Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

Our busy teenagers become more independent from year to year, and teaching them how to manage the health of their skin on their own becomes very important during these years. With hormonal changes, diet variations and sports activities, your teen with keratosis pilaris may find that their KP will flare up or make them self-conscious about their skin.

So how do you teach teens the basics of good skin care at this age? Show them the steps help them establish a solid skin care routine, and remind them often. Show them the best products and tools to use and how to use them effectively to look and feel their best.

 

RELATED: The Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017

 

The teenage years are often filled with increasing body awareness, self-reflection and self-doubt. By enabling our teens to care for their sensitive skin, we can help them become more confident in their appearance during these self-conscious years. The more our teenagers can do for themselves, and the more they know about taking good care of their sensitive skin, the more independent and confident they feel about their skin and bodies.

Teens with keratosis pilaris | KPKids.net

Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

We’ve tested many products for keratosis pilaris through the years, and have discussed many of them in our Facebook group, the KP Collective (come join for free!). We have come across a few favorites, through trial and error, that may help your teenager care for their keratosis pilaris.

These are some of our favorite brands for treating keratosis pilaris, eczema and dry skin in teens…

 

Top 5 Gentle Skin Scrubs & Exfoliators for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

  1. Konjac Bath Sponges – For Face & Body (small but effective, great to keep in every shower in the house)
  2. Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser (super gentle, love this one!)
  3. Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush (a must-have in every teenager’s bathroom)
  4. Buf-Puf Reusable Facial Sponge, Extra Gentle (great for a quick face wash and perfect for travel bags)
  5. KP Elements Body Scrub – Keratosis Pilaris Treatment (an effective chemical exfoliant and scrub in one)
KPKids Favorite: Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

 

Top 5 Hydrating Skin Lotions & Creams for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

  1. CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion (our hands-down favorite)
  2. AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion for Dry Skin (gentle enough for every day)
  3. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion (great for all-over body moisturizing before bedtime)
  4. Lilah James Natural Rejuvenating KP Cream (recently popular and feels great)
  5. DERMAdoctor KP Duty AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin (well-known KP brand for years)
KPKids Favorite: CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion

 

RELATED:  How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

We want to hear from you!

Come visit our private Facebook group, the KP Collective, and tell us what’s working for you and your family as you treat your child’s keratosis pilaris. Connect with hundreds of other parents from across the globe, share ideas and get tips for caring for you child’s keratosis pilaris. Together, we’ll find something that WORKS.

Join the KP Collective, our free Facebook group for parents of children with keratosis pilaris!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE KERATOSIS PILARIS TIP SHEET:
Learn 10 things you can do in the next 24 hours to improve your child’s keratosis pilaris.

Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

Common Skin Care Ingredients & How They Help Your Kid’s Keratosis Pilaris

There are a LOT of skin care products on the market, each with different elements designed to treat or improve your skin.

To fully understand today’s skin care products, you must learn what the main ingredients are and how they improve the skin. But how do you know which ingredients to look for, and which to avoid?

The list below will explain the function of many common ingredients in skin care products today to help you be an informed consumer.

NOTE: If you are unsure which skin care products are right for your child, ask your pediatrician or dermatologist for recommendations. Ingredient sources cited below.

 


 

ALCOHOL (SD ALCOHOL): Undrinkable ethyl alcohol has many uses in skin care. It delivers other ingredients into the skin and drives them deeper down. In toners and acne products, it can help dissolve oil and temporarily tighten pores. When added to certain moisturizers, like gel-based lotions, it makes them less tacky and helps them dry faster on the face.

 

ALPHA-HYDROXY ACID (AHA): Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) have become increasingly popular in recent years. These chemicals loosen the fluid that binds surface skin cells together, allowing dead ones to be whisked away. To allow your skin to get used to powerful alpha-hydroxy acids, you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.

 

ASCORBIC ACID: This topical form of antioxidant vitamin C brightens the skin, increases collagen production, and stems free-radical damage, making it a popular anti-aging ingredient.

 

AVOBENZONE: A common chemical found in sunscreens, it absorbs UVA rays to reduce their penetration into the skin, but does not protect against UVB rays.

 

 

 

BENZOYL PEROXIDE: An acne medicine that kills pimple-causing bacteria and exfoliates pores. It can be found in concentrations up to 10 percent in over-the-counter products, like Oxy and Clean & Clear.

KPKids Favorite: ProActiv 3-Step Acne Treatment System

 

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA): These chemical exfoliants can smooth fine lines, even pigmentation, and penetrate deeply into pores, dissolving sticky plugs of sebum and dead skin. One of the most common BHAs, salicylic acid, is found in many acne washes, creams, and peels.


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Click to sign up for the FREE KP Crash Course!

