How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris for Smoother, Softer Skin

Despite our best efforts, rough, bumpy skin happens to the best of us. Sometimes, curing chapped, sandpaper-like skin is as easy as slathering on a great body lotion. Other times, a solution may be harder to find when your skin’s situation is a result of a chronic condition like eczema or keratosis pilaris.

While the term "keratosis pilaris" may be a term that's new to you, it's one of the most common skin conditions out there, affecting roughly 50–80% of adolescence and 40% of adults.

Minimizing the appearance of keratosis pilaris isn't quite as simple as using moisturizer once or twice a day, but with the right ingredients and lifestyle adjustments, it can be done. Continue reading below to learn more about this common skin condition and how to best treat it if it’s something you’re experiencing.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (often referred to as "KP" for short) is a harmless and extremely common skin condition. "It looks like red raised bumps on the upper arms, legs, and sometimes face," says dermatologic surgeon Dr. Jason Emer, MD. "It can be red, inflamed bumps or even have small, white-headed pimples around the hair follicles." The appearance of keratosis pilaris can differ from person to person, but it often resembles permanent goosebumps or "chicken skin." It may also feel rough and dry.

Keratosis pilaris develops when hair follicles become blocked by a build-up of keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. The keratin build-up blocks the opening of the hair follicles, causing inflamed red or white bumps. If you’ve seen it or experienced it before, you know that keratosis pilaris can sometimes resemble acne—but, FYI, the two are entirely different.

There is no known reason why some people experience KP while others do not, although Dr. Emer does say that genetics are thought to play a big role. Those who experience atopic dermatitis (aka eczema), obesity, and asthma are also thought to be more likely to develop keratosis pilaris.

The common skin condition appears most frequently in children and teens, often disappearing completely between your mid-twenties and age 30. Hormonal changes like pregnancy and environmental changes like dry weather during the winter months can also cause flare-ups on occasion.

How to treat keratosis pilaris

Struggling to minimize the appearance of KP on your skin? Get this: Even though there is no definitive cure for keratosis pilaris, there are treatments that may help to reduce its appearance. Dr. Emer's top three suggestions are "topical creams, toning, and exfoliation."

1. Moisturizing creams

Moisturizers can be helpful to soothe the dry skin and scaliness associated with KP. So next time you’re shopping for creams, look for formulas with occlusives and humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petroleum. Thick lotions and rich creams tend to work best when treating KP, so get ready to slather on your most luxurious hydrators.

2. Alpha and beta-hydroxy acids

Non-abrasive exfoliating products featuring alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid are often the top at-home KP treatments recommended by dermatologists. These ingredients are featured in many different types of skincare products (we’re willing to bet you even have some on your vanity) and are often extremely effective in breaking down the excess build-up that blocks plugged hair follicles.

3. Laser hair removal

If you're open to a more expensive (but more permanent) solution, Dr. Emer says laser treatments can also be quite helpful to reduce the appearance of KP. "If you do hair removal in the area and have no follicles, it is much less likely to get any hair follicle inflammation or overgrowth," he says.

4. Dermatologist-prescribed topical creams

If you’ve tried almost every over-the-counter solution and none of them seem to be helping, consider consulting your dermatologist for medical advice. They may be able to prescribe you a topical retinoid like tretinoin or tazarotene, or a high-dose urea cream. Urea is an ingredient that can be particularly helpful for KP as it moisturizes and exfoliates at once.

5. Lifestyle changes

Alleviating KP isn't only about using the right skincare products; it's also about making certain lifestyle changes. Try to limit your skin's exposure to hot water, avoid harsh soaps and scrubs, and consider investing in a humidifier to keep your skin more moisturized while you're at home.

The Best Skincare Products for Keratosis Pilaris

1. The Best Body Wash for Keratosis Pilaris: MARIO BADESCU A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

If you're not sure where to start when attempting to lessen the appearance of KP, here's one easy idea: Try swapping out your current body wash for a formula that features alpha-hydroxy acids. This grapefruit-scented body wash from MARIO BADESCU uses fruit enzymes and glycolic acid to exfoliate and polish your skin with every use. Your skin will feel rejuvenated and fresh, and you may even notice that your KP is less obvious.

2. Best Moisturizer for Keratosis Pilaris: FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream

While KP is often asymptomatic, Dr. Emer says, "It can be itchy and painful, especially if the hair follicles are plugged or clogged and stuck under the skin." If you're looking to pair your exfoliating steps with a bit of soothing hydration and relief, reach for this best-selling moisturizing cream.

FIRST AID BEAUTY's iconic formula instantly soothes with colloidal oatmeal, conditions with shea butter, and locks all that hydration in with protective ceramides. The fast-absorbing cream is clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 169% immediately upon application (yes, you read that correctly—169%!). Plus, it's hypoallergenic and recommended for all skin types, sensitive skin included.

3. Best Weekly Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris: TRUE BOTANICALS Resurfacing Body Mask

This luxurious, sandalwood-scented weekly body mask is packed with lactic acid to gently resurface the skin. Lather it all over your body (paying special attention to any areas with KP) and allow it to sit on the skin for 5 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower. The AHAs in the lactic acid will get to work immediately, dissolving dead skin cells and boosting hydration while antioxidant-packed green tea calms inflammation.

4. Best Exfoliating Toner for Keratosis Pilaris: GLOSSIER Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Want to experiment with a mix of AHAs and BHAs to treat keratosis pilaris? This toner from GLOSSIER combines salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to deliver dramatic results in rapid time. To keep your skin balanced and hydrated, the formula also features an anti-stress complex of soothing aloe, glycerin, and niacinamide.

A note on AHAs and BHAs: While chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris, it's important not to overdo it with these products. As a rule of thumb, only use an exfoliating product with AHAs or BHAs once a day. These exfoliants can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun so be sure to apply sunscreen daily.

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