Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition that is common amongst adolescents and adults. It is a genetic disorder that keratinizes the skin’s hair follicles, resulting in the appearance of small and rough papules. It is also often associated with dry skin conditions, including xerosis, vulgaris, and ichthyosis. It is harmless, but it can be bothersome, especially because of its unsightly appearance.
If you are worried that keratosis pilaris can kill you, there is no need to fret! No need to overthink! This is actually not cancerous. However, this does not mean that you should leave it untreated, especially if you start to lose confidence because it makes your skin look unattractive. If you are looking for the best treatment option, read on and we’ll share with you some of the things that you have to know, including the best products available on the market today.
So, What Exactly is Keratosis Pilaris?
Before we proceed to our discussion of the products that you can use, let us have a closer look at a skin condition that is known as keratosis pilaris. It is also called chicken skin, basically because of the similarity of its appearance on the skin of the chicken. The skin will turn rough. The most common parts that can be affected by this condition are upper arms, buttocks, and thighs.
One of the most important things that you have to know about keratosis pilaris is that there is no known cure. However, there are treatment options that are available, including those that will be mentioned in the next section of this post. They will prevent the condition from getting worse. Also, it is said that keratosis pilaris naturally clears when you reach 30 years old.
Our Top Picks for Treating Keratosis Pilaris
Now that you are already enlightened on the basics of this skin condition, let us proceed to a quick discussion of some of the best products that should be under your radar and the reasons why they are exceptional choices.
Excipial Urea Hydrating Healing Lotion
This triple-action lotion comes with a unique formulation, which is exactly the reason why it is ranked as one of the best treatment options for keratosis pilaris. The secret of this product lies in the 10% urea. It replenishes the level of urea that is lost in the skin.
The non-greasy formula is also great, which will make it not sticky even during a hot day. This won’t lead to any form of discomfort.
It has been developed by skincare experts to provide hydration to treat dry skin, as well as the symptoms of keratosis pilaris. It also conditions and exfoliates the skin, which makes it a promising choice for a lotion that targets a number of skin problems, not just keratosis pilaris.
Cerave Renewing SA Cream for Rough and Bumpy Skin
If there is one thing that makes this an effective body cream, it would be the fact that it contains three essential ceramides. These ceramides are responsible for the restoration of the skin. They also provide a protective barrier from the external elements that could affect the health of your skin. It also contains salicylic acid, which is also one that is responsible for the reduction of visible bumps on the skin.
The cream also has the revolutionary Multi-Vesicular Emulsion technology. Simply put, the latter makes sure that the ingredients providing moisture to the skin will be released slowly. There is no need for frequent reapplication throughout the day.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Skin dryness is one of the things that could lead to keratosis pilaris. For this reason, you need to choose a product that keeps the skin hydrated, and this cream can prove to be one of the most promising choices. This is a head-to-toe moisturizer, so you can apply it regardless of the problem area.
Based on the specifications from the manufacturer, skin hydration is automatically increased by as much as 169% immediately after the application of the cream. To be able to hydrate the skin, it utilizes a unique combination of ingredients, which include colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin, and extracts of feverfew, licorice root, and white tea.
Touch Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Lotion
With 12% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid, this is another effective choice for the treatment of keratosis pilaris. The two ingredients provide exfoliation, which is needed to get rid of the bumpiness on the surface of the skin.
Looking at the list of the ingredients, it is also a commendable product because it contains coconut oil and glycerin. The two are emollients, which will give the skin the glow that it needs without being sticky. With aloe vera, on the other hand, it helps to fight irritation and inflammation.
The low pH formula of this product is one more thing that gives it an edge over many others. With a pH level of 3.5, the higher acids will work to deliver effective exfoliation. If it is higher, the effectiveness can be lost.
AmLactin Ultra-Smoothing Hydrating Cream
To effectively smoothen the rough and bumpy areas of the skin, this is another product that will be worth a try. With the triple action formula, you can be confident that it will treat keratosis pilaris. This is made possible by the alpha-hydroxy, humectants, and emollients. They work together repair dry skin and protect it from further damage.
If you have a sensitive nose, you will also like how it comes with a fragrance-free formula. More so, it is also non-greasy. Even during a hot day, you won’t complain that the cream is making you feel sticky.
Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment
The 2% BHA that you can find in this body cream is one of the reasons why it is effective against keratosis pilaris. It helps to soften rough skin, providing the exfoliation that you need to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a new layer.
It also has just the right pH range, which is approximately anywhere from 3.5 to 3.9. If the pH level is more than 4, the effectiveness of some of its ingredients will be lost.
The cream also has a silky and lightweight formulation, so there is no need to worry about its application even during a hot day.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion
With a rich and nourishing formula, this lotion corrects the texture of the skin while also providing the moisture that it needs. With this, it helps in the treatment of bumps or keratosis pilaris. This is also going to make the skin look more vibrant and youthful.
One of the reasons why it effectively treats keratosis pilaris is the high concentration of glycolic acid. This helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which can often be the cause of the bumps.
The lotion also has a fragrance-free formulation.
