How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris This Summer – What Experts Recommend

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a troubling skin condition that affects approximately 40 % of people worldwide. KP is just a blockage of the hair follicles, and it usually manifests as hard, small bumps enclosed by red areas of skin on the legs, face, or arms.

KP can really make you feel worthless and influence your lifestyle a lot, but you can learn how to control it and treat it.

Here are the best KP summer treatments and skin care routines backed by experts.

Moisturize Properly

Moisturizing is essential for controlling KP. Seasonal changes can influence KP a lot, and you might notice that your skin is drier in the winter and autumn, making KP more noticeable. And that’s the last thing you want.

In the summer, moisturizing is also important, even if KP behaves well at higher humidity levels and sunlight. 

Besides applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, experts also recommend moisturizing. 

“Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, petrolatum, dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. 

Using niacinamide and aloe is also great because they can reduce discolouration in reddish bumps thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember to talk with a specialist first to find out which are the best skincare products and formulas you can use to treat KP. 

Exfoliate Regularly

First, using a rough loofah to exfoliate the bumps off is a huge mistake. It might work for a short period or as a quick routine, but you risk severe skin and hair inflammation that can make KP even more noticeable.

So, exfoliation is essential, but be careful what products and accessories you use. For example, some physical exfoliators can be too abrasive on KP.

Specialists recommend looking after finely-milled body scrubs that can be effective. Also, you have to scrub gently and always moisturize after. Try patting your skin dry with a towel right after bathing and apply a rich-formula moisturizer while your skin is still wet.

Finally, some of the best products for chemical exfoliation are:

• serums with glycolic acid, lactic acid (AHAs), salicylic acid (BHA), gluconolactone (PHA);
• topical lotions;
• creams;
• urea.

Discussing with a dermatologist is essential to treat KP accurately.