In order to help you treat the issues related with keratosis pilaris, we’re presenting our list of the best products for Keratosis Pilaris. We’ve carefully picked these products based on their ability to diminish red bumps while being gentle on your skin. We believe these products can help you to cope with this delicate condition and regain your confidence.
If you’ve noticed rough, red bumps on the back of your arms or legs, don’t worry. It’s not something to be scared of, though you should be concerned about lingering keratosis pilaris.
KP is a common skin condition. It manifests itself through tiny bumps similar to that of plucked chicken skin that is prone to itching, dryness, and inflammation.
Medical professionals are there to find a cure to treat and prevent this. But for beginning, you can use the best products for keratosis pilaris. There’s a big chance of improving the appearance and easing the symptoms of your troubled skin.
On that note, here are our skincare experts’ top 5 picks for the best Keratosis pilaris products that may finally bring the solution to your problem.
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Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for the Best Products for Keratosis Pilaris
OUR TOP #1 PICK - KP-ridden skin should be treated the way mothers care for baby’s skin. We think Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin is one of the most effective products for keratosis pilaris. It has the ability to soothe sensitive skin as the combination of gentle cleansers and moisturizing ingredients keep it free of impurities and nourished deep within.
OUR TOP #2 PICK - Exfoliating with a good body scrub is almost imperative. We suggest KP Elements’ Body Scrub for KP sufferers. It can lift away excess keratin on the skin and allow hair follicles to recover from inflammation. Apart from this scrub’s gentle beads, it’s also infused with vitamins and herbal extracts to help with cell turnover and collagen production.
OUR TOP #3 PICK - No KP therapy can work without the incorporation of KP-specific lotions. Our experts’ top pick for the best KP lotion is AmLactin’s Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion. It boasts a high concentration of lactic acid. It aims to diminish KP symptoms away while providing lasting hydration.
OUR TOP #4 PICK - Keeping tough KP at bay especially when it reaches the neck and face can be possible through the use of retinoid creams. Radha Beauty’s Retinol Moisturizer Cream has proved effective at dealing with the bumps and scarring associated with KP. It may exfoliate and contribute to the lightening of scars and blemishes.
OUR TOP #5 PICK - The BumpKlear Bumpy Skin Wash is our expert-approved body wash for KP. It uses alpha- and beta-hydroxyl acids to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate troubled skin. With constant use, this body wash may improve the appearance of KP and restore the normal complexion.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris appear as small red or white bumps that may occur in the back of the arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Some even mistake it as pimples.
These bumps generally don’t hurt or itch but they may become severely irritated. This is more likely to occur when exposed too much to the sun.
It can happen at any age but the younger population constitutes a majority of the skin condition’s cases. Furthermore, many experienced permanent disappearance of these symptoms by the age of 30.
Though it cannot be cured or prevented, it can be managed. The best products for keratosis pilaris (e.g. moisturizers, lubricants, and creams) can help improve the bumpy appearance of the skin as well as reduce redness.
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is rooted in genetics. It results from the overproduction of keratin, a protein that’s a building block of skin. Its function it so protect us from harmful substances and infections.
The buildup of excess keratin gets trapped inside hair follicles thereby blocking it. This can lead to the formation of hard, scaly plugs that are typically raised and rough to the touch. Consequently, the follicles can become inflamed, turning red.
No one knows exactly what causes keratin overproduction but it may be associated with genetic diseases. What worsens the condition even more is drying of the skin. It makes the bumps more noticeable and redder.
Many people living with this problem may notice their bumps tend to clear during summer, only to return in dry season or winter. Thus, you can make the bumps disappear depending on how you manage it.
If you decide not to treat it or if you live in a dry climate or frequently swim in a pool, you may see these bumps all year round.
Tips on Managing Keratosis Pilaris
A variety of treatment options and skin care recipes are readily accessible for treating keratosis pilaris. Fast improvements can be achieved if treatment is continuous.
Because no single therapy is effective, the list of potential keratosis pilaris-specific products is long. It’s also worth noting that the effects are not the same with everyone and rarely would it completely clear out.
Below is a guide on choosing general skin care products suitable for keratosis pilaris-ridden skin.
Best Products for Keratosis Pilaris
1. Soaps
As a rule of thumb, prevent excessive skin dryness by using gentle and moisturizing soapless cleansers.
