How to achieve clear and balanced skin with Korean skincare

As a beauty expert, I often get asked how to best manage oily and shiny skin in the summer. The short answer is: balance is key – not just in cleansing, but also in temperature, moisture, and ingredients. Here I share my professional tips on how you can effectively control sebum production and achieve fresh, clear skin throughout warm summer days.

1. 🔥 Why does skin get oilier in summer?

When the temperature increases by one degree, sebum production increases by approximately 1%. A warm and humid climate stimulates the skin's oil production – which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

2. ❄️ Lower skin temperature

The skin's sebaceous glands are very sensitive to heat. Therefore, it is important to:

• Use cooling products such as mists, sheet masks, or modeling masks

• Avoid vigorous massage (which can increase sebum production)

• Try light lymphatic massage to calm the skin

3. 🧼 Gentle, but thorough cleansing

Choose a mild, foaming cleanser – do not scrub or use harsh exfoliating gloves.
💡 PHA (Polyhydroxy acid) is a gentle acid that exfoliates without damaging the skin barrier, ideal for oily and sensitive skin.

4. 💧 Moisture is more important than you think

Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate.
Tips:

• Use light, soothing moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera

• Drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily to regulate skin temperature from within

5. ☀️ Sunscreen – light, but effective

Avoid heavy sunscreens that clog pores. Go for:

• Light, water-based or fluid sunscreens

• Always cleanse your skin thoroughly in the evening

• In case of breakouts: use physical protection like a hat and shade, and temporarily pause sunscreen

6. ✨ Active ingredients that balance the skin

• PHA: Mild acid that both removes dead skin cells and provides moisture

• Hyaluronic acid: Binds moisture and gives elasticity to the skin

7. My expert-recommended products

☀️ Recommended products for sebum control and summer-friendly skincare

When skin becomes oily, hot, and reactive in the summer, it's not about removing everything – but about balancing and strengthening. Here are my selected products that help you do just that:

🧊 Modeling mask – Cooling and firming

• Rapidly lowers skin temperature after sun and heat

• Has a firming effect on pores and soothes irritation

• Preferably use over a serum for increased effect and penetration

💧 PHA Peeling Gel – Mild, yet effective exfoliation

• Gentle acid (PHA) suitable even for sensitive skin

• Removes dead skin cells and keeps pores clean

• Leaves skin smooth and fresh – without irritation or redness

🥥 Coconut Cellulose Peeling Gel – Natural physical exfoliation

• Based on coconut cellulose – without microplastics and without skin abrasion

• Improves skin texture and glow gently

• Perfect for those who want natural exfoliation without stressing the skin

💦 Soothing Mist – Immediate hydration and cooling

• Lowers skin temperature throughout the day

• Contains aloe vera and centella asiatica that soothe and hydrate

• Perfect after sun exposure, exercise, or as a hydration boost over makeup
  🧠 Expert tip: Gently pat in after application – don't let the mist just evaporate!

🌿 Soothing Gel – Cooling and balancing moisture care

• Light gel texture that soothes heat and redness

• With aloe vera, green tea, and panthenol – absorbs quickly without clogging

• Ideal for oily, combination, or irritated skin
  🧠 Store in the refrigerator for an extra effect after sun exposure!

✅ Concluding advice from a beauty expert

Summer skin needs care – not overtreatment.
Lowering temperature, proper exfoliation, and balanced moisture are key.
By using the right products and routines, your skin will tolerate the summer heat much better –
and it will show. With or without makeup.