How to Remove Keratosis Pilaris on Skin
What triggers keratosis pilaris?
We get keratosis pilaris when deceased skin cells clog our pores. A pore is also called a hair follicle. Every hair on our body grows out of a hair follicle, so we have thousands of hair follicles. When deceased skin cells clog many hair follicles, you feel the rough, dry patches of keratosis pilaris.
Does diet affect keratosis pilaris?
Despite what you might see on the internet, your diet does not cause keratosis pilaris. While doctors point to several reasons why someone might develop this skin condition, your diet is typically not one of them. Some of the more common triggers for developing keratosis pilaris include: your family’s genes.
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Treating keratosis pilaris at home
- Exfoliate gently. When you exfoliate your skin, you remove the deceased skin cells from the surface.
- Apply a product called a keratolytic. After exfoliating, apply this skin care product.
- Slather on moisturizer.
Can you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
There’s no known cure for keratosis pilaris. It usually clears up on its own with age. There are some treatments you can try to alleviate the look of it, but keratosis pilaris is typically treatment-resistant. Improvement may take months, if the condition improves at all.
What is the best treatment for keratosis pilaris?
- Creams to remove dead skin cells. Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
- Creams to prevent plugged follicles. Creams derived from vitamin A (topical retinoids) work by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugged hair follicles.
Should you exfoliate keratosis pilaris?
Since keratosis pilaris is caused by plugged hair follicles, exfoliating can help clear things up. Dry brushing, gentle scrubs and exfoliating body brushes like the Clarisonic, can all help smooth skin. These exfoliators can also be irritating if you have sensitive skin, which might make the issue worse.