Bear in mind that lubrication is the mainstay of treatment for nearly all cases. You need to treat your skin like a baby’s.
According to Dr. Lupo, a dermatologist, KP patients should avoid products with harsh lathering agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate and heavy fragrances.
Stick to cleansers packed with soothing ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, and cucumber extract. Finally, drop the warm water baths, loofahs, and other mechanical exfoliators as they can leave the skin dry and parched.
2. Body Washes
It’s just very fitting that acne body washes work for keratosis pilaris. After all, people often mistake the condition for acne or pimples.
AHAs (Alpha hydroxyl acids), in the form of salicylic and glycolic acids, are the common active ingredients found in acne body washes. They can gently exfoliate the skin, sweeping away the abnormally accumulated keratin together with deep-seated dirt and grime.
3. Exfoliators
Surprisingly, exfoliation is recommended for KP-ridden patients, but only at a minimum. The process is helpful in removing keratin which plugs the follicles.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using exfoliators containing urea or lactic acid which can help remove excess keratin by dissolving the plugs. What you have to do next is to follow it up with a moisturizer.
4. Moisturizers
Moisturize as if you have the driest skin! A body cream rich with lanolin, glycerin, or herbal moisturizing extracts can help calm KP.
Simply slather it on rough spots right after bathing or exfoliating, when skin is still damp. Immediate application seals in moisture so it penetrates deeper and lasts longer.
5. Retinoid creams
For a more severe case of KP, retinoid creams can do the hard work.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been proven to diminish the bumps by unclogging the pores and stimulating collagen production.
If you do not know already, retinol-based products are geared toward smoothing the skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells and impurities.
Product Reviews: Our Top 5 Products for the Best Products for Keratosis Pilaris
The Best Soap for Keratosis Pilaris
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We’re all quite familiar with Dove’s reputation in making the skin as smooth and soft as a baby’s butt.
We think that Dove’s Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin can take it to another level by perfecting sensitive skin routines.
So, how do keratosis pilaris sufferers benefit from this soap?
The combination of gentle cleansers such as Lauric acid and Cocamidopropyl Betaine impart antibacterial properties. Together with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, it may help nourish skin and lock in moisture.
Additionally, its hypoallergenic and unscented formula can make it suitable for all skin types. This is especially for those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris and severe itching.
To see if this stuff really does wonders, we tested it for weeks. Our sensitive skins would flare-up every time we switched soaps but we didn’t seem to suffer breakouts with this one.
One week in and our bumps had significantly reduced. We noticed less redness , and we didn’t experience frequent flare-ups.
After we tried it, we assumed it can get rid of winter dryness in just a few washes. The best part is it’s very moisturizing so we didn’t have to follow it up with additional products every time.
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The Best Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliator
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KP Elements’ Body Scrub, also regarded as one of the best products for KP, can mitigate the unsightly tiny bumps on your arms and legs while healing the skin in the process.
Rarely would you come across a skincare brand that caters to a specific skin type or disorder. So hats off to this one for aiming to end the nightmare of KP sufferers.
This scrub contains gentle scrubbing beads to lift and wash away excess keratin on the skin's surface, leaving it smooth and allowing hair follicles to recover from the inflammation.
It also boasts a potent combination of Vitamins A, C, E, aloe vera extract, and jojoba seed oil to help the skin turn over naturally with healthy new skin cells.
Vitamins E and A (retinol) are both natural antioxidants. They can shield skin from further dehydration and irritation by fighting off infectious agents and free radical damage. Meanwhile, Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production and tone the skin.
While the Vitamins work their way towards healing the skin, jojoba oil can provide sufficient moisture to prevent chapping and scaling.
Upon testing this exfoliator, we’ve started noticing improvements past 40 days such as a smoother, less bumpy skin, and reduced inflammation.
Now, our arms seem to look much better. The red spots aren't so obvious anymore and we were eager to go sleeveless again.
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The Best Keratosis Pilaris Lotion
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If you suffer from KP, you know there’s a big difference between short-term relief and long-term therapy.
While traditional moisturizing treatments provide superficial results, AmLactin’s Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion aims to rejuvenate dry, bumpy skin and help it attain a flawless appearance.
It's formulated with 12% lactic acid to remove excess keratin and stimulate cell renewal. It can balance the skin’s pH to restore the normal functioning of the skin barrier.
