If you have been struggling with Keratosis Pilaris (KP) for a while now you know how annoying it can get trying everything possible to solve it and nothing works. Most women are quite insecure about their skin condition and try their best to hide it by avoiding wearing clothing that shows their KP. This is no way to live and is sadly a reality that is more common than it should be. In this article, we will be highlighting at-home products that will not only reduce the appearance of your KP but also boost your confidence so you can live your life more freely. Let’s get started.
Method 1: Take lukewarm showers/baths, and follow up with a moisturizing lotion
We all know how comforting hot showers can be. Unfortunately, hot water is a fast way to dry out your skin as it strips away your body’s natural oils and if you are not following up with a regular moisturizing routine. Regular hot showers can considerably enhance the appearance of your Keratosis Pilaris.
We recommend switching from showering and bathing in hot water to lukewarm water. This will make it so you can still enjoy your showers but also keep your skin healthy by not drying it out. When you apply your moisturizer, be sure to do it within a few minutes of the shower, preferably before your skin is all the way dry so you can lock in the moisture.
Method 2: Physical exfoliation
Since KP is a condition where skin cells do not shed properly on their own, physical exfoliation can help remove some of the trapped dead skin cells and oil around your pores. This method requires using an exfoliating washcloth, exfoliating gloves, or a dry brush. For the best results, we recommend using the dry brush before a shower or bath rather than after.
Physical exfoliation should be done in moderation since it can cause irritation on your skin that is not affected by KP and can create further scarring. Be sure to properly moisturize afterwards.
Product 1: DERMAdoctor KP Duty Exfoliating Scrub
This Exfoliating Scrub is specifically curated for those with Keratosis Pilaris. This product chemically does what we discussed in our last method—it exfoliates! By now you probably know that those bumps in your KP areas are trapped skin cells around your hair follicles. They just need some help in the shedding process.
DERMAdoctor is a great option to help that process along because it provides both the effects of a chemical peel (a procedure you can typically only get done in a dermatologist’s office) and exfoliating abrasion.
Who would say no to a nice pampering scrub that will help treat Keratosis Pilaris at the same time?
What We Like (Pros) |
What We Don’t Like (Cons) |
| Created specifically for individuals with KP | May increase the risk of sunburn without the use of sunscreen |
| Combines a variety of acids and natural oils | |
| Only needs to be used twice a week |
Value: Check the Amazon price here
Verdict: If you need some help in your exfoliating regimen and have some extra cash, this would be a great option for you.
Product 2: CeraVe SA Cream
This is probably the most well-known product on our list to treat Keratosis Pilaris. It contains not only salicylic acid (that’s where the SA part of the name comes from) but also contains lactic acid and ceramides. These are both great not only moisturizers for dry skin but also help treat keratosis pilaris on a deeper level with chemical exfoliation.
CeraVe SA Cream was made for rough and bumpy skin and the acidic ingredients will start to break down the buildup of old cells in your KP-affected areas.
What We Like (Pros) |
What We Don’t Like (Cons) |
| A great starter product in KP treatment | Lower concentration of active ingredients than other products on our list |
| Easy on the skin for everyday use | Sunscreen use is advised with the use of the chemical exfoliants contained in the product |
Value: Check the Amazon price here
Verdict: If you’ve just started trying to treat Keratosis Pilaris, this is a great product to begin with before exposing your skin to more intense treatments.
Product 3: AmLactin 12% Moisturizing Lotion
Lactic acid, which is the active ingredient in AmLactin, is known for its hydrating properties. As you would expect from an acid, it’s also effective at breaking down the KP buildup on the skin’s surface.
With AmLactin, you would be getting both of your KP needs accomplished at the same time: a moisturizer and a gentle exfoliator for your pores.
What We Like (Pros) |
What We Don’t Like (Cons) |
| A moisturizer and a chemical exfoliator | Some users report the product has a strange smell |
| Most effective on damp skin | Sunscreen use is advised |
Value: Check the Amazon price here
Verdict: If you’re not easily averted by a strong-smelling product, this is a highly effective option that can help both moisturize your skin and break down the build-up of skin cells and oil at your pores to lighten your Keratosis Pilaris.
Product 4: Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 30% Urea Cream
Urea is an organic compound that acts as a moisturizer, and at higher concentrations (like in Eucerin) it will start to break down the build-up of skin cells in those pesky KP areas. This cream also contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, and ceramides which are all helpful in treating KP.
Eucerin Urea Repair is made specifically for sensitive skin and can be applied as you would apply a lotion. Just be careful to not get it on non-affected areas of skin as it can cause irritation.
What We Like (Pros) |
What We Don’t Like (Cons) |
| Well-rounded product with many helpful ingredients | Has been known to irritate normal skin |
| A higher concentration of acids means a higher chance of effectiveness | Is easily diluted if used in combination with another moisturizer |
| Sunscreen use is advised |
Value: Check the Amazon price here
Verdict: If you’re looking for a highly effective product with more intense concentrations of helpful acids and moisturizers, definitely try this one.
Product 5: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% Oil
This product is a popular one for people who want to get rid of texture irregularities (KP bumps) on their skin. Since retinoids help the skin shed at a more regular rate, this is great for users with KP.
Be sure to not use this retinoid as a lotion, because it’s not one. Ideally, you’d want to apply a moisturizer before using it because it can cause further irritation if you don’t.
What We Like (Pros) |
What We Don’t Like (Cons) |
| Improves the turnover rate in skin cells | Cannot be used while pregnant or while breastfeeding |
| Makes the skin more youthful-looking | Only good for small areas of skin |
| Easy to add to your nighttime routine | |
| Improves the appearance of redness |
Value: Check the Amazon price here
Verdict: If you’re looking for a serum to help your skin well below the surface at removing Keratosis Pilaris, this should be the product you try.
Conclusion
KP can be both an embarrassing and annoying skin condition to deal with, but by using the methods and at least one of the products we listed above, you should be well on your way to healthier skin.
We hope this article helped you see that you can treat Keratosis Pilaris at home and manage it with both conservative and more aggressive methods. If you try any of the products or methods we recommended, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
