I’ll admit this was my first foray into exfoliating pads, and I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the experience quite so much. But using the Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Pads has been, surprisingly, a bit of a treat. Maybe it’s just a K-beauty thing, but the inclusion of those tiny tweezers to pick up each pad? Weirdly satisfying. It’s the little touches like that that really elevate the routine.

I’ve been trying to smooth out some stubborn texture and get a handle on closed comedones, so I wanted to start with something gentle and this seemed like a smart place to begin. From what I’d read, it’s more of a mild exfoliant than a hardcore acid peel, and that’s exactly what my sensitive skin needed.

Each pad is generously soaked in essence so much so that one is plenty for the whole face. The formula itself feels soothing and hydrating on the skin, not at all harsh or drying. The morning after my first use, I noticed a visible difference that my nose looked clearer, the blackheads had softened, and my skin overall felt smoother and looked more luminous. That fresh-skin glow? It was giving.

As for my texture, the small bumps around my temples have noticeably diminished. The more stubborn closed comedones are still hanging around, but I wasn’t expecting miracles overnight, especially from a product designed to be gentle. I’ve been spacing out my usage every couple of days, so I’m giving it time to work gradually.

One thing I have noticed was a few pimples have popped up, but interestingly, they’ve appeared in the same areas where I usually have closed comedones. So I’m hoping that means those clogged pores are finally clearing out and coming to the surface. Fingers crossed!

In general, I’m genuinely impressed. I’m planning to stick with these pads and see how my skin continues to improve by the time I reach the bottom of the tub. Stay tuned!