2022 Cond Nast. She regularly tests and analyzes keratosis pilaris creams, scrubs, and serums on her own sensitive skin for efficacy, while working with the industrys top dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas and brands. Greenfield explains that keratosis pilaris is a condition where dead skinparticularly keratin, builds up around hair follicles instead of being naturally exfoliated away. "It is important to have lactic acid in a regimen to help break down keratin in the hair follicles," Dr. Sperling says. That's not to say you can't manage it, thoughthe most effective at-home KP treatments are a combo of chemical exfoliants to dissolve the bumps and rich moisturizers to soften skinbut these treatments are only effective as long as you use them. Additionally, SLMD founder board-certified dermatologist Sandra Lee, M.D., previously told us that "glycolic acid can help fade hyperpigmentation that often accompanies KP.". As soon as you stop, your bumps will come right back, says Dr. Thomas. Again, nothing can truly get rid of your KP, but in-office laser treatments can significantly reduce the redness and/or the bumpy texture on your body or face. THE REVIEWS: "Great for hypersensitive skin. THE REVIEWS: "I have extremely sensitive and reactive skin with rosacea that occasionally flares," reads one review. I dab it on clean, dry skin every other night, wait 60 seconds, then layer on a rich, gentle moisturizer (Avne Tolerance Extreme Cream FTW). "This is one of the only products I can slather everywhere, including my eyelids and around my eyes. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, adds that KP tends to flare up during the winter months, so having a potent moisturizer to combat dryness on hand is extra key. 2017;10:311-315. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180, We Researched the Best Face ExfoliatorsThese Are Our Top Picks, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, 21 Body Lotions Dry, Thirsty Skin Will Drink Up, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, If You Haven't Tried These Paula's Choice Products Yet, You're Missing Out, Here Are the Best Face Moisturizers to Use for Sensitive Skin, 14 Effective Blackhead Treatments Recommended By Dermatologists, The 9 Best Products From Bioderma, Everyones Fave French Skincare Brand, 16 Incredible Face Primers You Can Always Rely on, I Reviewed CeraVes SA Body Lotion and It Changed My Skin for the Better, 10 Chemical Peels You Can Use at Home for the Glowiest Face Ever, 15 Body Scrubs for Smooth, Flake-Free Skin, The 11 Best Drugstore Moisturizers with SPF for Hydrated, Protected Skin, The Best Anti-Aging Serums To Elevate Your Skincare, Keratosis Pilaris: What It Is and How to Treat It. Of course, you're looking at someone who failed both of those metrics, so it's not a guarantee. To nourish skin post-exfoliation, there's Atlantic sea kelp to soothe skin and maintain moisture levels. Pan Afr Med J. Still, although its strong, its worth it to try: Retinoids speed up your cell turnover and help your skin shed faster, making it harder for keratin plugs to form in the first place, says Dr. Gohara. Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, willow bark extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 10 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list. So, if you run your hands over your skin and don't feel physical bumps, it's most likely not KP. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. If you're in need of a stronger treatment, Dr. Liu (who works with The Inkey List) recommends tapping the brand's Glycolic Acid Toner a few times per week. After all, the body-acne-geared brand isn't called Soft Services for no reason. Its not entirely clear why this buildup of keratin occurs, but its thought to be associated with genetic diseases or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion Review, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, These 16 Body Washes Deserve Some Real Estate in Your Shower, Best Budget: Good. This particular formula (which contains 10 percent urea, in case you were wondering) is also loaded up with moisture-retaining squalane and soothing colloidal oatmeal to keep skin happy and soft. cerave cream renewing sa creams keratosis pilaris skin ceramides salicylic acid contains found another The same active ingredients are in a heavier, cream variant as well, should you desire a thicker application. Try switching just one of your products (i.e., swap your scrub for a sulfur soap, or your lactic-acid body lotion for a body retinol) and keep at it. Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 14 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No. I swear by this glycolic- and lactic acid-spiked formula for my bumpy arms and thighsso much so that we gave it a Cosmo beauty award. Unfortunately, Greenfield says that keratosis pilaris is actually quite difficult to treat. Even if you've avoided glycolic acid for your face-care regimen, you may not want to rule out a 10 percent glycolic-acid formula like Lancer's The Method: Body Nourish cream for KP on your arms or legs. The other huge game changer for the keratosis pilaris on my face? Since it's a treatment and moisturizer packaged in one convenient formula, it can be used on a more regular basis compared to more concentrated formulas, Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Minneapolis, confirms. Its rare, especially for adults, and yet here I am, living my best red, bumpy-cheeked life. Agharbi FZ. If you have KP, proceed with caution when using scrubs. With exfoliation being such a key factor in treating KP, you may want to try chemical and physical exfoliation and SLMD's Glycolic Acid Body Scrub offers both. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with Our best overall pick is CeraVe's SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin a clinically proven drugstore pick that combines salicylic and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Hokay, I am truly the biggest skeptic of topical CBD, because (1) most CBD skincare is poorly regulated, and (2) studies are still limited on how effective it is (though theres tons of evidence that its magical for inflammation). (There are four other varieties/scents to choose from, like Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter.). Ive spent a lifetime (literally) trying to destroy my facial KP, and heres what Ive learned: Use only the gentlest of acids, never scrub, and keep your skin as moisturized as possible. Your California Privacy Rights. New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., also gives First Aid Beauty's KP Smoothing Body Lotion a hearty stamp of approval. This lotion is always a favorite, says Arch. Patients usually need 3-6 treatments spaced a month apart, and treatments can cost $400+ per session. So, our hopes of a permanent KP cure being discovered any time soon areslim. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. Shes an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to keratosis pilaris and sensitive skin, thanks to her own lifetime of dealing with rosacea breakouts and her own keratosis pilaris on her face (hi, keratosis rubra faciei) and body. Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index. "Typically, for KP, we recommend a higher concentration of urea (approximately 30 to 40 percent) but for patients with very mild KP, [Carea Cream Daily Toning Lotion] could be helpful," he notes. The only thing more annoying than KP on your body? Symptoms, treatment options, and personal experiences for various physical, mental, and health conditions and concerns. My chest is now a healthy color and is much less bumpy.". This rich cream uses AHAs and willow bark extract (a natural alternative to salicylic acid) to do the exfoliating duties. To add on, Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, of Westlake Dermatology, says KP occurs due to a dysfunction in the hair follicle. When keratina protein in the skinbuilds up within the hair follicle, it can cause small, rough bumps to appear on your arms, thighs, butt, or face called keratosis pilaris (KP). Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Board-certified New York City-based dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., says his patients have been very happy with this recommendation. The quest for clear skin doesn't stop at the neck. Is Bey's New Song About the Elevator Incident? In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the most in-demand (and under-the-radar) ingredients in your favorite skin-care products. Skinfix's Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream snagged an Allure Best of Beauty Award for best exfoliating body moisturizer because its blend of naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (via fruit acids and lime pearl extract) helps soften rough skin. We have good news. Still, here's my own personal treatment plan (with additional product options I've loved and used): Remember: Dousing your keratosis pilaris in acid and trying to scrub it off will make your KP come back harder and angrier. Sadly, research costs money, and money isn't exactly being funneled into harmless (yet annoying) skin conditions like keratosis pilaris. Our testers used these products for weeks at a time, noting how well the product smoothed out bumps, calmed redness and irritation, and left skin supple and hydrated. Its kinda sticky, though, so during humid months, I usually slather this on at night. "But we still don't know enough, so research now needs to be at the cellular level to figure out the exact gene that causes KP," she says. We <3 keratolytics, which is why I love this soap: It's filled with 10 percent sulfur and 3 percent salicylic acid (another keratolytic agent with redness-reducing properties), making it a KP-kicking powerhouse. