Esthetician with keratosis pilaris here! I have good luck with this lotion from Alpha (formerly Alpha Hydrox brand). It has 12% glycolic acid with a ph of 4 and its fragrance free!
i’m currently dealing with this as well! i’ve received some advice through this subreddit that’s helped a bit that i’ll list below but def keeping an eye on this thread just in case there’s anything else that helps!
so what you’re dealing with is probably keratosis pilaris (same as i). at first i was going to buy first aid beauty’s ultra repair cream to smooth my skin, but then someone mentioned gold bond’s ultimate rough & bumpy skin cream and it’s been working wonders. FAB’s product is $32 vs gold bond’s $10 product and i have no complaints so far.
what i do is use a dry brush 2-3x a week before i shower to exfoliate my skin then in the shower i’ll also use a cloth with my body wash that helps with exfoliating even more. once out i apply the gold bond cream on my trouble areas and let dry.
hope this helps out!
in-shower exfoliating cloth suggestion: here
This is kind of a tricky question because how do you define "budget"?
For me, I consider Cosrx products very affordable and would instantly jump to say they're great 'budget' products, but maybe to another they're too pricey.
I guess if I had to look at best 'bang for your buck' with my routine and products, I'd say the following have been great HGs I repurchase all the time:
Kikumasamune Lotion ($1.65/fl oz.) Before COVID I was going to Japan usually once a year, and this thing was under $10 USD at Donki. Even with the online markup, it takes me ages to go through a bottle. I don't have any issues with fungal acne, so it always does a nice job. I like the white bottle too for lighter coverage. If I picked up a bottle on my annual Japan trip, it was all but guaranteed to last until my next time.
Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion in Light ($3.33/fl oz) Obviously way smaller than the Kikumasamune, but I only use a few drops at a time, so it lasts me forever. It's also (again), way cheaper in Japan at Donki. It rounds out my routine's need for moisturizer and does a great job!
I have had KP in places on my body and had read amazing things about Cerave: Rough and Bumpy Skin lotion... I recently tried this and it is by FAR the most effective lotion I have ever used for anything in my life. Give it a chance, it was life changing for me!
It honestly sounds like you could have dehydrated skin and you should check out /r/skincareaddiction and /r/asianbeauty
Asian beauty was extremely helpful to me as I have almost completely restored my skin and it is so much better, plumper and brighter. I find that there are great, drugstore friendly priced products that you can use with an AB skincare routine, although the sometimes it might be harder to get products as quick, as most ship from Asian countries. One thing that has helped me is using a hyaluronic serum before I use a hyaluronic face mask. I use these twice a day (when I have the time, which is almost daily). I also use the hyaluronic serum before my mask, let it sink in for a couple minutes, put the face mask on and keep it on until it starts drying out (about 45 min, which seems long but I prioritize it). I then take the mask off and let it all soak into my skin for a couple mins, use the hyaluronic serum again, let it soak in and then out my moisturizer on. I've only been doing this for the past month and the intense change in my skin is absolutely ridiculous. These are the two products I use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK8E6CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1Pq3wbJQ8VPVV
If you're worried about the price, you can buy bundles of sheet masks on Amazon for low prices.
I've fallen into an Asian Skincare hole lately, and absolutely LOVE Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Lotion Moist as a moisturizer for oily skin. It's super lightweight, makes my skin so bouncy and hydrated, is cheap and you can get it with fast shipping from Amazon.
You def need to moisturize, that's what makes the difference. If you don't like doing it outside the shower(i fucking hate it) try the in-shower lotion or almond oil in the shower. I'll never go back.
I have a similar eczema and always did. It was so bad as kid, I was bloody from scratching and on steroids. I have manged it for years , but use as much moisturizer as you. It's a job.
I really love Cerave lotions and the cream in the vat. It has has ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Eucerin is great too and I use both. The healing ointment is their vaseline which is amazing as it has other stuff. I love Eucerine AtoContorl too. Aveeno Eczema therapy too.
I think you should try hydratoring toners and layering up. They are for the face but works all over. I really find it helpfull. I highly recommend the Kikumasmune High Moist Lotion (toner). I use this all over as it's cheap and comes in a huge bottle. Best after the shower on damp skin. Then Cerave lotion or cream. Then more cream on the eczema prone ares.