CITRIC ACID: Found in many fruits, citric acid is an antioxidant alpha hydroxy acid that acts as a natural preservative. When used in peels, masks, and washes, it brightens and exfoliates the upper layers of the skin, encouraging new collagen formation.

RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

DIMETHICONE: A slippery form of silicone that hydrates and protects the skin; often found in oil-free moisturizers.

 

EMOLLIENT: Any moisturizing ingredient that increases water levels in the epidermis, another word for moisturizer. Used to correct dryness and scaling of the skin by increasing hydration, preventing moisture loss, or both. The effects of moisturizers are temporary, but over time and used consistently, they make a significant difference in the appearance of skin.

Treating Keratosis Pilaris in Babies & Infants | KPKids.net

GLYCERIN: Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it pulls moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate skin. Commonly used in moisturizers and hydrating cleansers, glycerin is a humectant naturally found in skin that helps it maintain a soft, moisturized, healthy look. Used topically in combination with other emollients and antioxidants, it has been shown to be very effective at restoring the skin.

RELATED: Keratosis Pilaris Products We Use in Our Home

 

GLYCOLIC ACID: An alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane, it dissolves the gluelike substance between skin cells, aiding in exfoliation and improving skin texture. It’s commonly used in high-end anti-aging products, such as cleansers, creams, and peels.

 

HELIOPLEX: Helioplex is the trademarked name of a sunscreen technology that combines avobenzone with a stabilizing ingredient called oxybenzone to offer protection from both UVA and UVB sunlight.

KPKids Favorites: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 & Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen SPF 70

 

HUMECTANT: This class of moisturizing ingredients pulls water from the atmosphere into the top layer of the skin.

 

HYALURONIC ACID (HA): Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skin care products. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture (1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid). Naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acid secures skin moisture, creating a youthful fullness to the skin. In skin care products, you can find hyaluronic acid creams, serums, injectables (aka: Restylane), and hyaluronic acid supplements.

KPKids Favorites: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud CreamCeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 with Zinc Oxide & Hyaluronic Acid

JOJOBA OIL: Similar in structure to skin’s natural oil, jojoba oil penetrates the skin to hydrate without clogging pores. Jojoba oil has become a popular product among KP parents in 2017.

KPKids Favorites: Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil for Hair & Face

 

LACTIC ACID: Derived from fermented milk, this alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates dead skin cells and is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin or rosacea. Since it’s part of our body’s natural moisturizing factor, it’s especially compatible with human skin.

 

 

MICRODERMABRASION: Performed by dermatologists and facialists, this treatment exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells with a wand that sprays on and then vacuums off extremely fine aluminum-oxide crystals. A newer form of the technology uses a vibrating diamond tip in place of the crystals.

KPKids Favorites: dr. brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant & Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Starter Kit

 



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MINERAL OIL: A colorless, odorless distillation byproduct of petroleum often found in moisturizer for its ability to soothe skin and help it hang onto moisture. Mineral oil can be pore-clogging for some, but it isn’t shown to be as harmful as some believe.

RELATED: Top Product Picks for Coconut Oil

 

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: Abundant in herring, mackerel, wild salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and olive oil, these essential omega-3 fatty acids maintain the function of cell membranes throughout the body, preserving cells’ ability to take in nutrients, dispose of waste, and hold onto water. In the epidermis, this can translate to smoother, more supple, hydrated skin.

KPKids Favorites: SmartyPants Kids Complete Multivitamin with Omega 3 & OLLY Kids Multivitamin and Omega 3 Supplement

 

OXYBENZONE: Also known as benzophenone-3, this chemical sunscreen absorbs mainly UVB rays, which is why it is typically combined with UVA-absorbing filters (like avobenzone) to create broad-spectrum sunscreens.

 

PARABENS: A class of preservatives used to protect cosmetics against the growth of bacteria and fungi. These controversial ingredients—including methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben—have been shown to possess mild estrogen-like properties, but the FDA deems them safe when used at very low levels (.01 to .3 percent) in cosmetics.

 

SALICYLIC ACID (SA): Salicylic acid is a powerful beta-hydroxy acid that removes excess oil and dead cells from the skin’s surface. It’s used in nonprescription cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments as an exfoliator when treating skin conditions such as acne, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic, which loosens keratin (a protein that forms the structure of skin), therefore allowing thickened, scaly plaques of skin to shed more easily.

Using an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid not only sloughs off dead skin like a traditional face scrub, but it also contains mild acids that will decrease inflammation and prevent further breakouts. People with oily and acne-prone skin benefit from salicylic acid peels because they loosen blackheads, reduce oil and even discoloration from old breakouts. Salicylic acid should also not be used in children younger than age two, as the absorption rate through skin is greater.

KPKids Favorites: CeraVe Renewing SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin (seriously good) & CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

 

PETROLATUM: A purified by-product of petroleum, this thick, odorless, and colorless substance coats the skin to hydrate and prevent water loss. Petrolatum is used in standard (i.e., not oil-free) moisturizers. It can potentially clog pores and cause acne in those who are prone.

