The Best Creams, Scrubs & Lotions To Treat Your Keratosis Pilaris!

Every woman in this world desires soft, smooth skin — but achieving it isn’t easy. Especially when you’ve got keratosis pilaris. No ordinary exfoliator or moisturiser will make those pesky little dark bumps on your skin go away, and it’s frustrating to run your fingers across your body and feel that bumpy texture that just won’t go away. Stressful, we get it. Thus, Beauty Insider explains what Keratosis Pilaris is and the best treatments to soothe your skin problem.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris — also commonly known as ‘’chicken skin’’— often has a bumpy dark appearance on your skin. It is mostly small in size and surrounded by red textures. Typically, keratosis pilaris grows on your upper arm area, legs or on your backside, and even if it is not painful when it comes into contact, it can be very annoying due to its rough textures.

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

There are a few factors that can contribute to keratosis pilaris problems. One of them is due to your hair follicles and dead skin cells being trapped underneath the layer of your skin, leading to the formation of keratosis pilaris. Just like acne, keratosis pilaris is basically bacteria, fungi and germs that clamp together under a confected area.

However, according to most dermatologists, keratosis pilaris is tied heavily to genetics. It is also common for people who have had a history—or are currently—dealing with eczema. And surprisingly, there is enough evidence that has linked eczema to keratosis pilaris. Both conditions have an effect on your epithelial cells which lie on your skin surface. And while people with eczema are often faced with inflammation and sensitive skin condition, keratosis pilaris however, are leaning more towards dryness.

Other Causes

Aside from genetics and a history of having eczema skin, keratosis pilaris can also happen because of the harsh ingredients in your body soaps or exfoliators. If you have dry skin, using a harsh body scrub or over-exfoliating your body can lead to skin irritation and thus, make your skin drier and more sensitive. So make sure you’re using a body wash with fragrance-free ingredients.

How Can You Treat Keratosis Pilaris?

So, is keratosis pilaris treatable? Yes and no. As mentioned earlier, certain things like over-exfoliating will help scrape off the outer layer of your skin. So in short, it may help soften and lessen the appearance of those bumpy rough skin but it doesn’t necessarily treat them.

1. At-Home Treatments

For a quick at-home treatment, we suggest you expose yourself to anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Most anti-inflammatory drugs are made significantly for those suffering from dry and itchy skin. Find something that heavily contains AHA, BHA and PHA. Anything that has glycolic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid is suitable to use to soothe itchy skin.

2. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

Those suffering from keratosis pilaris will most likely suffer from dry skin as well. So hydration is definitely key. Make sure you apply enough moisturizer, not only on your face but on your overall body as well. We suggest something like Coconut Oil. They are a popular remedy to treat dry skin and tone down irritation. Before bed, indulge yourself with some good hydration body lotion. They’ll help restore moisture back into your skin while you’re having those good beauty sleep.

3. Visit a Dermatologist

Since we’re living in the 21st century, there will always be professional treatment available for every skin problem. Enter, laser treatment. Any treatment that offers a pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) can do justice to shrinking down the blood vessels, thus, eliminating all those unwanted clogged pores and dead skin growing at the bottom layer of your skin.

Which Products Are Suitable For Keratosis Pilaris?

1. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

This trustworthy CeraVe’s Rough & Bumpy Skin lotion is suitable for all those suffering from rough and bumpy skin types. This silky smooth lotion will help your skin get the hydration it deserves. It contains powerful elements like hyaluronic acid and lactic acid which are known to work wonders for dry skin.

Why we love it:

Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic
Gentle, non-irritating formula

Price: From RM219.00

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Rosken Skin Repair Dry Skin Cream

This Rosken Dry Skin cream is clinically proven and dermatologists-approved to help treat damaged skin, and overall enhance your skin’s flexibility. It also provides instant relief from the symptoms of dry skin.

Why we love it:

Rich with Olive Oil Extract
Long-lasting protection
Enhance skin’s smoothness

Price: RM14.37

Where to buy: Guardian

3. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

This lightweight, non-sticky and non-irritable lotion from Cetaphil provides long-lasting hydration for dry and even the most sensitive skin. It is quickly absorbed into the deepest layer of your skin, so you can go about your day as usual without having to worry about feeling greasy.

