How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris and Kiss Bumpy Skin Goodbye
Keratosis pilaris, often referred to as "KP” for short, is an extremely common skin condition. In fact, it affects roughly 50–80% of adolescence and 40% of adults. But, many people who experience KP aren’t sure that they have it. That’s because KP can often resemble other skin conditions like acne or whiteheads. Wondering if your bumpy skin is actually KP and how to treat it? We chatted with dermatologic surgeon Dr. Jason Emer and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD to learn all about keratosis pilaris.
First, what does KP look like? "Red raised bumps on the upper arms, legs, and sometimes face," says Dr. Emer. “The appearance of keratosis pilaris can differ from person to person, but it often resembles permanent goosebumps or 'chicken skin'." Dr. Engelman adds, “The bumps are often found in small clusters and are rough to the touch.”
Meet the Expert
Jason Emer, MD, is a dermatologic surgeon based in Los Angeles. He runs his practice in Beverly Hills and regularly shares skincare tips and insight into skin treatments on his popular Instagram page.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC.
Wondering what causes keratosis pilaris? “KP is caused by the buildup of keratin in hair follicles on the skin, which eventually forms raised bumps,” Dr. Engelman says. “If you suffer from dry skin conditions like eczema, you may be more likely to have keratosis pilaris, and it is also often common in children and teens.” But in reality, it can affect almost anybody. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to treat keratosis pilaris and soothe your rough, bumpy skin. Continue reading for the best KP treatments and tips from the pros.
How to treat keratosis pilaris
If you’re struggling with KP, there isn’t an immediate cure-all. However, some treatments may help to reduce its appearance. Here they are below.
1. Moisturizing creams
“Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized is an important factor in treating this condition,” says Dr. Engelman. “People with dry skin are more prone to keratosis pilaris. We often see keratosis pilaris flare up in colder months. This is because our skin tends to be drier during these periods due to low humidity levels and harsh temperatures, which plays a role in the development of KP.” Moisturizers can be helpful to soothe the dry skin and scaliness associated with KP. So next time you’re shopping for creams, look for formulas with occlusives and humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petroleum.
Try This: FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream This popular formula instantly soothes skin with colloidal oatmeal, conditions with shea butter, and locks all that hydration in with protective ceramides. The fast-absorbing cream is clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 169% upon application. Plus, it's hypoallergenic and recommended for all skin types, sensitive skin included.
2. AHAs and BHAs
Non-abrasive, exfoliating products featuring alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid are often the top at-home KP treatments recommended by dermatologists. These ingredients are featured in many different types of skincare products (we’re willing to bet you even have some on your vanity) and are extremely effective in breaking down excess build-up that clogs hair follicles.
While chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris, it's important not to overdo it with these products. As a rule of thumb, only use an exfoliating product with AHAs or BHAs once a day. These exfoliants can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen daily.
Try These:
• FIRST AID BEAUTY KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA “This exfoliant is formulated to treat keratosis pilaris by using glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin. It also contains pumice buffing beads that help remove dead skin cells and reveal softer and healthier skin,” says Dr. Engelman.
• FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Pads Made for normal, dry, and combination skin types, these gentle and effective daily wipes exfoliate, tone, and brighten with lactic and glycolic acids.
• TRUE BOTANICALS Resurfacing Body Mask This luxurious, sandalwood-scented weekly body mask is packed with lactic acid to gently resurface the skin. The lactic acid dissolves dead skin cells and boosts hydration while antioxidant-packed green tea calms inflammation.
3. Laser hair removal
If you're open to a more expensive (but more permanent) solution, Dr. Emer says laser treatments can also be quite helpful to reduce the appearance of KP. "If you do hair removal in the area so you have no follicles, it is much less likely to get any hair follicle inflammation or overgrowth," he says. Dr. Engelman notes, “Laser hair removal may not be effective for everyone and can take multiple sessions to see an improvement in the appearance of your skin.”
4. Dermatologist-prescribed topical creams
If you’ve tried almost every over-the-counter solution and none of them seem to have helped, consider consulting your dermatologist for medical advice. They may be able to prescribe you a topical retinoid like tretinoin or tazarotene, or a high-dose urea cream. Urea is an ingredient that can be particularly helpful for KP as it moisturizes and exfoliates at once.
5. Lifestyle changes
Alleviating KP isn't only about using the right skincare products; making everyday changes can help. Try to limit your skin's exposure to hot water, avoid harsh soaps and scrubs (check out our most gentle cleansers for sensitive skin here), and consider investing in a humidifier to keep your skin more moisturized while you're at home. “Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents KP flare-ups,” says Dr. Engelman. “I also recommend staying away from tight clothes like leggings or skinny jeans, as the friction and limited airflow that this clothing causes can be irritating to skin and result in a KP flare-up.”
Try This: CANOPY Humidifier Dr. Engelman says, “I love this one because it’s super clean and easy to use. It doesn’t release water particles (which can carry potentially irritating allergens that are unhealthy to breathe in), and it uses smart technology to prevent mold and bacteria from growing while keeping your space at an optimal humidity level.”
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