 

RETIN-A: The brand name for the prescription vitamin A derivative, tretinoin (a stronger version of retinol). First approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne, Retin-A was eventually found to fight signs of aging by speeding up exfoliation, repairing skin on a molecular level, and boosting new collagen production. Retin-A users are encouraged to use extra sunscreen and avoid full sun exposure.

 

RETINOIDS: This is the catchall phrase used to describe all vitamin A derivatives used in skin care.

 

RETINOL: A derivative of vitamin A used in anti-aging products to stimulate the turnover of skin cells and increase collagen production. The maximum amount allowed in over-the-counter products is 1 percent. Retinyl palmitate and retinaldehyde are weaker, less-irritating forms of retinol. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels.

 

SHEA BUTTER: Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer. However, the vitamin concentrations found in most commercial shea butter preparations are negligible. Most formulations will vary from 5% shea butter in body washes to 25% shea butter in heavy creams.

KPKids Favorites: L’Occitane Fast-Absorbing 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream & L’Occitane Extra Gentle 5% Shea Butter Hand & Body Lotion

 

TITANIUM OXIDE: An earth mineral used in natural sunscreen, as it protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation with no risk of sensitivity. The ingredient is recommended for irritative, redness-prone skin.

 

VITAMIN C (L-ASCORBIC ACID): An antioxidant that boosts collagen production and inhibits pigment formation. Like many antioxidants, it’s an unstable molecule that can break down quickly when exposed to light and air. Common derivatives, like ascorbyl palmitate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tend to be more stable than pure ascorbic acid but slower acting.

This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. With age and sun exposure, collagen synthesis in the skin decreases, leading to wrinkles. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, minimizing fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.

 

VITAMIN E: An antioxidant used to prevent free radical damage which protects the skin from the sun damage. Its main effect in serums/creams is to stabilize and augment the antioxidant activity of Vitamin C.

 

ZINC OXIDE: A mineral in sunscreen that prevents UVA and UVB light from entering skin and doing damage.


Need help getting started?

Click to sign up for the FREE KP Crash Course!

 

 


 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/03/salicylic-acid-skincare_n_5919712.html
  • https://www.allure.com/story/skin-care-terms-glossary-definitions
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10980-understanding-the-ingredients-in-skin-care-products
  • https://www.skintour.com/skin-care-product-articles/skin-care-ingredients-and-terms/
  • http://www.byrdie.com/skincare-ingredients-glossary/slide4
Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
The Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017

The Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017

Looking for the most updated list of Keratosis Pilaris products?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

We’ve done the research and pulled the reports, and here’s what parents of KP kids were buying in 2017.

These are the top 25 most-purchased KP products in 2017 from our KPKids website. Explore the list below, broken down into categories. Then be sure to hop over to our Facebook group, the KP Collective, to tell us what products are working best for you and your family today.

NOTE: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.

Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017 | KPKids.net

 

Top 5 Gentle Cleansers & Bodywashes Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo
  2. Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash with Organic Calendula
  3. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
  4. California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash
  5. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Bodywash, Sulfate Free
 KPKids Favorite: Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash with Organic Calendula

 

 

Top 5 Hydrating Skin Lotions & Creams Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion
  2. AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion for Dry Skin
  3. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion
  4. Lilah James Natural Rejuvenating KP Cream
  5. DERMAdoctor KP Duty AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin
KPKids Favorite: CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion

 

 

Top 5 Healing Ointments, Oils & Balms Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
  2. Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
  3. Mustela Stelatopia Bath Oil for Eczema-Prone Skin
  4. Mustela Stelatopia Moisturizing Emollient Balm for Eczema-Prone Skin
  5. Era Organics Healing Balm for Babies
KPKids Favorite: Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

Happy Kids | KPKids.net

 

Top 5 Gentle Skin Scrubs & Exfoliators Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. Konjac Baby Bath Sponges – For Face & Body
  2. Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
  3. Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush
  4. Buf-Puf Reusable Facial Sponge, Extra Gentle
  5. KP Elements Body Scrub – Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
KPKids Favorite: Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

 

 

Top 5 Sensitive Sunscreens Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
  2. Alba Botanica Very Emollient, Kids Sunscreen SPF 45
  3. CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
  4. Thinksport Kid’s Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
  5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Sunscreen for Face and Body
 KPKids Favorite: Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen, SPF 30+

 

 

Top 5 Gentle Laundry Products Purchased by KP Parents in 2017

  1. Wool Dryer Balls, Reusable Natural Fabric Softener
  2. Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent, Sulfate Free
  3. all Mighty Pacs Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin
  4. Dreft Hypoallergenic Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent (Stage 1 or Stage 2)
  5. Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets, Free and Gentle
 KPKids Favorite: Wool Dryer Balls, Reusable Natural Fabric Softener

 

We hope that you’ll find this list helpful in learning what other parents of children with keratosis pilaris are using to treat their child’s sensitive skin. Have other suggestions? We’d love to know what’s working for your family.

