You Can Beat Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a hereditary skin condition that is very common, and though it isn't curable, it is highly treatable. Keratosis Pilaris, or KP, appears as little red bumps on the arms, legs and buttocks and resembles "goose bumps" or "chicken skin." These bumps usually don't hurt or itch (unless skin is very dry) and is more prominent in younger people (it can resolve itself over the years in some people.)

The bumps themselves are actually caused by the skin's inability to slough dead skin cells efficiently, which leads to clogged hair follicles. Exfoliation is the key to treating KP but it must be done carefully - over scrubbing makes Keratosis Pilaris much more inflamed-looking and irritated.

A combination of chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid, urea and salicylic acid should be used in conjunction with a physical exfoliant or scrub. The trick to using scrubs is to use them quickly, lightly, and more frequently - rather than applying them too hard or too long in one application.

Although retinoids (like Retin-A) are excellent at helping with small patches of Keratosis Pilaris, use all over large patches of skin is both potentially irritating and expensive. However, as with Retin-A, use of chemical exfoliants requires both limiting sun exposure and using a broad spectrum sunscreen on the effected areas.

Cleansers

Since you're using a scrub in this regimen already, body cleansers should be gentle, non-oily, and if possible, contain anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Some examples of gentle, soothing body cleansers are:

- Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
- Avalon Baby Gentle Tear-Free Shampoo & Body Wash with Certified Organic Blend of Chamomile, Aloe, Calendula, & Sunflower
- Boscia Jujube Rejuvenist Amino Body Wash
- Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Purifying Body Wash

If your skin is very sensitive and you'd prefer not to use a scrub at all, try:

- Alpha Hydrox Body Wash with glycolic acid (4%), aloe and Vitamin E,
- Phisoderm Clear Confidence with Salicylic Acid, aloe, chamomile and Vitamin E.
- Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Shower & Body Cleansing Gel
- Murad Acne Body Wash with Salicylic Acid, triclosan (an antibacterial agent) and rice amino acids.

Scrubs are the next step (if you're choosing to have that in your regimen) and remember not to over use the products. It's better to use a scrub lightly, and more frequently, than to risk over-abrading the skin and causing irritation. If you're unsure whether to use a scrub, try a test patch on the inside of your arm first, and see if any irritation develops. You can also get excellent recommendations for treating Keratosis Pilaris from a dermatologist.

Scrubs

- DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical + Physical Medi-Exfoliation
- Peter Thomas Roth Silica Face & Body Polish
- Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Face & Body Polish (for non-sensitive skin types)

Masks

This next step is optional, but highly encouraged for treating Keratosis Pilaris - the body mask. Masks can help remove dead skin gently and thoroughly. Though it can be a bit messy, body masking can make a huge difference in how well other products work. It can also replace using a physical scrub for sensitive skin types. Again, if you're unsure of your skin's sensitivity, try the mask on the inside of your arm first, to see if any irritation occurs.

One of the very best masks to use all over the body is also one of the cheapest and has the longest history:

- Queen Helene Masque, Mint Julep - originally developed by a Dermatologist, this mask is great on face and body. Since you'll be applying the mask over larger amounts of skin than just your face, cost can be an issue. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is very economical for that reason.

More good choices:
- Elizabeth Arden Deep Cleansing Mask
- Clinique Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask (very effective, but slightly more drying than the others.)

Treatment Lotions

At night, use an exfoliating lotion with a combination of any or all of the following: glycolic acid, salicylic acid (avoid if you are allergic to aspirin), and urea. These ingredients soften and help loosen the bond of the dead skin cells clogging hair follicles. The following lotions give excellent results for people with Keratosis Pilaris:

- DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin
- Lac-Hydrin Five Moisturizing Lotion
- AmLactin XL Moisturizing Lotion Ultraplex Formulation

Sunscreens/Sunblocks

During the day you will need to use a broad spectrum sunscreen. The lighter the texture, the better - and best yet, an oil-free formulation. The following sunscreens are highly recommended:

- DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55
- Total Block UVA/UVB SPF 65
- Obagi Nu-derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35

Neutrogena's lotion is the most economical for everyday use.

Treating Keratosis Pilaris requires near-obsessive commitment. When you stop treating KP, it comes back almost immediately. When you find a regimen that works for you, use it religiously. If extreme discomfort occurs, discontinue use of products and contact a dermatologist.