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, andCentella asiaticastem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. The only diff? Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No, "As someone who doesnt always take the time to moisturize from the shoulders down post-shower, using this nightly has been a game-changer for my skin. Now, please keep reading for what you really want: my favorite products to help get rid of keratosis pilaris, all in once place, and scroll aaalll the way down to find answers to all of your KP questions. Glycoliclike this 10 percent-filled body lotionis stronger than lactic acid, so it's a bit more potent (but also potentially more irritation). Priced at a reasonable $13, The Inkey List's Lactic Acid should be top-of-mind for those who desire a gentle formula that can help treat KP and promote brighter, smoother skin with continued use. Plus, because its fragrance-free, its less likely to irritate skin that might already be red or inflamed from KP. Exfoliating with harsh scrubs or loofahs can actually create more inflammation and dryness, making your keratosis pilaris way worse, says Dr. Gohara. Ahead, find the best lotions for keratosis pilaris for limbs, hips, and face. If a patients main concern is the roughness, then I usually try laser hair removal, says Dr. Thomas. You cant talk about keratosis pilaris without mentioning this OG stapleits pretty much the only answer Ive ever gotten to how to get rid of keratosis pilaris. The formula is filled with 12 percent lactic acid that helps dissolve your keratin plugs while also moisturizing your skin. Its incredibly shiny and almost greasy-looking (think: slugging level), so I only use it at night, but trust methis stuff works. Because keratosis pilaris is a type of dry skin disorder, as Dr. Turegano emphasizes, moisturizing must be a key aspect of KP treatments. Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream, Best Scrub: This multitasking formula is spiked with 10 percent lactic acid and five percent urea (which you may recognize as a godsend for dry, cracked feet). Retinol isn't as effective for keratosis pilaris as AHAs are, but this retinol cream definitely helped neutralize my redness when I used it in place of my acid-based lotion. The gentle physical exfoliators are combined with both glycolic acid and lactic acid for simultaneous chemical exfoliation, and the formula is nourishing to avoid irritation, she says. "I wish I had taken before and after photos, because I kid you not, the first night I used this lotion, 10 years of redness vanished overnight. Instead, once a week, gently massage an AHA-based (alpha hydroxy acid) body scrub over your wet skin (body only) in the shower, letting it sit for 60 seconds before rinsing off. Irritation makes KP worse, and for me, I've found my KP looks best with 90 percent moisture, 10 percent exfoliation. Squalane helps to exfoliate in a gentle, and hydrating way, without any irritation. Despite also gaining exfoliating benefits from lactic acid, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, says this body moisturizer is incredibly gentle and locks in hydration with hyaluronic acid, while also maintaining your skin's barrier with critical ceramides. Not only have the dry patches on my legs, elbows, and heels disappeared, but the texture on my back has started to smooth." keep reading for advicefrom dermatologists Mary Thomas, MD, and Mona Gohara, MDon creating the best KP routine for your skin. Its "8.8 free acid value of glycolic acid is mild enough for sensitive skin but effective enough for dry, rough, bumpy, or flaky skin on the body," she says of the body polish, which can be used to treat dry/scaly feet and legs as well as the rest of the body. THE REVIEWS: "This is the best!" I will buy this product again.". But this serum-oil formula is basically the purest, simplest, least-risky form of CBD skincare, and it's also the only topical product that has ever helped with the redness on my cheeks from my KP. Similar to its dermatologist-recommended counterpart, the Intensive Repair Lotion, this bump-smoothing moisturizer incorporates urea and lactic acid with barrier-protecting ingredients like shea butter and ceramides. lac hydrin five keratosis pilaris rid lotion Also, remember that your "chicken skin" will ebb and flow: It can get rougher in the winter, smoother in the summer, and inflamed with stress and hormones, which is why you need to be consistent with a routine. "This is a great product if you are just starting to use AHA/BHA and have sensitive skin. When no less than five dermatologists recommend a particular lotion for KP, you know it has to be a treasure and an affordable, under-$20 treasure. Patience is your BFF when it comes to KP. Welp, sulfur is a "keratolytic" agent, meaning it works to dissolve the bonds in your keratin plugs, helping them to shed faster. Which, when you're hopeless like I am, is huge. THE REVIEWS: "I really like the way this makes my skin feel. "As a result, small bumps form over where the hair should be." Dr. King says this formula excels in softening rough areas like elbows and heels. