Keratosis Pilaris Treatment: 3 Proven Tips for Smooth Skin

You’ve tried so many things to get rid of those tiny, rough bumps on your arms or legs, but they just won’t go away? Your skin still feels uneven and rough, and all you want is smooth, soft skin?

In this article, you’ll learn how to treat and improve the symptoms of keratosis pilaris.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Those tiny, rough red or white bumps that appear on your upper arms or thighs are called keratosis pilaris. This harmless skin condition is caused by a buildup of keratin - a protein in the skin - that blocks hair follicles. This leads to small raised bumps that often feel dry and rough.

Since keratosis pilaris is a genetic condition, it can’t be completely cured. However, there are several methods to help treat keratosis pilaris and significantly improve your skin’s texture.

To effectively manage keratosis pilaris, gentle cleansing is key. Use a shower gel specifically formulated for sensitive or dry skin. The emphasis is on “gentle” – why? Keratosis pilaris often comes with dry skin, and harsh cleansers can strip moisture, making symptoms worse.

Every method you use to treat keratosis pilaris should help prevent excessive dryness. That’s why short, lukewarm showers are best – hot water can dry out your skin even more.

Look for shower gels with mild exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid or salicylic acid. These acids help remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin without irritation. Our Smoothing Body Wash with lactic acid is specially designed to gently refine your skin’s texture.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for exfoliating while hydrating the skin. It penetrates the upper layers of the skin and helps break down the keratin buildup responsible for roughness. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), goes deeper into the pores to dissolve excess oil and keratin, keeping pores clear.

Moisturizing is the second essential step in treating keratosis pilaris. Dry skin makes the condition worse because the outer layer becomes even more dehydrated, intensifying the buildup of keratin. That’s why applying a hydrating cream regularly is so important.

Fragrance-free creams are best for keratosis pilaris since they help avoid redness, irritation, or allergic reactions.

When choosing products to treat keratosis pilaris, look for ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea. These act as keratolytic agents, meaning they break down dead skin cells on the surface and leave your skin smoother.

What do these ingredients do?

If your keratosis pilaris is very pronounced and you’re looking for a more intensive solution, laser treatment could be a good option. The Fraxel laser is often used for this purpose. It works by sending tiny light pulses to create microscopic holes in the outer layer of your skin, allowing bacteria and buildup to drain away. This helps improve skin texture and smoothness.

If you struggle with severe keratosis pilaris and have a larger budget, laser treatment can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

Try these tips and see how your skin improves step by step. I’d love to hear about your experience!