What lotion is good for keratosis pilaris?

What should the lotion actually do?

Keratosis pilaris happens when keratin, a protein in the skin, forms plugs in hair follicles. Ordinary moisturizing lotions can soothe the skin and improve its appearance. Ingredients such as urea, lactic acid and salicylic acid also help address the rough, plugged texture. Treatment is optional because keratosis pilaris is harmless; the reasons to use lotion are bothersome dryness, itching or bumps.124

Is urea lotion good for keratosis pilaris?

Yes. Urea appears in moisturizers used to relieve keratosis pilaris dryness and itching, and in treatments that remove dead skin cells to improve the bumps. A urea moisturizer is a practical choice when you want to address both dryness and roughness. Urea creams are also an option if you prefer a cream to a lotion.123

Is lactic acid lotion good for keratosis pilaris?

Yes. Lactic acid moisturizers can soften and flatten the bumps, as well as help with dryness. Ammonium lactate is a buffered form of lactic acid used in lotions and creams for keratosis pilaris. It is another useful ingredient name to recognize while shopping, rather than another reason to buy a second bottle.13

Is salicylic acid lotion good for keratosis pilaris?

Yes. Salicylic acid is another option for softening and flattening keratosis pilaris bumps. Moisturizers containing salicylic acid can also reduce scale in the facial redness variant, keratosis pilaris rubra. Redness is a separate treatment concern, so choose a lotion for improving texture rather than expecting it to remove facial flushing.15

How often should you apply lotion for keratosis pilaris?

1. 1Wash with a mild, unperfumed cleanser and use cool or lukewarm water rather than a hot shower or bath.
2. 2Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes of bathing, while the skin is still damp. Gently massage it into the affected areas.
3. 3For moisturizing, aim for at least 2 or 3 applications a day. For an exfoliating medicine, use only the amount and frequency your dermatologist recommends.
4. 4If an exfoliating treatment makes your skin dry or irritated, stop it for a few days. Avoid harsh scrubs, picking and rubbing.

How long does lotion take to help?

Improvement often takes months. If your treatment plan has produced no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, tell your dermatologist rather than simply applying more. Some people need to try several treatments. Lotions control symptoms rather than cure keratosis pilaris, and bumps are likely to return when treatment stops. Maintenance can involve less frequent treatment or switching to a moisturizing cream.24

When should you get help choosing a lotion?

Avoid acid creams in young children because they can burn and sting. Ask a pharmacist for help if the skin becomes itchy or inflamed, or self care is not helping. See a clinician if bothersome bumps do not improve with nonprescription lotions. Facial bumps with eyebrow hair loss or small scar like depressions also need assessment: an uncommon related form can cause permanent hair loss.3467