Yahoo Lifestyle The 12 Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments, According to Dermatologists
- 1/13
The 12 Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments, According to Dermatologists
Keratosis pilaris is a common, benign skin condition, often referred to as “gooseflesh”—or just KP for short. It most often shows up like small scaly bumps on the upper arms and thighs “due to retention of keratin at the follicular opening,” explains Maya K. Thosani, M.D., F.A.A.D., an Arizona-based dermatologist. In other words, it’s a buildup of keratin that blocks the opening of hair follicles—this said, it’s no surprise that the best keratosis pilaris treatments are in demand.
In typical cases, pinhead-sizes follicular papules show up around the upper arms or thighs—and sometimes your (facial) cheeks and buttocks. The affected areas are often rough to the touch. While there is a genetic component of KP, it’s also more common in those with dry skin or eczema.
“Most of the time KP is asymptomatic, but sometimes the texture or appearance of it can lead someone to seek treatment,” Dr. Thosani adds. “Complete cure is not possible, but the bothersome symptoms can be addressed with targeted skin care.”
Meet the Experts: Maya K. Thosani, M.D., F.A.A.D. is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, and the owner of Modern Dermatology. Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei M.D. Dr. Marisa Garshick, is a board certified dermatologist.
Our top picks
To that end, these are the best keratosis pilaris treatments, according to dermatologists.
Getty Images - 2/13
1) SA Moisturizing Cream With Salicylic Acid
CeraVe
amazon.com
$22.99
This Cerave body moisturizer feels velvety and absorbs quickly with no greasy texture. Salicylic and lactic acids help exfoliate, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture, and niacinamide helps soothe skin. The accessibly-priced product is also fragrance free, allergy tested, and non-comedogenic. Garshick recommends this product among her top five. And Thosani calls it her overall favorite in the category.
“CeraVe SA cream is my go-to favorite product because it has both the salicylic acid and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the dead skin that tends to plague patients with keratosis pilaris,” Thosani says. “It also combines those two acids with hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, both of which go a long way in improving hydration and tolerance for irritating and drying acids.”She adds that CeraVe cream also includes three ceramides, which are the lipids that are essential to forming the natural skin barrier, and act like the glue that holds the cells and prevents insult or injury. “These ceramides are also protective for locking in moisture. The product CeraVe SA has all the components to target the scaly bumps, while providing extra moisturizers to help soothe at the same time!”
CeraVe - 3/13
2) Intensive Repair Treatment
Nakery Beauty
nakerybeauty.com
$39.00
Marcus and Garshick both cite this cream among their top recommendations.
“If acid-containing products are too irritating, try a moisturizer formulated with soothing ingredients,” like this one, Marcus says, noting the contains 2% colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, Vitamin E, seabuckthorn, meadowfoam seed, and chia oils to soothe and hydrate inflamed skin.
Garshick adds, “this cream helps to soothe areas of skin irritation, and is especially good for those dealing with eczema and keratosis pilaris.”
nakerybeauty.com - 4/13
3) Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash
Dove Beauty
target.com
$5.99
“For someone who prefers a physical exfoliant, this gentle body wash effectively cleanses the skin while gently eliminating dead skin cells, helping to improve overall skin texture and tone, helping to address keratosis pilaris,” Garshick says. “Unlike harsh scrubs, it won’t leave the skin feeling dry or irritated.” Plus, the product is under $6—and it’s vegan and PETA-approved.
target.com - 5/13
4) KP Body Bumps Be Gone Clarifying Body Pads
Kopari
koparibeauty.com
$36.00
This Kopari product takes the form of a leave-on exfoliant that brightens and smoothes skin’s texture. It helps banish those pore-clogging buildups and barriers, so it’s ideal not just for KP but also for generally rough texture, dark spots, and acne. You can use it all over.
Kopari - 6/13
5) Glytone KP Kit
Glytone
dermstore.com
$69.00
This kit includes a body wash, body lotion, and a pouf. Together, Garshick says, the products “can help to soften and smooth the skin, improving the overall texture on the legs. Like other products on our list. Glytone works by using glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and helps to improve rough and dry patches on the skin,” she explains.
Glytone - 7/13
6) Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Skinfix
sephora.com
$48.00
This ultra-moisturizing cream is formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate skin, plus jojoba oil, shea butter, and glycerin to hydrate and soothe. Marcus recommends it highly, noting that the ingredients are an “ideal combination for treatment of keratosis pilaris.”
sephora.com - 8/13
7) 1000 Roses Soothing Body Lotion
Andalou Naturals
andalou.com
$10.99
Garshick recommends this product to address dry and sensitive skin. “This moisturizing lotion helps to soften and smooth the skin, as it combines shea and cocoa butter in addition to aloe vera,” she says. “This can be a good lotion to use after the shower for someone who is using an exfoliating body wash or cleanser.”
Andalou Naturals - 9/13
8) KP Duty Body Scrub
DERMAdoctor
amazon.com
$52.00
This fan-favorite body scrub evokes dermatology office-level treatments: The formula combines the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into one product. Its key ingredients include both lactic and glycolic acids, as well as botanicals for calming and soothing skin.
Dermadoctor - 10/13
9) KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream
AmLactin
amazon.com
$15.99
This hydrating cream is formulated with 15% lactic acid for effective exfoliation. Use it on arms, legs, and back—anywhere on the body. It also helps to lock in moisture, keeping skin looking bright and improving overall texture.
AmLactin - 11/13
10) Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel
Replenix
replenix.com
$34.00
These peel pads come pre-medicated with crystalline glycolic acid—the purest, and most high-potency form of the stuff. Swipe the pads over the skin on the face to gently exfoliate, and even out the appearance of age spots and acne, too. The pad format makes them easy to use on the go.
Replenix - 12/13
11) Daily Moisturizer
KPAWAY
amazon.com
$38.99
This gentle, non-exfoliating product contains no added parabens or petroleum. With no acids to potentially irritate, this keratosis pilaris option is a popular pick for babies and kids as well as adults.
KP Away - 13/13
12) Press Restart Body Lotion
Versed
versedskin.com
$17.99
“Containing encapsulated retinol, cocoa butter and squalane, this lotion helps to smooth skin texture making it great for keratosis pilaris and other rough or bumpy areas of the skin,” Garshick recommends. While it can be applied all over from the neck down, it can also help to spot treat rough areas, she notes.
Versed
