What Is Ahn JaeHyun's Secret to Clear Skin?

Ahn JaeHyun is well-known for his flawless skin. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, He emphasized the importance of a thorough cleansing routine. He said, "I make sure to wash my face really well," explaining that he uses a variety of products like cleansing water, balm, and foam.

He added, “If I don’t have any special schedules, I just apply basic lotion." Ahn JaeHyun also noted, “Sometimes I get pimples even though I use really good skincare products.” He then shared, “Personally, I maintain good skin by using lighter, more affordable products.”

Cleansing is Key to Clear Skin, But Over-cleansing Can Damage Your Skin Barrier

As Ahn JaeHyun mentioned, cleansing is the foundation of skincare. It plays a crucial role in maintaining clear skin by removing dirt, excess oil, and other impurities that build up on the skin throughout the day. This is especially important when wearing makeup, as leftover foundation and other ingredients can clog pores, leading to acne and dehydration. Clogged pores can block oxygen from reaching the hair follicles, which increases the likelihood of breakouts. Skin can also become drier, causing excessive oil production and potentially enlarging pores.

To cleanse properly, wash your hands first (as they are the most exposed part of the body to bacteria), then create a good lather with your cleanser. Begin washing the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin) as these areas tend to have more oil production. Use your fingertips to gently massage areas like the sides of the nose and around the nostrils, where impurities tend to accumulate. Afterward, rinse with lukewarm water, slightly cooler than body temperature.

However, over-cleansing can damage the skin's natural barrier, so it's important to avoid excessive washing. While it’s essential to remove impurities thoroughly, over-cleansing strips the skin of its natural moisture, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Excessive cleansing can also increase the risk of skin conditions like eczema. On makeup-free days, it’s best to limit your cleansing routine to a single wash to avoid overwhelming the skin. If your skin feels tight or rough after washing, it may be a sign that you are over-cleansing or using harsh methods, such as rubbing your face aggressively with a towel.

Overusing Lotion Can Accelerate Skin Aging

Like Ahn JaeHyun, it’s important to apply skincare products lightly. Some people tend to layer on multiple skincare products in an attempt to improve their skin, but this can backfire. Excessive application of products can overload the skin with nutrients, leading to breakouts and no guaranteed improvement in skin health. A study by the Department of Cosmetics at ChungAng University in South Korea compared two groups: one using just a basic skincare routine (toner and lotion) and another using four products (toner, essence, lotion, and cream). The results showed no significant difference in skin condition between the two groups.

In fact, overapplying skincare products can actually accelerate skin aging. When excess product remains on the skin’s surface, it interacts with oxygen and transforms into lipid peroxides. These compounds create free radicals that contribute to the aging process. Additionally, using too many products at once can cause chemical reactions between the ingredients, leading to skin irritation, pigmentation issues, or even dermatitis.