✿ Clearer skin · Facial

Acne Facials in Seoul, Korea

Acne facials deep-clean pores, lift blackheads and calm inflammation using medical-grade exfoliation, careful extraction and LED therapy — a gentle, regular way to keep acne-prone skin clearer at NEST Clinic, Gangnam.

  • Session 40–60 min
  • Downtime Little to none
  • Mild acne Every 2–4 wks
  • From ₩60,000
Aqua facial cleansing treatment for acne-prone skin at NEST Clinic, Gangnam

🌸 Quick answer

What is an acne facial and does it help? An acne facial is a professional treatment that deep-cleans pores, exfoliates, extracts blackheads and whiteheads and calms inflammation, often with LED or high-frequency therapy. Unlike a spa facial, it uses medical-grade methods and careful extraction to manage acne-prone skin safely. It helps most with mild to moderate acne and congestion, and works best as a regular routine rather than a one-off.

What is an acne facial?

An acne facial is a targeted treatment that removes buildup inside the pores, clears surface breakouts and soothes redness. It usually combines deep cleansing, gentle chemical exfoliation (AHA, BHA or PHA), professional extraction and a calming step such as LED or high-frequency therapy. Because acne tends to be ongoing, facials work best as part of a routine, often alongside an acne treatment program.

For sensitive or melanin-rich skin, gentler exfoliation can be chosen to lower the risk of irritation and dark marks. When a single cyst flares, an acne clear injection can be added to settle it quickly.

A typical facial includes

  • Deep cleansing
  • AHA / BHA / PHA exfoliation
  • Professional extraction
  • LED or high-frequency therapy
  • Hydrating or calming mask

What it improves

  • Blackheads and whiteheads
  • Clogged, congested pores
  • Mild to moderate breakouts
  • Oily, acne-prone skin
  • Post-acne dullness

Before & after: what changes

Skin looks calmer and clearer straight after, with pores visibly less congested over a series of sessions.

Illustration of acne-prone skin before and after a course of acne facials Left: congested skin with blackheads and breakouts. Right: clearer, smoother skin after a few facials. Before After 2–4 weeks ✿ pores cleared · calmed congested · oily clearer · smoother
Illustration for explanation only — not an actual patient photo. Individual results vary.

Who are acne facials for?

Usually a good fit

  • Blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores
  • Mild to moderate, oily, acne-prone skin
  • Maskne or recurring breakout cycles
  • Post-acne dullness and rough texture
  • Teens and adults alike

Not the right choice for

  • Severe, active cystic acne (see an acne treatment program first)
  • Skin infections or open wounds
  • Severe irritation or dermatitis
  • Very recent strong peels or laser

What happens during an acne facial

  1. Deep cleansing

    Oil, sunscreen and makeup residue are removed to prep the skin.

  2. Exfoliation

    A gentle AHA, BHA or PHA softens clogged pores and lifts dead skin cells.

  3. Professional extraction

    Blackheads, whiteheads and sebaceous filaments are removed carefully to avoid scarring.

  4. Calm and soothe

    LED or high-frequency therapy reduces bacteria and inflammation, then a hydrating mask restores balance.

Recovery and results timeline

Downtime is minimal. Mild redness, slight sensitivity after extraction and a little dryness are normal and usually settle within hours to a day.

  1. Same day Skin looks cleaner and calmer
  2. 24 hours Mild redness settles
  3. 2–4 weeks Fewer breakouts with repeat visits
  4. Ongoing Clearer, more refined skin with maintenance

Acne facials cost in Seoul

Pricing depends on the steps and technologies included. International patients pay the same local price, confirmed at consultation.

Standard acne facial ₩60,000 – ₩150,000
Advanced facial (LED, high-frequency, specialty peels) ₩120,000 – ₩250,000+
Session length About 40–60 minutes
Mild acne Every 2–4 weeks
Moderate acne Every 2–3 weeks
Maintenance Monthly or as needed

Packages often offer better value for ongoing care.

Dr. Heein Song, Medical Doctor at NEST Clinic

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Heein Song · Medical Doctor, NEST Clinic

Graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine. Member of Korean societies for aesthetic laser, skin and hair medicine, obesity aesthetics and facial fillers.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability is decided by a doctor at consultation.

Acne Facials FAQ

How often should I get an acne facial?

For mild acne, every 2–4 weeks; for moderate acne, every 2–3 weeks; then monthly for maintenance. Because acne is ongoing for many people, consistency matters more than any single session.

How much do acne facials cost in Seoul?

Standard acne facials run about ₩60,000–₩150,000, and advanced facials with LED, high-frequency or specialty peels ₩120,000–₩250,000+. International patients pay the same local price.

Are acne facials safe for sensitive or darker skin?

Yes. Gentler exfoliation can be chosen for sensitive or melanin-rich skin to reduce irritation and the risk of post-inflammatory dark marks. Tell your therapist about past reactions.

Do acne facials hurt?

They are generally comfortable. Extraction can feel like brief pressure or small pinches, and a mild tingling from exfoliation is normal. Afterwards skin may be slightly pink for a short time.

Can a facial clear cystic acne?

Facials help congestion and mild to moderate acne, but severe cystic acne usually needs an acne treatment program first. A single cyst can be settled with an acne clear injection.

What should I do after an acne facial?

Skip heavy makeup for 12–24 hours, avoid picking, use a gentle moisturiser and SPF 50+, and avoid sauna, sweating and strong exfoliants or retinoids for a few days.

Often considered with acne facials

✿ Free consultation

Want calmer, clearer skin while in Seoul?

Tell our English-speaking team about your skin and breakouts on WhatsApp, and we will suggest a facial plan that suits your skin type and schedule.