Ways to Get Rid of KP

I have suffered from KP (Keratosis Pilaris, aka "chicken skin") for most of my life. I've never been able to completely get rid of it, but several of the methods below have worked to give me smooth skin. And many readers have written to me saying they were able to get rid of KP using the methods below. If needed, please consult with a physician before trying these. I cannot guarantee their effectiveness, but several of these have worked for me. I hope they work for you!

1. Coconut Oil--I originally shared a post on this here.
• Pros: Inexpensive (depending on brand)
• Cons: Very greasy, takes a long time to work 
2. Sea Salt Scrub--Ocean Salt from Lush is used as an exfoliator.
• Pros: Exfoliates skin, many swear by this
• Cons: This makes my KP worse, because it dries out my skin. My KP is worse in colder months
• This one is expensive, so I suggest making your own. Check out my recipe here.
3. Prenatal Meds 
• Pros: Could benefit hair and nails
• Cons: Might cause acne
• Random fact: Many women have reported that their KP was worse after having kids. Did this happen to you?
4. KP Elements
• I originally reviewed this here. This is an exfoliating cream. It takes a couple of weeks to feel results. The redness never went away, but my skin was smooth.
• Natural AHA
• Pros: If no drastic change after 30 days, you get your $ back
• Cons: $35/jar, which lasts a month or two
5. KP Duty
• This was one of the first products for KP I had ever seen and tried. And it works!
• Glycolic acid, urea 
• Cons: Price, but effective...I suggest their exfoliating scrub too. $36
6. Amlactin
• Found in drugstores/online
• Several products available, including lotions and creams
• Lactic Acid, AHA
7. Cera Ve (SA)
• Intense hydration
• Look for the SA version
• Found in drugstores/online

• Ingredients to Look For:
• Urea--stronger concentration via prescription, but it is found in many OTC lotions/creams
• AHA
• Salicylic acid
• Vitamin A
• Retinol

• My Method:
• Creams work best for me. I have used all of the methods above, minus #3.
• I apply a cream to my arms (my main area of KP) twice a day, making sure one of those times is right out of the shower, for maximum moisture benefits.
• It usually takes me 2-4 weeks to notice a difference. If I stop using creams (usually due to laziness) the roughness comes back.
• I have never gotten rid of the redness, only the bumpy texture.

If you have a product or method that worked for you, I'd love to hear about it below!

PS: Enter to win a Rume phone case and $100 giftcard to Target!

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