I have had KP on my upper arms since my early teens, and I want to create an affordable routine to address it. Ideally, one that isn't too complicated or requires too many steps.

A dermatologist I visited years ago recommended papaya soap, manual exfoliation, and a super emollient lotion. I have also tried Cosrx BHA solution and tranexamic acid lotion.

Got any product recos or routines to share?

Affordable Keratosis Pilaris Routine

I've had no negative experience with this.

At first glance, this doesn't seem like much. No interesting texture. No attractive fragrance. It just feels like water splashed on to the skin. But I notice that on the days where the weather is a little or my cleanser is causing my skin to tighten. Applying this right after cleansing remedies that.

This is my pre-toner or pre-essence toner. It does feel like it restores the health of my skin's barrier, even for such a lightweight and simple product.

Even though it doesn't lather up, I've experienced tightness when too much of the cleanser I'd applied. So take note to still control the amount that comes out when dispensing.

This is a change from the typical low-foam cleanser or cleansing milk that I'm used to. It takes some getting used to, because it feels like it's coating the skin when massaged on a damp face. But it rinses off clean, and all the excess oil disappears.

No bad experience. The purging was expected.

The one-step pads are textured, allowing for added mechanical exfoliation as you apply. With light pressure, they don’t feel like they scrape at the skin. The solution saturates the cotton pad enough that I can evenly apply to my entire face as well as use the leftover formula to cover the keratosis pilaris on both my upper arms.

The one-step solution has a pleasant sweet citrus scent that I don’t find too irritatingly sweet. It also doesn’t linger long. The hydrating base of the formula has a slickness to it rather than the usual tackiness I’ve come to expect. I didn’t experience any stinging or irritation, making it a mild formula. It doesn’t fully set, but layers well with my serum and moisturizer without feeling thick or gunky.

I use this as a maintenance product, so I usually will only apply twice a week. The first two weeks, I did suffer from purging 2-3 days afterwards. I broke out on several spots on my chin and nose. ‘It gets worse before it gets better’ applies to this. But after several weeks, the purging has gone down to a minimum. (Just the occasional one on the nose or chin.) And I do feel like my skin is generally smoother and clearer these days.

You have to be patient with patting on the gel to get skin evenly coated, so this isn&#39;t something you can do in a hurry.

“Gel” doesn’t really do the contents of this jar justice as it is more like clear, viscous goo, with the consistency of honey. Even getting it out of the jar requires some technique to avoid goo trails from falling off the scooper&#47;spoon. The balancing gel has no discernible scent from the scoop or on fingers, but I get a hint of something nutty-sweet and herbal when I sniff right from the jar. I would liken it to the scent of fresh coconut water.

Because the Balancing Gel is more than a gel per se, that interesting texture and consistency also shows up during application. According to the instructions, you smear the gel on the area you wish to cover and then tap or press the product onto the skin. Rubbing will only cause the gel to ripple and pill, then melt back into its original gel form. (It really is fascinating to behold!) It dries like a regular gel would. No traces of that goo after 5 minutes.

I have used the Balancing Gel as a “topper”, sealant, and final skincare step over various serums and creams, and it has not given me any negative reactions. The main ingredient, astragalus membranaceus root extract, is known for hydrating and it does so subtly and gently. It doesn’t act as a sleeping pack. But as a light, gel-type moisturizer, I think it does deliver and soothes skin at that.

There is a strong herbal scent I associate with old-time hair pomade. And it is exacerbated by the fact that the ampoule is in aerosol form.

This ampoule doubles as a refreshing facial mist that can be sprayed on without needing to pat the formula on. It is mildly hydrating and ideal for those who like to layer lighter textured skincare.

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