1. DermaDoctor KP Duty – The reason why I bought this product is because it’s plastered everywhere when I Google “Keratosis Pilaris Treatment.” Let’s see if it works!

2. Glytone – The reasons for the purchase is the same as above.

3. AmLactin

4. Cortol – 20

5. Market America (Generic Acne Cleanser)

6. Eucerin – Dry Skin Therapy

I will follow the recommended directions for each product and will use each product on a specific body part.

Right Arm – Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy – Apply two times a day and use Cetaphil as the body cleanser
Left Arm – AmLactin – Apply two times a day and use Cetaphil as the body cleanser
Chest – Generic acne cleanser and repair lotion- use everyday
Left Leg – Derma Doctor KP Duty Scrub – Use two times a week and apply lotion twice a day (Use Cetaphil for days that I’m not using the scrub)
Right Leg – Glytone – Use exfoliating scrub two times a week and apply lotion twice a day (Use Cetaphil for days that I’m not using the scrub)

I’m planning on doing this treatment for a couple of months and will update on my status weekly. However, if I do not see any improvement, or it’s obvious that the product is not working, then I’ll move to another treatment.

Please feel free to comment on this experiment and on ways I can make it better.

Remember, I am not a professional doctor and do not claim to be one. Any comments made on treatment options or suggestions made by me are up to your discretion. I’m just here to give results on various types of KP products and show how effective each product is.

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.