Does CeraVe SA Cream help rough arms?

What does the cream do?

The US SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin contains salicylic acid and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration and three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin's protective barrier. The formula is fragrance free. This is a body cream for rough texture, not an invitation to give one tub an entire skincare career.13

Roughness can come from dryness or a buildup of dead skin cells. Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless condition in which keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails, blocks hair follicles. Small, usually painless bumps commonly appear on the arms. Roughness alone does not tell you which problem you have.45

Which SA Cream do you have?

CeraVe SA Cream and UK SA Smoothing Cream are different formulas, despite names that appear to have attended the same meeting. The UK cream is described as a rich, fast absorbing body moisturiser with salicylic acid and 10% urea, which attracts and retains moisture. Check your package for the current ingredients and directions.6

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is another distinct product, labelled with 2% salicylic acid for psoriasis symptoms. Do not use that percentage or its application schedule as the directions for ordinary SA Cream.7

How to apply it to rough arms

1. 1Wash with a mild, unperfumed bathing product and lukewarm water. Keep showers to 5 to 10 minutes rather than taking long, hot showers.
2. 2Apply moisturiser after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. General keratosis pilaris care favours moisturising within 5 minutes of getting out.
3. 3Apply the US SA Cream to affected areas only, or as directed by your physician. The UK SA Smoothing Cream is for the body only and directs liberal application as often as needed.
4. 4Protect exposed arms with sunscreen and protective clothing, and limit sun exposure. For the US cream, continue these precautions for a week after stopping.

The US cream can be used at any time of day. General advice to moisturise keratosis pilaris several times daily is not an instruction to apply an exfoliating cream equally often. Follow your own package or dermatologist's directions, especially if you already use a prescribed exfoliating treatment.12

How long does smoothing take?

Expect gradual improvement rather than a fixed deadline for this cream. For keratosis pilaris, tell your dermatologist if a treatment plan has not helped after 4 to 6 weeks. Some people need to try several treatments. Keeping bumps under control requires maintenance, which can involve a less frequent treatment schedule or switching to a nonprescription moisturiser.2

What should you avoid or stop for?

Do not add harsh scrubs or vigorous exfoliation to rough arms. Avoid picking, scratching and rubbing bumps, and skip perfumed bathing products that dry the skin. More exfoliation is not the goal; gentle exfoliation plus regular hydration is.45

Stop using SA Cream if you experience irritation or burning. Seek prompt medical attention for skin that cracks, bleeds or hurts. If your arms become itchy or inflamed, a pharmacist can help you decide whether to see a doctor. See a dermatologist if exfoliating and moisturising do not help, or if you are unsure what is causing the roughness.145