Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common and benign disorder of hair follicles in the skin. It is genetic with no cure.... but we can improve its appearance. It typically presents as rough 1-2mm little bumps on the backs of arms but can affect the buttock, upper thighs and even cheeks. It is often described in association with other dry skin conditions like eczema and gets worse in the winter!
Treatment do’s and don’ts
DO NOT SCRUB!!! DO NOT PICK!!!! KP is genetically determined, you cannot scrub it away. But you can improve its appearance with some TLC. The safest way to smooth it is using a chemical exfoliator with AHA, BHA or retinol. These products can be drying or irritating to the skin when used regularly so alternate it with a supportive body cream with squalane, shea butter and ceramides to calm and smooth dry skin.
Body Exfoliating Options:
NECESSAIRE I Body Retinol
DRUNK ELEPHANT | T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion
DRUNK ELEPHANT | A-Gloei Retinol Oil
PAULA’S CHOICE | Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
PAULA’S CHOICE | Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
AMLACTIN | Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Getting the “red out”
Getting the red out is tricky and typically requires a visit to the dermatologist for a prescription. For patients who have a big event, I will give a topical steroid cream to use for a week prior to the event to temporarily decrease the red. You cannot do this forever, but for special events it can be a game changer.
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Meet the author: Board-certified and practicing dermatologist, Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD, is the founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care and Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington. She studied at Stanford, University of Washington School of Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center. She lectures nationally, is well published, and an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Highly respected among the skin care community, Dr. Rogers has been annually named “Top 1% of Most Honored Doctors in the US” by Castle Connolly.
