I used AmLactin for over three months as an experiment to treat keratosis pilaris and would like to share my results with you.

Did AmLactin Reduce the KP Bumps on my Skin?

Well, this one is up in the air as I exfoliated on the body part (arm) which I was testing. I believe that the exfoliating of my arm was the most important factor in reducing the roughness of my skin. I think the AmLactin did help make my skin softer, but yet again, the Eucerin that I used (on my other arm) seemed to make my skin just as soft.

Were There any Side Effects From AmLactin?

Yes, I had a couple of issues with the lotion. The first problem was that my skin burned like crazy when I applied it to my arm. The reason my skin burned was because I had small cuts from playing volleyball. The lactic acid in the lotion seared into my skin (felt like putting lemon juice on a cut). The other issue is that the skin on the underside of my arm (close to the bicep) broke out into a rash. I think the active ingredients in this lotion were too harsh for my skin. After a week of applying this stuff (every night) I broke out into a rash that itched like crazy.

Is AmLactin Effective in Treating Keratosis Pilaris?

I didn’t notice any difference between using AmLactin and Eucerin. If you have sensitive skin like me, I would recommend using Eucerin Intensive Repair because the active ingredients in AmLactin could be too much for your skin. PLUS, it’s about four dollars cheaper.

Right now you’re reading this post because you are interested in treating keratosis pilaris.  I have been treating keratosis pilaris for over three months now and would like to share with you my observations of which keratosis pilaris treatment methods work and which ones have not worked for me.  There are a variety of treatments for keratosis pilaris including the use of topical lotions, exfoliating scrubs, microabrasion beads, sunbathing and Seabuckthorn.  Treating keratosis pilaris can be an expensive process and can cost you hundreds of dollars in topical lotions and scrubs.  I for one have gone the thrifty route and do not like spending a lot of money in keratosis pilaris treatments.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatments

Here are some tips to treat keratosis pilaris.

1. Exfoliate – Make sure you exfoliate every other day with an abrasive loofah or scrub.  I prefer to use the KP Heavy Duty body scrub from Derma Doctor, but you can go the cheaper route and use Cetaphil and a loofah.  The key point is to get exfoliate and get rid of the keratin build-up.  The rough, bumpy skin that is caused by Keratosis Pilaris is due to an excessive amount of keratin that clogs the hair follicle. Exfoliating helps reduce and unclog the keratin buildup in your pores.  Some people have very delicate skin that can not handle the abrasive nature of loofahs.  If so, make sure to lightly exfoliate with a less abrasive scrub or loofah, but most imporantly, you MUST exfoliate.  Without exfoliating, your skin will always stay bumpy.

2. Use a topical lotion – After exfoliating and drying off, apply a topical lotion.  For keratosis pilaris treatment, I would recommend a topical lotion thats main ingredient includes either lactic acid, retin-a or urea.  Again,  I use Derma Doctor KP Duty Repair Lotion, however it’s quite expensive (about $80 for the set).  If you want to go a cheaper route, you can use AmLactin.  AmLactin can be found in your local drug store.  I bought my bottle of AmLactin at Wal-Greens for around $11. The only problem I had with AmLactin is that it stings when you apply it to skin that has cuts or scratches (it contains lactic acid). The benefits of using AmLactin is that it made the skin on my arms MUCH smoother.  If you want to go even cheaper than AmLactin, you can use Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion.  Eucerin also helped my skin become smooth.

Remember, to treat keratosis pilaris, you must exfoliate and then use a topical lotion that contains active ingredients (lactic acid, retin-a, urea). Keratosis Pilaris treatment is a tedious task, but you will be awarded for your diligence by having beautiful skin.  With warmer weather coming around the corner, wouldn’t it be nice to show off those keratosis pilaris free legs and arms?

Reminder, do NOT use scented soaps or lotions.  Scented soaps and lotions can aggravate your Keratosis Pilaris and cause additional KP buildup.  I also recommend cleansing with Cetaphil because the soap is hypo-allergenic and non-scented.

3. Sun-bathing

Summer is almost here and with summer comes sunshine! Sun tanning is another way to reduce the red spots caused by keratosis pilaris.  However, I do not condone or recommend sun tanning as a way to treat keratosis pilaris.  I just want to state that in my case, sun tanning has helped reduce the red spots on my skin. Actually, it’s helped a lot.  I will post pictures soon.

4.  Drink lots of water

This one is a no brainer, but in order to hyrdate your skin, you must drink lots of water.  Carry a water bottle with you at all times and make sure you drink at least 8 cups of water a day.  Dry skin can increase the keratosis pilaris on your skin.

There are many more Keratosis Pilaris treatments that I will get into in another post, but to review, make sure you exfoliate, use a topical lotion that contains the key ingredients, get some sun (do it responsibly), and drink lots of water. Remember, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, however treatment for keratosis pilaris starts with knowledge about the condition and being active in treating keratosis pilaris.  I will write about additional treatments for keratosis pilaris in my next blog post.