Gold Bond Ultimate Rough & Bumpy Daily Skin Therapy
Get rid of rough and bumpy skin with the use of this daily moisturizer. The effectiveness of this product can be attributed to the presence of eight intensive moisturizers that can condition and smoothen the skin. It also has a triple exfoliating complex as it utilizes the power of AHA, BHA, and PHA to get rid of the rough skin.
This product is effective not only based on the claims of the manufacturer but also on the basis of a clinical test that has been conducted. The results of the latter showed that after one week of use, it improves the smoothness and softness of the skin by as much as 90%. More so, within four weeks, the appearance of bumps can be reduced by as much as 74%.
KP Elements Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Skin Cream
Visible results within 30 days – this is what the manufacturer promises. There is no need to hesitate about buying this product since the manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction!
The effectiveness of the cream is attributed to the premium ingredients that are used. The most important is alpha-hydroxyl acids, which are the ones that are responsible for the reduction of the bumpy appearance of the skin. It encourages the growth of new skin cells. The cream also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, essential oils, and omega-3 fatty acids. The oils that are used in the cream are from botanical sources, which include flax seed, borage seed, chamomile, and rose hip.
For the best outcomes, the manufacturer recommends that you should apply this to the problem areas of the skin at least twice daily.
KP Elements Keratosis Pilaris Body Scrub
This is made by the same manufacturer as the product that has been mentioned above. The only difference is that it is in the form of body scrub.
From the long list of the ingredients that you will find in this product, one of the most instrumental of its effectiveness is the glycolic acid. It also has scrubbing beads that will be important for exfoliation. It gets rid of the dead skin cells and reveals a newer layer. With Vitamin E, on the other hand, it has antioxidants that fight the damages on the skin that are caused by free radicals.
Do I Have Keratosis Pilaris?
There is no need to go to the doctor or have a medical examination to determine if you are suffering from keratosis pilaris. A quick look at the skin all over the body will be more than enough. You just have to watch out for the symptoms.
Watch Out for These Symptoms
The appearance of small and rough bumps on the surface of the skin is the most common sign that will be indicative of keratosis pilaris. It is often red or white. You will appear like you are having goosebumps, except that the bumps do not subside even after a while. The skin can also turn dry and scaly. When you run your hand over the skin, it might feel like sandpaper.
In 92% of the cases, the signs of keratosis pilaris will be evident on the upper arm. Meanwhile, it will be on the thighs 59% of the time and in the buttocks in 30% of all cases of this skin condition.
What are the Causes of Keratosis Pilaris?
The main cause of keratosis is the build-up of keratin on the skin. It is an outcome of keratinization. In the case of the latter, the hard proteins that are supposed to provide a protective barrier will clog the hair follicle, which will lead to bumps or patches of dry skin. It is also said that it is a genetic condition. So, if it runs in the blood, chances are, you will have it as well.
Keratosis Pilaris Risk Factors
It should also be pointed out that aside from the main causes, there are also some conditions that will increase the likelihood of having keratosis pilaris. This could be an effect of the following conditions: eczema, skin allergy, skin dryness, obesity, melanoma, hay fever, ichthyosis, and obesity. The cold weather will also make the condition worse, as well as hormonal changes.
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
The first line of defense is to use the products that have been mentioned in this post. Aside from this, however, here are other options that are worth considering if you do have keratosis pilaris.
A Dermatologist Can Extend a Helping Hand
This can be quite costly, but this is one that holds a lot of promise. Your dermatologist will recommend a number of treatment options with the main goal of exfoliating the skin to get rid of the visible signs of keratosis pilaris, although it should be noted that this is only a temporary solution. After all, it is harmless, so there is no need to have it treated. However, if it bothers you, some of the treatments that might be recommended include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and retinol creams.
Try These Home Remedies
There are also home treatment options that can be effective, although nothing is certain since no studies have been formally conducted. Nonetheless, there is no harm in giving these a try since there will be no side effects and there is no need to spend too much:
- Taking a warm will help to relax and unclog the pores. You can also use a brush to exfoliate the skin and to get rid of the bumps.
- You can also help to prevent the condition from worsening by adding a humidifier in the room, which will introduce moisture that the skin needs for hydration.
- Known for being an excellent anti-inflammatory, coconut oil can also work like magic for keratosis pilaris. All that you have to do is rub the oil on the skin, which can provide instant relief from itchiness.
- As much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing. It can produce friction that will cause skin irritation.
The Best Ingredients to Look for in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment Options
Whether it is a soap, lotion, moisturizer, body wash, or any other product that is marketed for the treatment of keratosis pilaris, you need to take a look at the list of the ingredients. Two of the most effective are urea and lactic acid. They work by providing relief against itchiness and dryness. To diminish the bumpy appearance of the skin, on the other hand, some of the ingredients that you should look for include alpha-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
Wrap Up
With the best treatment of keratosis pilaris, you will be able to ease some of the symptoms of the condition. Take note that it is not curable, but this should not be a cause of concern basically because it is harmless. Nonetheless, with the products that have been listed in this post, you can effectively lessen the discomfort associated with the condition and your skin will also look better.