2-3 times a week and gradually increase the frequency. Always apply it in the evening since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always follow with sunscreen during the day when using retinol at night to avoid sun damage.
On days I don’t use my retinol, I exfoliate 1-2x a week with the Medicube 2.0 exfoliating pads.


6. Step Six: (Moisturizer)
Finally, lock in all the hydration and active ingredients with a moisturizer. The 345 Dr. Althea Cream is an excellent choice for this step. This moisturizer is lightweight but still provides adequate hydration and protection, especially for sensitive and congested skin.
Its gentle formula ensures that your skin stays moisturized without feeling greasy or weighed down. The cream balances out the retinol’s potential drying effects and works as a barrier to lock in all the nourishing ingredients your skin has absorbed throughout the routine.