Since lactic acid is a naturally occurring humectant, it also draws in water molecules to help keep skin hydrated. The more moisture the skin retains, the softer and smoother it feels.
Not only does this terrific lotion relieve KP symptoms, but it can also treat psoriasis, eczema, crepey skin, and very dry skin. This is all due to the power of lactic acid which is coupled with powerful moisturizers. We have glycerin and ammonium lactate to provide instant hydration.
We must say that this product did catch our attention as a truly potent KP lotion. It may enhance the softness of the skin and lessen bumps in as little as three weeks.
A word of caution: you may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation because it’s still an acid. Also, it may increase the skin’s photosensitivity so make sure to follow it up with a sunscreen after every use.
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The Best Keratosis Pilaris Facial Moisturizer
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You can make your skin look fabulous and line-free with Radha Beauty’s Retinol Moisturizer Cream. This is our top pick for the best KP facial moisturizer.
Intermittent dosing of topical retinoids is very effective at keeping persistent KP cases at bay, most especially when it reaches the neck and face area.
Who wants to live with a bumpy, reddish face or neck when you can do away without it?
Like AHAs, retinoids promote cell turnover by exfoliating the skin, therefore stopping the keratin plugs from forming.
Retinol-based products are commonly recommended for KP that scars or discolors the skin as retinol helps deal with both the bumps and scarring. We like how we can hit two birds with one stone.
This product also boasts a high concentration of hydrating hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant Vitamin E, and a potent anti-aging ingredient, green tea.
Admittedly, we’re impressed with this cream. It can eliminate bumps, soften the skin, lighten scars and blemishes, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
The only thing we’re not impressed with is the packaging. First, there’s no way of telling if you’re running out because the jar’s not clear. And second, the pump is flimsy, making it hard to dispense the cream.
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The Best Keratosis Pilaris Body Wash
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Specially formulated for KP, the BumpKlear Bumpy Skin Wash uses alpha- and beta-hydroxyl acids with vitamin E and Aloe to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate troubled skin.
This unique wash is specifically formulated with salicylic and citric acids designed to reduce the appearance of redness and bumps. These are caused by sloughing off the overlying keratin away.
It’s also infused with Aloe vera and Vitamin E to lock in moisture throughout the day. Vitamin E, as we all know, is a potent antioxidant targeted to protect and make the skin youthful-looking.
We loved how the skin feels very smooth afterward and you can also get rid of impurities.
We can say that this KP body wash is quite good. We’ve been using this on the back of our arms now for about three weeks and have seen a significant improvement.
The level of redness was fairly low and the actual bumps are almost gone. We also loved how this lacks a lingering scent and does not irritate the eyes at all.
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The Bottom Line
Keratosis Pilaris isn’t curable but it’s definitely manageable. By using the best products for KP, you may have a chance at enjoying bump-free, clear skin. Our top 5 Best Products for Keratosis Pilaris can provide a full skincare regimen for keeping this condition at bay.
Our experts have rated these products as the best of the bunch based on their marked effectivity and quality ingredients.
Our Best Keratosis Pilaris soap, Dove’s Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin, can potentially eliminate any dry skin patches and lock in moisture for longer hours. It also has a hypoallergenic and unscented formula which makes it suitable for all skin types.
On the other hand, KP Elements’ Body Scrub, our pick for the best Keratosis Pilaris exfoliator, can mitigate the unsightly tiny bumps on the body while healing the skin in the process. All of this is done through the potent formulation of gentle scrubbing beads, vitamins, and seed oils.
The best Keratosis Pilaris lotion, AmLactin’s Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion, is geared toward proving long-term therapy. It can help restore the normal functioning of the skin barrier, and attaining an overall flawless complexion.
If you are concerned about the signs of keratosis pilaris and those of aging as well, Radha Beauty’s Retinol Moisturizer Cream might help you out. Intermittent dosing of topical retinoids like this facial moisturizer can keep persistent KP cases at bay. It may eliminate bumps, lighten hyperpigmented spots, and reduce aging signs.
Lastly, BumpKlear’s Bumpy Skin Wash, our choice for the best Keratosis Pilaris body wash, utilizes the power of acids and natural moisturizers to calm and exfoliate the skin. With its ability to lock in moisture you can achieve a youthful complexion.
By using these products religiously, your bumpy, red skin may experience fast healing and diminished symptoms within a short period. However, bear in mind that one product may work differently for you than it did on another person.
