Use a rough sponge to shower with to help slough off the dead skin. Avoid using a loofah though, as this may be too harsh. Shower with an exfoliating soap. Many are available that contain small beads that work to rub off skin. Use a sugar scrub. You can purchase these at many drugstores and beauty supply stores, or you can make your own. Mix sugar and honey to form a paste and then apply to your dry skin, rubbing in circles. Rinse with warm water afterwards. You can make your own exfoliant with table salt and olive oil. However, be careful not to slip while using it. Avoid anything too abrasive though, as this can cause damage to your skin in the long run.
It’s best to use chemical-free products like almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil.
Try topical retinoids. These are lotions that use derivations of vitamin A, which aids in dry skin. Look for Retin-A, Isotrex, or Differin at your local drugstore. Use urea cream, which breaks down dead skin and keratin. Be careful with this, however, as it can damage healthy skin if used too much. Always wash your hands directly after applying, and apply only as much as the directions instruct. [5] X Research source Find a moisturizer that uses glycolic acid. This helps to dissolve the dead skin and buildup in the hair follicles. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If you are unable to purchase a specialized brand of moisturizer for your bumps, look for mild lotions advertised for sensitive skin. Some ingredients in regular lotions can worsen your keratosis pilaris.
Try using coconut oil. Although this may be found in the cooking section, it has shown to work wonders on softening skin. Use it in the shower for a few minutes, or dab it onto your dry skin before you to go to bed at night. Rubbing pure vitamin E oil on your dry skin can soften it while supplementing your skin with nutrients it may be lacking. Vitamin E has shown to have a strong connection to healthy skin and gives promising results in cases of keratosis pilaris. Sea Buckthorn is a type of plant that is made an oil used for skin ailments. Look for it at a local pharmacy or drugstore, and use it to rub onto your skin 1-2 times daily.
Take 1/3 cup oatmeal and blend in a blender until it’s a fine powder. Pour into your warm bath as you run the water, to help mix it thoroughly. After your bath the oatmeal powder may be left in tub, especially if you did not blend enough. Don’t worry, this isn’t difficult to clean (unless you leave it in for days). Oatmeal baths can be bought in stores too if you would rather nix the extra work of blending it yourself.
Using distilled water (pure water, no minerals, no contaminants) is recommended. Tap water contains lead, chlorine and nitrates, which is best to avoid whenever possible. If you don’t have your own humidifier, consider making your own using an old t-shirt and fan.
Always wear sunscreen when you spend time in the sun to avoid skin damage. There have been no official studies that prove sunlight improves keratosis pilaris, but there seems to be a correlation between the two. If nothing else, spending time in the sun has direct links to lessening depression and anxiety, which is good for everyone. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