Also love Scinic All in One Snail Ampoule - is a moisturizing serum, which comes in what looks like a honey like jar. . They make a honey version too. If you put them in pump bottles (Amazon sells little amber ones), it's easier to use. I use it after the kikumamune, which I use all over. Snail I use just where i get eczema. CosRX Snail Essence is another option.
Hada labo lotion is very high level hyaluroinc acid. That is great. They make a premium and a moist. Both are great on body or face. Another cult product.
Use very gentle cleanser is key. Aveeno bath washes. Eucerin Calming Shower Oil Cleanser is my current favorite. Smells funky and feels like an oil but rinses off and does clean.
I don't know if you have tried German Nivea in the tin jar. It's got something that isn't in the American. Both are good. Also Nivea enriched lotion (not German). Scent is strong, but it's really rich. I have been reaching for it lately.
I see "crows feet" and I think "dehydrated". So.
1) Replace your exfoliant with CeraVe Hydrating facial cleanser. It's not going to feel like your face is clean for the first like week to two weeks because you're probably used to the very squeaky clean (stripped) feeling. But focus on how your skin feels about two minutes after you pat it dry - that clean-but-not-desert feeling is delightful.
2) Add a purely hydrating layer. Depending on what type of environment you're in, that might be Hada Labo lotion or a serum. If you're in a dryer area, you probably want a glycerine-based serum or lotion rather than a hyaluronic acid based one, as HA can actually draw water from your skin if there isn't enough in the air.
3) Consider a thicker night cream like CeraVe in the tub, Jason Gentle Basics night cream, or (again depending on your area) a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to help your skin keep the moisture in it. If you're in central California or the south - somewhere with humid air - putting your hydrating layer on, sitting for a minute or two, then finishing with Vaseline might be enough. If you're in Tucson, you're probably going to want something like the CeraVe in the tub or the Jason to add additional layers of hydration to your skin.
4) As /u/glittercrotch said, r/asianbeauty is a great resource. There are lots of skincare companies in various Asian countries that have affordable, high quality products that you can get on Amazon. The Hada Labo lotion is one, and you might check out something like the Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel-Cream for your thicker cream step.
This one from Hado Labo is excellent and inexpensive. About 6oz for $15-$20. It also contains 5 different molecular weights of HA, something I have never seen in an American product. This is more like a serum, so you would still want a separate moisturizer. https://www.amazon.com/Hadalabo-Gokujyun-Premium-Hyaluronic-5-7floz/dp/B06X3R1LL3/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1G9G95QWMTHUU&dchild=1&keywords=hada+labo+hyaluronic+acid&qid=1618713700&sprefix=Hado+labo%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-9
Even if it does, part of enabling is having a link ready for a newbie to fall into the rabbit hole ;)
This toner is super popular here. It's a huge bottle, $14 on Amazon prime, some people feel it smells like a mix of sake and bubblegum. The scent dissipates right away, so you won't be left smelling it.
Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture - 500ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECQCVK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZWWKybBMDP477
this product comes highly recommended and contains 12% glycolic acid. i would try it once a week and slowly increase the usage if your skin tolerates it. remember to avoid sensitive areas.
i would also incorporate a nourishing moisturizer like la roche posay lipikar balm or eucerin advanced repair cream to replenish moisture after chemical exfoliation.
good luck!
Since you're looking for a toner, Kikamasamune toner is really good! It's only 10.81 right now on amazon and you get a huuuge thing of it! It's very hydrating too and makes my skin so so plump and soft.
No problem! And we were all amateurs at some point! :)
Btw you can find some pretty cheap hydrating toners online. For instance the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion that many people love in this sub is only $14 for a giant 500mL on Amazon Prime. Toners tend to be one of the cheaper AB products because there's such high water content haha. I hope you find a great toner!
ETA: LOL I didn't realize somebody else had linked you to this exact same thing already!
I got the Kiku :) This is the store I used https://www.amazon.com/Kikumasamune-Sake-Skin-Lotion-Moisture/dp/B00ECQCVK0/ref=sr_1_1?m=A111T5BUDCP21Y&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1492757420&sr=1-1&refinements=p_4%3AKikumasamune
(I hoped that worked, I am so not proficient in Amazon)
I still had some gift card money on Amazon US so I ordered it from there (now finding a seller with no Amazon global fees took some extra time though). But Amazon.fr has it for free shipping here.
If you mean little bumps, deff look at Pinterest and reviews etc for a or glycolic acid product! I use Kiehls Glycolic acid body wash with a scrubbing mit and the lotion from amazon attached. It works wonders!