Why we love it:

Contains macadamia nut oil
Fragrance and parabens free
Non-comedogenic

Price: RM62.87

Where to buy: Watsons

4. Avene Cold Cream

Rich and creamy, this Avene Cold Cream has been specially formulated for the sensitive dry and very dry skin of babies, children and adults. Thanks to the nourishing properties of white beeswax, this cream restores the skin’s hydrolipidic film to form a genuine barrier against external aggressions.

Why we love it:

Suitable for infants, children, and adults
Soothes irritation
Fragrance-free and preservative-free

Price: RM40.00

Where to buy: Guardian

5. KOPARI Coconut Crush Scrub

Made with rich Tahitian coconut oil, this Kopari Coconut Crush scrub helps to promote total moisturisation and hydration, just what your dry skin needs. They are also magic in promoting and renewing skin growth.

Why we love it:

Vegan
Moisturises and hydrates your skin
Dermatologist-tested, safe for sensitive skin and non-irritating

Price: RM 63.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream

This is a cult favourite moisturiser that provides overall instant relief for all-day skin hydration. So say goodbye to dry skin and eczema, this beauty cream from First Aid will clear all those skin imperfections and bring out the best glowing skin appearance you deserve.

Why we love it:

An AHA-infused formula
Non-irritable
Hydrates your skin instantly

Price: RM 155.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Vaseline Expert Care Sensitive Skin Rescue

Vaseline Expert Care was created specifically to relieve sensitive and irritated skin. With its advanced formula, oatmeal and Vaseline Jelly, it is a great combination to cure and relieve keratosis pilaris. This is a dermatologist-proven product, by the way.

Why we love it:

Hypoallergenic
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-Free

Price: RM 10.00

Where to buy: Guardian

8. DRUNK ELEPHANT Sili™ Body Lotion

Say goodbye to dull, dehydrated and dry skin with this Drunk Elephant body lotion. This magical tool will help rebalance the state of your dry and irritable skin. With the mix of nourishing plant oils and butter mixed together, this lotion will provide total moisture to your skin.

Why we love it:

Contain blends of fruit-derived antioxidants
Skin-friendly cream
Restore skin’s moisture

Price: RM 88.00

Where to buy: Sephora

9. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Exfoliating with harsh scrubs won’t get you anywhere with keratosis pilaris. One of the best treatments that can help relieve it is the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. Instead, try using an AHA-based scrub, or a lactic acid and glycolic acid-infused product such as this. Massage gently onto your body once a week in the shower, and let it sit for 60 seconds before rinsing. With consistent use, it may just help diminish the irritations of keratosis pilaris.

Why we love it:

Fragrance-free formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Fine grit for even exfoliation

Price: RM122.00

Where to buy: Sephora

10. The Inkey List Lactic Acid

The Inkey List Lactic Acid features a gentle formula suitable for treating keratosis pilaris. Not only does it boost smoother skin, but brighter skin as well with continuous use. Thanks to its gentle formula this keratosis pilaris treatment is perfect for sensitive skin. If you need something stronger, try The Inkey List’s Glycolic Toner several times a week. Just like the lactic acid solution, it features the same 10% concentration. But since glycolic molecules are smaller, they are able to penetrate much more deeply.

Why we love it:

Gentle formula
Smoother skin
Brighter skin

Price: RM62.00

Where to buy: Threebs

11. Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA contains lactic and glycolic acid. Both of which are great at treating keratosis pilaris. These AHAs help break down any bumps you may find and help restore smooth skin. Suitable for the body, you can rub this product onto your arms and legs before layering sunscreen over it. Furthermore, this body lotion is lightweight and not greasy at all. Making it comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Why we love it:

Reduces redness
Reduces bumpiness
Lightweight

Price: RM155.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

12. EltaMD Intense Face and Body Moisturizer

If you struggle with keratosis pilaris on your face, then try the EltaMD Intense Face and Body Moisturizer. It is suitable for both the face and body and is a great keratosis pilaris treatment product. It is able to trap hydration within your skin and allow your regular moisturiser to be more effective. As an occlusive, you can slather this onto your face after applying your regular moisturiser. It’s best to use on damp skin and although it has a greasy shine, it absorbs well into the skin.

Why we love it: