"Every year between late June and mid-July, Seoul enters its rainy season — locally known as jangma (장마)."

High humidity, frequent rain, and sudden temperature shifts create a perfect storm for skin chaos. Here's how Korean women navigate it — and what you can do too.

01 . The Mechanism

Why Your Skin Behaves Differently During Rainy Season

High humidity triggers your skin to produce more sebum. But external moisture and skin hydration are completely different things — your skin barrier is under stress, pores congest faster, and the balance between oil and water gets thrown off entirely.

Add aggressive air conditioning indoors and you get a cycle of oily on the outside, dehydrated underneath — with breakouts, enlarged pores, and UV exposure that's easy to underestimate on cloudy days.

02 . Core Rules

4 Rules of Rainy Season Skincare

01 Upgrade Your Cleanse

Sweat, sebum, and humidity combine to build up residue faster than usual. Double cleanse morning and evening — but avoid over-cleansing, which strips the barrier and triggers even more oil production.

02 Hydrate Light, But Always

Skipping moisturizer because it "feels humid" is the most common rainy season mistake. Switch to an oil-free gel moisturizer to maintain your barrier without heaviness.

03 Never Skip SPF

Overcast skies block only about 20% of UV rays. Rainy season is prime time for pigmentation and melasma to develop — precisely because people let their guard down. Lightweight, non-sticky SPF is non-negotiable.

04 Balance Oil & Water

The goal isn't to eliminate oil — it's to balance it. Over-suppressing sebum triggers a rebound effect. Hydrate well, minimize oil-heavy products, and let your skin self-regulate.

03 . Seoul Clinic Guide

Rainy Season Treatments Worth Booking in Seoul

🔬 Pore Deep Cleanse — Aqua Peel

One session before or at the start of rainy season clears congestion and keeps pores significantly cleaner throughout summer. A game-changer for anyone prone to breakouts in humid weather.

💉 Skin Barrier Boost — Skin Booster

Air conditioning and humidity fluctuations wear down your skin barrier faster than any other season. A light booster treatment strengthens the barrier so your skin handles external stress better.

✨ Calming Treatment — LED Therapy

For redness, heat, and rainy season breakouts, LED light therapy and clinical soothing treatments work without any downtime. Most patients go straight back to their day.

04 . What to Use

Rainy Season Product Guide

"Seoul's rainy season doesn't have to mean problem skin — it can be your skin's best reset of the year."