The only way to get rid or reduce bumps (again, I don't know what your bumps actually are, acne? kp? dry skin?) chemical exfoliants can help.
I am not seeing many strong glycolic products available in the UK for whatever reason. This one is 12% glycolic acid, pretty strong and effective, a little goes a long way, and you do not need to use it every day.Alpha 12% Its also almost 400ml.
This lactic lotion looks good to me Ameliorate, I also saw a PIXI brand glycolic body lotion, but it's pretty small, they also have a glycolic body soap.
The serum you linked looks good for your face but maybe too hard to use on your body and its only 150ml you would use it up in 2 weeks!
Look for any glycolic, lactic, or even urea in a lotion for exfoliation. In the meantime, use the lotion you have. Use the soaps you have, and scrub (you shouldn't feel raw or irritated) regularly. I use the salicylic on my back only, personally.
I like girly, scented lotions but I always use the retinol oil either alone or under my lotion. I only use the strong glycolic when my skin is extra dry or bumpy. I do like lactic and urea for general upkeep, I have cycle those through my routine (they are gentle and hydrating to my dry skin in the winter). Try some stuff and see what works for you and what doesn't. Have fun and good luck!
Linked to the Amazon UK one!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA
This is the one I'd recommend as you have oily skin. There is an orange bottle which is the premium version for extra hydration. But given it's coming up to summer as well I think you're better off starting with the original.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion is £10 on Amazon. If you live in London you can have it delivered by tomorrow evening for free using the Amazon Prime trial. You might also be able to be in some shops in the UK, I don't know.
This moisturiser has a 5/5 rating on Paula's Choice's beautypedia. I have it myself and it's really good, in my opinion one of the best moisturisers you can buy in the UK.
You could also order the Paula's Choice moisturiser from their website. It would take a few days to get to you, though.
Is this the Hada Labo product that everyone talks about on here?
or is it this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc
I've only ordered electronics, books, etc from Amazon, never a face product. It's legit and safe? Do you guys order it from somewhere else?
And even though it's a toner, can I substitute it as a moisturizer since my skin doesn't have any issues with dryness?
Thanks!
I'm interested in buying the Hadalabo lotion but there are two different versions being offered on Amazon:
The older version (more expensive)
Is there any benefit in buying the older version?
I've been looking for something like this too! I found this 12 oz bottle on Amazon Prime!
I bought this hadolabo from amazon back in February but never used it. I want to test it now but realise my packaging doesn't look like that but instead this.
According to amazon I definitely bought it from the first link however the packaging isn't the same. So what do i have? haha but more importantly would you trust it?
Is there an easy way to tell the difference between Hada Labo toners on Amazon (between light/moist etc)? I've been repurchasing it for a long time now, my first 2 from this link. I went to rebuy it again and saw that there's an updated version of it, but now the name says "Moist", which it didn't before. Does this mean I've always been buying the Moist version?
I bought mine on Amazon JP. This is the link. I don't know how Amazon Global Shipping works since I live in Japan.
PLEASE HELP!
I have Malassezia and bought the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion on Amazon. I received the product today, but noticed the formula is different from the one f.c. talks about on this blog post. I am not sure if it's also safe to use or if I should return it. Can anybody help? Here are the old and new formulas:
OLD
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Succinate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid,Hydroxyethycellulose, Methylparaben, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid
NEW
Water, Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol, Glycerin, Disodium Succinate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Methylparaben, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid
I highlighted the different ingredients.
Thank you so much for your help!
The honey is on Amazon for 12.99 right now. I have been using the regular hada labo "lotion"
HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GX619Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NKMtCb5FNQ6ZY
Have you tried it? If so how does it compare to the honey? If the honey is better I might have to grab some before they become rarer
I'll pick up the SPF today and order this recommendation. I'm happy with the ingredients list and reviews, and your personal cosign. I'm being told by Amazon UK that this is the "newer" version of your recommendation. Is this the case, or should I stick to this? I'm afraid I do not read Japanese. Is this an aesthetic or ingredient difference?
All the best to your wife...
For overall body skin moisturizer, I use Alpha Skin Care (renewal body lotion). I put it on after a shower and it does a fantastic job of keeping skin dewy (without an oily feeling).
For face, CeraVe moisturing lotion (day) and CeraVe night renewal cream.