Can some foods make your skin healthier? Research shows that nuts, fish and seeds just might increase your skin’s smoothness and reduce flaws. That’s right, everything from the most ordinary nuts and fish — such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds — to the more exotic fish like salmon, blowfish an so on, can clear up that your skin and enable you be happier than you ever imagined.

Both figuratively and literally speaking, walnuts are “skin food.” Now, you may not like to remember this similarity while you’re eating a handful of them, but you will want to keep in mind that walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your dermal tissue.

A healthy skin means both clearer and safer tissue, according to research. In fact, under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may actually lead to skin disorders. The same walnuts that you can find in the supermarket or just about any grocery store may be able to boost your dermal health in ways you can’t imagine.

Walnuts aren’t the only nut with skin-boosting omega-3s, either. Like walnuts, flax seeds, fish, and other foods may offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals products, which are often loaded with side effects and may even lead to scarring.

While you’re shopping for walnuts, or when looking for fish, be sure to get some cashews, some salmon, swordfish, tuna almonds, pecans and peanuts too. Each can improve your skin’s health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, which can “open up” the blood vessels in your body, so more oxygen get to you including your skin. When more oxygen-rich blood nourishes your derma, like any organ, it operates better. By providing your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do wonders for you’re your skin’s strength and resistance.

When you look at our history as a species, the knowledge that some seeds and nuts may enhance your skin’s appearance and texture makes perfect sense. As seeds and nuts were an indispensable part of our ancestors’ diets: “Up to 65 percent of our original diets were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants, and many conditions, like keratosis pilaris were quite infrequent then. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild life, low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids. If you are a good reader and researcher, you’ll find out that skin was always compared with alabaster and other smooth, perfect surfaces.

Hundreds of studies and the last decades of research show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lessen disease risk, prevent obesity, increase energy and mood, perk up mental function, and slow skin aging.” Seeds and nuts are indispensable to a healthy, well-functioning skin and, if they’re high in omega-3, essential to the dermal development of an unborn foetus and growing child. It is important to make them part of your diet, and that of your family will lead to success in your battle with Keratosis Pilaris.

Source -  http://www.skintreatmentcream.com/keratosispilarisandomega3/

Here is a list of the Keratosis Pilaris products that I will be using for the initial testing.  Please note that not all of the products are specifically for Keratosis Pilaris. Some of the products listed were gathered from forums in which people said that the products were effective against KP.  Also,  Cetaphil is a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin that I will be using on the parts of  my body where a body scrub will not be applied.  I choose the Market America Timeless Acne Prescription as one of the tests because I wanted to see if a generic acne treatment could clear up b just as well as an expensive b kit.

Name

AmLactin

Description

From AmLactin Website, “A proprietary combination of emollient, humectant,
and alpha-hydroxy acids proven to exfoliate and
hydrate the skin.”

Claims to exfoliate dead skin cells, soften skin and retain moisture

Active Ingredient(s)

12% Lactic Acid

Price

$17 for an 8 oz bottle

Name

Glytone

Description

From the Glytone website, “the 2-step system for keratosis pilaris incorporates intensive glycolic acid levels to rid the skin of unsightly bumps and reveal smooth supple skin.
Kit contains Body Lotion + Exfoliating Body Wash + Shower Pouf”.

Active Ingredients

17.5% glycolic acid

Price

$56 for the kit (scrub, lotion, and pouf)

Name

Dermadoctor KP Duty Kit

Description

From Dermadoctor website, “rapidly improves the appearance of “chicken skin bumps” by exfoliating without causing irritation and hydrating dryness with a powerful, dermatologist preferred humectant, leaving skin soft and smooth. Eliminates inflammation at base of each hair follicle (visible as reddish “polka dots”), with continued use”.

Active Ingredient(s)

Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid

Price

$80 for the kit (body scrub+lotion)

Name

Carmol-20

Description

Carmol 20 is a keratolytic used to treat a variety of skin and nail conditions, including dry skin, eczema, corns, or calluses. Carmol 20 may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Active Ingredient

20% Urea

Price

$20-11 for 3 oz tube

Name

Eurcerin Intensive Repair Body Cream

Description

Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Body Creme gently exfoliates dry, damaged skin, while providing 24 hours of moisturization to leave skin noticeably softer and smoother.

Active Ingredient(s)

Urea and alpha hydroxy acids

Price

$10-8 for an 8.4 oz bottle

Name

Market America Timeless Prescription 3 Step Acne Care System

Description

From the Market America website, “Take control of acne blemishes with Timeless Prescription 3 Step Acne Care System. Our 3 Step Acne Care System was developed to completely interrupt three primary factors that contribute to acne.  Step 1 exfoliates surface skin cells, Step 2 removes pore-clogging oil and Step 3 eliminates acne-causing impurities.

Active Ingredient(s)

Benzoyl Peroxide

Price

$70 for the kit(cleanser, toner, and repair lotion)

Name

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Description

From Cetaphil website, “Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for daily makeup removal or as part of a skin care regimen to treat the dryness caused by topical medications used in the treatment of acne, fine lines and wrinkles. Originally formulated for dermatologists, it is gentle on your skin and sensitive to your skin’s needs. Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser will not strip the skin of natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb the skin’s natural pH balance. It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it an excellent choice for daily facial cleansing.

Recommended by Dermatologists for years for people with special skin needs like acne, rosacea, or eczema because of its gentleness. Cetaphil^® Gentle Skin Cleanser is gentle enough for children, teens and adults.”

Active Ingredient(s)

Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol

Price

$11-8 for a 16 oz. bottle

What are some common symptoms for Keratosis Pilaris and treatment options?  Read on to to find out.

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TO-sis pil-AIR-is) is a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acnelike bumps, usually on the arms and thighs. Though you may not like the sandpaper-like appearance of your skin, keratosis pilaris isn’t serious and doesn’t have long-term health implications.

Keratosis pilaris can be frustrating because it’s difficult to treat. Prescription medications and skin care measures can improve the appearance of your skin.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:

• Small, acne-like bumps
• Painless, skin-colored bumps that can, at times, be red and inflamed
• Dry, rough patches
• In some cases, itchiness

Keratosis pilaris usually appears on the upper arms, legs or buttocks. But it can also appear on the face, where it closely resembles acne. The small size of the bumps and its association with dry, chapped skin distinguish keratosis pilaris from pustular acne. Unlike elsewhere on the body, keratosis pilaris on the face may leave small scars.

Though quite common with young children, keratosis pilaris can occur at any age. It may improve, especially during the summer months, only to later worsen. Gradually, keratosis pilaris resolves on its own.

When to see a doctor
Keratosis pilaris isn’t a serious medical condition, and treatment usually isn’t necessary. However, if you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, consult your family doctor or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist). He or she can often make a diagnosis by examining your skin and the characteristic scaly plugs.

What Causes KP?

Keratosis pilaris results from the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects your skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Usually many plugs form, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin.

Why keratin builds up is unknown. But it may occur in association with genetic diseases or with other skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris or atopic dermatitis. Keratosis pilaris also occurs in otherwise healthy people. Dry skin tends to worsen the condition.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatments

No single treatment universally improves keratosis pilaris. But most options, including self-care measures and medicated creams, focus on softening the keratin deposits in the skin.

Treatment of keratosis pilaris can include the following prescription medications:

• Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin). Available in a cream or lotion, 12 percent ammonium lactate reduces roughness and softens the keratin plugs. It won’t, however, lessen the redness caused by the condition.
• Urea (Carmol, Keralac). Urea moisturizes and softens dry, rough skin. It also helps loosen and remove the dead skin cells. Side effects include redness, stinging and skin irritations.
• Topical corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory drugs help decrease cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. Low-potency corticosteroid ointments are usually recommended for sensitive areas such as your face and for treating widespread patches. Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids for short-term treatment or for temporary relief of symptoms. They aren’t used as long-term treatments because of potential side effects.
• Topical retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids work by promoting cell turnover and preventing the plugging of the hair follicle. Retinoids may be an effective treatment, but they can cause bothersome skin irritations, such as severe dryness, redness and peeling. Tretinoin (Retin-A Micro, Avita) and tazarotene (Tazorac) are examples of topical retinoids.

• Be gentle when washing your skin. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of the plugs may only irritate your skin and aggravate the condition.
• After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion or lubricating cream while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol, chemicals that soften dry, rough skin.
• Apply an over-the-counter product that contains lactic acid twice daily. Lactic acid helps remove extra keratin from the surface of the skin.
• Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

Home Remedies

Although there’s no way to prevent keratosis pilaris, you can take steps to keep your skin moist and healthy:

• Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers provide a seal over your skin to keep water from escaping. Thicker moisturizers work best, such as over-the-counter brands Eucerin and Cetaphil.
• Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
• Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats, such as Neutrogena, Basis or Dove. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial detergents, which are especially harsh. You might want to experiment with several brands until you find one that works particularly well for you. A good rule of thumb is that your skin should feel soft and smooth after cleansing, never tight or dry.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.
• Use a humidifier. Low humidity dries out your skin. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home. Portable humidifiers come in many varieties. Choose one that meets your budget and any special needs. And be sure to keep your humidifier clean to ward off bacteria and fungi.

You can read the full article at I have also included links in my blogroll for additional information on Keratosis Pilaris.