How to Fix Oily Skin in Seoul: Doctor-Led Options
An oily face looks shiny by midday, clogs easily and makes pores look larger. Our physicians reduce oil production with Skin Botox, clear congestion with facials and peels, and check for hormonal or medical causes first.
10+ years in non-surgical lifting and anti-aging · Updated October 2026
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is skin that makes more sebum than it needs, leaving a shine, larger-looking pores and a tendency to break out. It is mostly driven by genetics and hormones; Skin Botox can reduce oil for about 3–4 months, and facials and peels keep pores clear.
Sebum is the oil made by glands attached to each pore. It protects the skin, but some people have larger or more active glands, mostly due to genetics and hormones called androgens. Oil is usually highest on the forehead, nose and chin (the T-zone), and it often peaks in the teens and twenties, before periods or during stress.
Heat and humidity make glands more active, which many visitors notice in a Seoul summer. Over-cleansing and harsh products can also backfire: dried-out skin may feel tight but still look shiny. Skin Botox placed in the upper skin reduces gland activity, while deep cleansing and peels remove the oil and debris that clog pores.
Signs these treatments can help
- Shine on the T-zone by midday
- Make-up slides off or looks patchy
- Pores that look larger when the skin is oily
- Frequent blackheads or small clogged spots
When to see a specialist first
- Oily skin with irregular periods, unwanted hair growth or weight gain, which can point to a hormonal condition such as PCOS: see your doctor
- Painful, deep or scarring acne, which needs medical treatment (see acne treatment)
- Greasy, red, flaky patches around the nose and brows, which may be seborrhoeic dermatitis and should be diagnosed
Why skin gets oily
Genetics and hormones
Inherited gland size and androgens set your oil level.
Heat and humidity
Warm, humid weather increases oil output.
Over-cleansing
Harsh products strip the skin and upset its balance.
Stress and medicines
Stress hormones and some medicines raise sebum.
How we treat oily skin at our clinic
- Doctor consultation. We check oil pattern, pores, breakouts and any hormonal or medical clues.
- Deep cleansing. A deep-cleansing facial or peel clears congestion before other treatment.
- Skin Botox. Very small doses of toxin are placed in the upper skin to reduce oil and refine pores.
- Treat breakouts. Active acne is managed with our acne programme where needed.
- Home routine. We advise a gentle cleanser, light moisturiser and oil-free sunscreen.
Aftercare
- Do not rub or massage the face for 4 hours after Skin Botox
- Skip saunas and heavy exercise for 24 hours
- Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, not more
- Choose non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen
Possible side effects
Skin Botox can leave small bumps or bruises for a day or two. Rarely, it can briefly affect expression if placed near active muscles, which settles as it wears off. Oil gradually returns as the effect fades.
Oily skin price in Cheongdam
September 2026 program prices in Korean won, excluding 10% VAT. Korean and international patients pay the same price.
| Package | Price (KRW, excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Zero-Bruise Skin Botox — Korean-made toxin Full face | ₩300,000 |
| Zero-Bruise Skin Botox — Xeomin Full face | ₩500,000 |
See the full Oily skin price breakdown, the complete price list, or how we keep pricing transparent.
Performed by a physician, every time
Skin Botox at our clinic is injected by our physicians, who also look for hormonal or medical causes of oily skin.
- Genuine toxin shown before use
- Medical causes considered first
- Follow-up on Instagram after you fly home
Dr. Youjin Kim
Residency at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (Catholic University of Korea). Thermage FLX Master Doctor; Titanium Lifting, Juvelook and Corage Key Doctor.
Dr. Minjeong Kim
Korea University College of Medicine; Family Medicine training at Asan Medical Center. Board-certified Family Medicine Specialist.
Treatments that address oily skin
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Skin Botox | Reducing oil output and refining pores for a few months |
| Heal fusion PRO | Deep cleansing of clogged, congested pores |
| Chemical peels | Blackheads, congestion and rough, oily skin |
| Acne treatment | Oily skin with active breakouts |
Frequently asked questions
Does Skin Botox really reduce oil?
Yes, toxin placed in the upper skin reduces oil gland activity for most patients. The effect usually shows in 1–2 weeks and lasts about 3–4 months.
Will Skin Botox change my expressions?
It is placed very superficially in tiny doses, so expressions normally stay natural.
Is oily skin permanent?
Oil levels are largely genetic and often decrease with age. Treatment controls it rather than changing your skin type permanently.
Can I do this on a short trip?
Yes. Skin Botox takes a short visit and has little downtime.
How much does it cost?
Skin Botox is ₩300,000 with a Korean-made toxin or ₩500,000 with Xeomin, excluding VAT. Foreigners pay the same published price.
Get your personal oil-control plan
Tell us your goals and travel dates on Instagram. We reply in English with a doctor-reviewed plan and exact price.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and all procedures can cause side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising. Botox® is a trademark of Allergan. Prices are Cheongdam Peau Rêve Clinic's September 2026 program prices in Korean won, excluding 10% VAT.