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, Best Lightweight Hydration: totalbeauty She also notes that the lightweight formula is fragrance-free, which means people with sensitive skin have nothing to worry about. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This product features the same 10-percent concentration as the lactic acid option, but glycolic acid molecules are even smaller than those of lactic acid, thus they can penetrate more deeply. You might want to wait a few minutes before hopping into bed so this dreamy, rich cream packed with hydrating emollients, like shea butter, coconut, and jojoba oils can properly absorb and soothe your just-exfoliated skin. Dr. Liu is a fan of its non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture that caters especially to "those who don't enjoy heavy creams of sticky lotions." Over-the-counter creams can help to exfoliate and calm inflammation due to KP, according to board-certified dermatologist, Emily Arch, MD. Luckily, with the right products, you can likely reduce the appearance/feel of your keratosis pilaris within a month, as long as you're hella consistent with a daily regimen (really). Its a gentle exfoliating treatment thats suitable for all skin types and has an appealinglightweight texture, she adds, noting that you can use it either once or twice per day. Even my patients who havent found relief with other over-the-counter products tend to respond well to this easy-to-use kit, she says. Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. "If you have skin issues this soap will definitely help KP, acne, melasma, in grown hairs, are all related skin issues.". Improvement of the Skin Barrier Function with Physiologically Active Substances. For this roundup, she considered dozens of lotions, evaluating each on its ability to exfoliate and hydrate skin affected with keratosis pilaris. A combination of soothing lightweight oils, including avocado and rosehip deliver collagen boosting properties, leaving skin with KP glossy. The addition of creamy shea butter to soften and hydrate dry spots makes this a soothing pick. "Keratosis pilaris is a buildup of keratin a hair protein in the pores that clogs up and blocks the opening of growing hair follicles," New York City board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure. Learn more about Dermadoctor's KP Duty line was one of the first skin-care collections to specifically call out keratosis pilaris as its target. I know this isn't what you want to hear (and neither do I), but because keratosis pilaris is part of your DNA, you can't cure it or permanently get rid of it. for six weeks. No wonder this Korean bath scrub-inspired treatment keeps selling out. So take a sneak peek at my favorite keratosis pilaris creams and treatments, below, then (please!) It's the perfect last step for your nighttime routine before you hit the hay. This incredibly effective scrub, which should be used on a weekly basis, is formulated with bamboo charcoal and a combination of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to unclog pores and refine textured skin. "It contains lactic acid and urea to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin, as well ascolloidaloatmealand ceramides to support the skin barrier," she explains. "The bumps went away, my skin has ever felt this smooth.". Yakugaku Zasshi. Arch says beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic, are highly effective on KP. I've suffered with KP on my arms for 15 years and nothing helped. To add to its benefits, "glycerin hydrates and shea butter locks in that hydration to moisturize, effectively delivering 48-hour-long hydration," she notes. After slathering on a thick layer of my normal face cream, I smooth this over my KP while my skin is still "damp." I am quite literally The Queen of bumpy skin textures. In addition to recommending this wash for KP, Dr. Robinson says the brightening formula also helps reduce hyperpigmentation. "I really like the two-step approach in the KP Kit by Glytone that pairs a glycolic acid-based body cleanser and body lotion with vitamin E for extra hydration," Dr. Prather says. This contains urea, another alpha-hydroxy acid thats highly effective at breaking up keratin plugs and also helps the top layers of the skin retain moisture, explains Arch. It also contains three different skin-strengthening ceramides for barrier repair. Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion, Best Rich Formula: "The formula itself is creamy, rich, and the consistency of whipped butter intermixed with exfoliating grains." Wait, Do Cellulite Creams Really Do Anything? Gently rub it over your wet skin (body KP only! Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list.