Korean Glass Skin Guide: Skinoren + Acretin Used Correctly
A simple routine that starts with morning azelaic acid, then gradually introduces evening tretinoin with moisturizer, barrier support and daily sunscreen.
Skincare · 5 min read · September 15, 2026
The goal
The aim is smoother, clearer and more even-looking skin with fewer clogged pores and pigment marks.
First two weeks: Skinoren in the morning
Use Skinoren once every morning for two weeks. If there is no significant persistent burning, redness or troublesome peeling, Acretin can then be introduced in the evening.
For dry or normal skin: Skinoren Cream 20% azelaic acid. For oily or combination skin: Skinoren Gel 15%.
Daily SPF 50+ is essential.
After two weeks: introduce Acretin at night
Start once or twice weekly, then move to every other night if tolerated, and gradually build toward nightly use only if the skin remains comfortable.
Use only a pea-sized amount for the whole face and avoid the eye area, corners of the nose, corners of the mouth and lips.
What goes after Acretin?
Eucerin DermoPure Clinical Hydra Repair can be used after Acretin, especially early in the routine or whenever dryness or tightness develops.
If the skin later tolerates tretinoin comfortably, moisturizer does not have to be used after every application.
If dryness or irritation appears
Cicaplast Baume B5+ can be applied after Acretin to dry or irritated areas, or across the whole face temporarily if irritation is widespread.
If irritation becomes strong, reduce how often Acretin is used rather than simply adding more moisturizer.
The complete routine
- Morning: gentle cleanser → Skinoren → SPF 50+.
- Evening: gentle cleanser → gradually introduced Acretin → Eucerin Hydra Repair especially at first or when needed.
- With dryness or irritation: Cicaplast after Acretin on affected areas or across the face when needed.
Avoid adding these at the beginning
- Exfoliating acids.
- Glycolic acid.
- Leave-on salicylic acid.
- Additional retinol or retinal.
- Scrubs or strong peels.
Important
Acretin (tretinoin) should not be used during pregnancy. Results take time and depend on consistency, gradual introduction, moisturizer when needed and sun protection.
Medical Evidence
Medical review
This guide was written and medically reviewed by Dr. Yousef Abo Zarad, a German board-certified specialist in Dermatology and Venereology.