Good. In addition to recommending this wash for KP, Dr. Robinson says the brightening formula also helps reduce hyperpigmentation. Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, is a fan of Soft Services' Smoothing Solution Calming Gel Exfoliant, which wears many hats as a skin-care treatment. Not gonna lie, my arms are currently itching from this retinol cream, so make sure to use it just once a week, not two nights in a row like I did. It also contains three different skin-strengthening ceramides for barrier repair. How? Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No. Over the years, I've tested every DIY recipe, every wacko internet cure, and every prescription and drugstore product. "Although it does not get rid of the bumps completely, or the marks, it does make my skin feel a little smoother. One exception to the rule: this formula. "Ive tried many natural products, prescription steroids, anti-fungals, and nothing has worked as well as this CBD serum! 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. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Guess what? 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. For this roundup, she considered dozens of lotions, evaluating each on its ability to exfoliate and hydrate skin affected with keratosis pilaris. "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. Improvement of the Skin Barrier Function with Physiologically Active Substances. Published 2009 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540, Milani M, Sparavigna A. "There are theories about keratosis pilaris being a disorder of the hair follicle, or related to the sebaceous glands, or hormonally driven," says Dr. Thomas. Dr. Kim vouches for another Soft Services product: the Carea Cream Daily Toning Lotion. Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion, Best Rich Formula: Pan Afr Med J. Welp, sulfur is a "keratolytic" agent, meaning it works to dissolve the bonds in your keratin plugs, helping them to shed faster. 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. Keratosis pilaris often goes away on its own when teens go through puberty or as adults age into their 20s and 30s. THE REVIEWS: "I really like the way this makes my skin feel. 40 percent of adults have keratosis pilaris, evidence that its magical for inflammation, Your Best Skin Ever: Skin Care Treatments and Products, Fragrance-free, so no unnecessary irritation, Can be irritating to sensitive skin types, Doesn't contain gritty exfoliants, so gentler on skin, Surprisingly gentle, even for reactive skin, Takes a longer time to see results (but worth the wait), Increases risk of sunburns, so have to wear SPF, Effective at breaking down dry patches and bumps, Has lemon and orange extracts that can irritate allergic skin, Calms redness and irritation while hydrating skin. Reviewers note the weightless texture felt great on rough patches on the backs of arms and elbows. 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. Board-certified New York City-based dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., says his patients have been very happy with this recommendation. So take a sneak peek at my favorite keratosis pilaris creams and treatments, below, then (please!) 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). (Yes, we feel that. Is Bey's New Song About the Elevator Incident? There are many products that will improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris if used consistently twice daily for a few months at a time, but this is oftentimes difficult for someone to do, she says. Listen, if youre upset about your keratosis pilaris right now, trust meI freakin feel you. There are also only three ingredients total, one of which is petrolatum, a thick emollient that helps prevent 99 percent of water loss from your skin. So, if you run your hands over your skin and don't feel physical bumps, it's most likely not KP. The quest for clear skin doesn't stop at the neck. products. THE REVIEWS: "I have extremely sensitive and reactive skin with rosacea that occasionally flares," reads one review. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with She says to look for creams that exfoliate and smooth out the texture of the skin with a blend of acids; two common ones are lactic and glycolic. "As a result, small bumps form over where the hair should be." Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. So how do you figure out which of these 10 products is best for you? ), While Ncessaire's The Body Exfoliator comes in Eucalyptus and Sandalwood scents, the fragrance-free version might be the most ideal option for those with sensitive skin. 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. If a patients main concern is the roughness, then I usually try laser hair removal, says Dr. Thomas. Dr. Robinson advocates for Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish because "it blends exfoliation with nourishing ingredients in one step," she says. Your brain will tell you to go harder, stronger, faster, and to ignore all of this advicebut don't. I use it nightly on clean, dry skin (after my lactic acid, but before my moisturizer), and, if I use it consistently, it tones down my redness by about 30 percent. Just note that this stuff is strong and can be pretty drying. Patience is your BFF when it comes to KP. Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index. Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, and Fragrance-Free Formulas, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, CeraVe's SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin. THE REVIEWS: "Great for hypersensitive skin. While he does say the aforementioned acids in addition to ammonium lactate, urea, and vitamin A derivatives can in fact help reduce bumpiness, they will not cure KP. But for now? THE REVIEWS: "Amazing product! 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). It did not irritate my skin at all.". Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Ive read every Reddit thread, decoded every medical study, and pestered every dermatologist Ive ever met for answers. Urea and retinoids are also common keratolytic ingredients used in KP treatments. "I'm so excited! 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). If you're experiencing areas of little, rough bumps that look more like red goosebumps than zits, you may be dealing with keratosis pilaris, or KP. The only diff? reads one tester's review. This lotion is always a favorite, says Arch. Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list. Many years later, products like the KP Duty Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin Moisturizing Lotion and Body Scrub are still gaining fans, thanks to their carefully formulated concoctions of microdermabrasion and exfoliating acids. 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. 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. "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 REVIEWS: "I apply the serum to the red areas every night and my redness is gone by morning and never starts to flake!" You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io. It's incredibly moisturizing without feeling greasy or heavy, it's free of fragrance and harsh ingredients, and it's exactly what my face needs to be able to handle acid-based formulas without causing my facial KP to flare. (There are four other varieties/scents to choose from, like Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter.). Dry skin can further exacerbate KP, so opt for formulas that'll hydrate the skin in addition to treating it. 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. Glycolic and lactic acids are both commonly recommended to treat KP, and for good reason: Both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) break down your keratosis pilaris bumps and smooth skin. Nothing makes my skin quite as smooth, but if you have sensitive skin, make sure to use it sparingly." 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. "The bumps went away, my skin has ever felt this smooth.". Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from cystic acne treatments to skincare routines. I know. Of course, you're looking at someone who failed both of those metrics, so it's not a guarantee. Despite its impressive exfoliating portfolio, this silky gel is also formulated with centella asiatica extract, aloe,and panthenol to soothe and hydrate skin, so you can hop into bed sans irrtation. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin, CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin Review, Best With Lactic Acid: With breakouts possible virtually anywhere you have hair follicles, we're always on the lookout for the best treatments to banish bumps anywhere on the body. 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." 2019;33:274. doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.33.274.16158, Tokudome Y. Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list. 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. Dr. Day is a fan of the five-time Best of Beauty-winning Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Body Wash because its 2 percent salicylic acid helps penetrate hair follicles. Learn more about (If you happen to catch it in stock well, stock up.) Yakugaku Zasshi. Read our, CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin at Amazon, Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion at Amazon, AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion at Amazon, Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion at Amazon, Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream at Sephora, First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub at Amazon, Oui The People Hydrating Body Gloss at Ouithepeople.com, Best Overall: And just as KP can look similar to acne, the approach to reducing it is similar to that of acne. Known for its gorgeous, single-blade razors, Oui the People is making serious moves in other smoothing departments. Dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, NY, is also a fan, noting that its very similar to a prescription cream she often recommends. It's not just exfoliating lotions and scrubs that help smooth the look and feel of keratosis pilaris body wash can make a difference, too. To nourish skin post-exfoliation, there's Atlantic sea kelp to soothe skin and maintain moisture levels. Exfoliating with harsh scrubs or loofahs can actually create more inflammation and dryness, making your keratosis pilaris way worse, says Dr. Gohara. 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. To add to its benefits, "glycerin hydrates and shea butter locks in that hydration to moisturize, effectively delivering 48-hour-long hydration," she notes. Its rare, especially for adults, and yet here I am, living my best red, bumpy-cheeked life. 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. "There are many types of KP that may require a customized approach based on your presentation and symptoms," Dr. Prather says. Aggressive physical exfoliation can cause KP to become inflamed and ultimately worsen the condition, warns Arch. Bianca Lambert, Product Tester. Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director. While the Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is a staple, she also recommends the Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion, which pairs 15 percent exfoliating lactic acid with three types of ceramides to intensely hydrate skin. Look for formulas that are both oil-free and non-comedogenic. If you know me, you know this is the only face cream I've allowed to touch my sensitive skin for years. 2019;139(12):1549-1551. doi:10.1248/yakushi.19-00181-1, Kootiratrakarn T, Kampirapap K, Chunhasewee C. Epidermal permeability barrier in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. "It is important to have lactic acid in a regimen to help break down keratin in the hair follicles," Dr. Sperling says. Dermatologists offer their recommendations on the ingredients and products (washes, scrubs, and lotions) that treat this particular skin condition by sweeping away dead skin cells and clearing clogged hair follicles. 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. This rich cream uses AHAs and willow bark extract (a natural alternative to salicylic acid) to do the exfoliating duties. "Treatment of KP responds best to a combination of exfoliation and hydration," Dr. Prather explains. "The formula itself is creamy, rich, and the consistency of whipped butter intermixed with exfoliating grains." "This is a great product if you are just starting to use AHA/BHA and have sensitive skin. Epidermal permeability barrier in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and. "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. Ahead, find the best lotions for keratosis pilaris for limbs, hips, and face. There's a long list of soothing, redness-reducing ingredients your skin will love taking in, including mugwort, barley, and cica, to boot. keep reading for advicefrom dermatologists Mary Thomas, MD, and Mona Gohara, MDon creating the best KP routine for your skin. Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion, Best Drugstore: Unfortunately, Greenfield says that keratosis pilaris is actually quite difficult to treat. Its kinda sticky, though, so during humid months, I usually slather this on at night. This body scrub has two powerhouse acids: 7 percent glycolic acid and 6 percent lactic acid to help break down KP bumps while buffing away the surface layer of your skin. "It leaves my skin so smooth and actually gets rid of bumpy skin after 1-2 uses.". Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include "small bumps resembling 'chicken skin' that can occur on arms, legs, or even your face." "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. This product has changed my life!". CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin is another favorite of Dr. Sperling, who says the formula's salicylic acid that's what the SA in the name stands for is an effective way to smooth skin. "No irritation whatsoever and I am VERY sensitive.". 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). This causes small, rough bumps to appear around the hair follicles, she says. Hey, that's not to say that by the time you're older, there won't be a brilliant, breakthrough solution. 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. For those with pretty intense KP, Arch suggests using an exfoliating body wash in the shower, followed by applying an exfoliating lotion. I've suffered with KP on my arms for 15 years and nothing helped. 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. 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. Which, when you're hopeless like I am, is huge. Please, please don't try scrubbing the hell out of your KPit won't work. Its not really a moisturizerits an occlusive, aka something that traps hydration into your skin like a seal, making your regular moisturizer more effective. Ad Choices. 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. But if you'd like to give some at-home options a try, these are 17 products dermatologists recommend picking up to promote cell turnover and help relieve the rough, red bumpiness known as keratosis pilaris. When it comes to an effective treatment for keratosis pilaris, Greenfield says to look for formulas that contain keratolytic ingredients, which help break apart the keratin buildup on skin cells and allow for exfoliation to take place. Agharbi FZ. It took about a week using of the product as directed and applying twice a day when I stared seeing fantastic results," one tester writes. Dr. Robinson also points out that the polish also deeply hydrates, thanks to its composition of 25 percent moisturizing cream. 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. The addition of creamy shea butter to soften and hydrate dry spots makes this a soothing pick. So, Here's the Thing About Stretch Mark Creams Hi, Here Are the Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin, All the Weird Reasons You Might Be Breaking Out. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. Your California Privacy Rights. Kratose pilaire [Keratosis pilaris]. 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. Its incredibly shiny and almost greasy-looking (think: slugging level), so I only use it at night, but trust methis stuff works. "If you have skin issues this soap will definitely help KP, acne, melasma, in grown hairs, are all related skin issues.". Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. After slathering on a thick layer of my normal face cream, I smooth this over my KP while my skin is still "damp." I have rosacea and this is one of my standby products," one review reads. "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. No wonder this Korean bath scrub-inspired treatment keeps selling out. 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. 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. 40 percent of adults have keratosis pilaris to some degree, and there's unfortunately no permanent cure or fixthere's only management (I know, I'm truly sorry). Not only have the dry patches on my legs, elbows, and heels disappeared, but the texture on my back has started to smooth." Another recommendation of Dr. Peredo's is EltaMD Intense Face and Body Moisturizer, which she says effectively "soothes inflamed and irritated skin while retaining moisture for at least 12 hours." "Glycolic is a great AHA that can be sometimes strong for the face but does well for the body," says Dr. Bhanusali. 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. As a refresher, keratosis pilaris is the clinical name for the rough red bumpsor brown bumps, in darker skin tonescommonly found on the backs of your armsor virtually everywhere, if you're me. Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, willow bark extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 10 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Wait, Do Cellulite Creams Really Do Anything? The product we're referring to is Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, which is spiked with a potent, 12-percent lactic-acid formula. Specifically, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, says alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) are the way to go. We tested out a handful of top-rated products, noting how well the product smoothed out bumps, calmed redness and irritation, and left skin supple and hydrated. 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. Arch like that this formula exfoliates and hydrates, with a combination of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. Seeing no changes after six weeks? If you have KP, proceed with caution when using scrubs. Highly recommended!". Exfoliating lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids are choice for helping to combat KP, says Arch; this particular formula touts a 12% concentration of lactic acid, one of the gentlest yet most effective AHAs out there.