Come join us in our private Facebook group, called the KP Collective, and tell us about your product wins!

[rara_call_to_action title=”” button_text=”CLICK HERE TO JOIN (IT’S FREE!)” button_url=”http://www.facebook.com/kpcollective” target=”_blank” button_align=”center”][/rara_call_to_action]

 

Smiling Kids | KPKids.net

 

NOTE: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE:  Any and all information within this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment of your (or your child’s) skin condition. Any products or services advertised here are for informational purposes only and their effectiveness will vary from child to child. You are encouraged to consult a physician or dermatologist to determine what treatment plan will work best for you or your child.  Some links within our website are to Amazon products and we will receive compensation when you make a purchase. Thank you in advance for your support of KPKids.

 

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
5 Things You Don’t Know About Dry Skin

5 Things You Don’t Know About Dry Skin

Dry skin is a pain.

Literally, dry skin is a painful reaction to your body’s lack of water. So why does your skin get unusually dry and how do you repair the damage that’s been done? How do you keep your skin healthy and prevent it from itching and feeling tight?

To maintain healthy skin, it’s important to understand the reason why your skin becomes uncomfortably dry. Once you learn the cause and recognize the symptoms of dry skin, you’ll better understand how to treat it and prevent any tightness, flaking or peeling in the future.

Here’s 5 things you may not know about caring for dry skin…

 

5 Facts You Don't Know about Dry Skin | KPKids.net

1. Why does your skin get so dry?

There are many factors that can cause your healthy skin to lose moisture and feel uncomfortably dry. Soaps and facial cleansers are one of the most common causes of dry skin. While it’s ironic that the soap or shower gel you use to cleanse your skin of excess oil and dirt can actually strip away the vital nutrients your skin needs, keeping your skin clean and clear is very important.

Preventing Dry Skin | KPKids.netAnother cause of dry skin can be the temperature of your shower or bath. It’s well-known that hot water can pull essential moisture from your skin. Just ask any mom who has just washed a sink-full of dishes how dry and prune-like her hands feel. Opt for shorter showers and warm, but not hot, baths to minimize the moisture loss of your already sensitive skin (especially true for those with keratosis pilaris). See what products we use in our home.

You may also find that cold weather affects your sensitive skin and keratosis pilaris as well. Cooler air is typically drier and holds less moisture than warmer, humid air. You may find that your skin feels more tight and has less elasticity in the cooler Winter temperatures, which is a sign of moisture loss. In warmer, more humid Summer weather, you’ll likely find that your skin feels softer, more supple and looks healthier.

RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help Improve your Child’s Dry Skin

 

2. How can you prevent dry skin?

Prevent dry skin | KPKids.netThe first step in preventing your healthy skin from becoming overly dry is to exfoliate your skin regularly. Begin with a gentle scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells. Our newest favorite scrub for sensitive skin and keratosis pilaris is this sugar scrub and once you try it, you’ll understand why we love it’s fine-grain silky texture.

Another fine-grain scrub favorite is Ultra-Fine Exfoliating Facial Scrub by La Roche-Posay. For a more substantial scrub to use on the back of your arms or your legs, try KP Duty Scrub from DERMAdoctor or UltraRich Body Scrub with Shea Butter by L’Occitane.

RELATED: Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated at bath time

After exfoliating, begin a routine of applying a moisturizer consistently. Remember, choose your moisturizer according to the dryness of your skin. Ointments work better than creams, creams work better than lotions.

Another lesser-known but extremely effective tip is to use a humidifier. By circulating moisture into the air (especially overnight), your skin is better able to absorb and retain its vitality and elasticity. Next time you or your child has a sunburn, remember to set up the humidifier after you apply the aloe (we seriously love Mario Badescu’s Aloe Spray).

RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

3. When should you moisturize your skin?

Preventing dry skin | KPKids.netThe best times to moisturize your dry skin are immediately after bathing and before bedtime. These are both ideal times to lock in those essential natural skin oils and nutrients that your sensitive skin is craving to be replenished.

If you typically bathe at night, moisturize your skin after bathing and again after waking. Regardless of when you apply your ointment, cream or lotion, be sure to establish a solid routine to prevent dry skin from recurring.

RELATED: How this $10 Lotion has Improved my Kids’ Keratosis Pilaris

 

4. What can you do to repair your dry skin?

To effectively repair your dry skin and improve the appearance of your keratosis pilaris, you must understand what your skin needs to be truly healthy.

As your body’s largest organ, your skin needs water. Strive to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day (if not more). Buy a refillable water bottle (we love Swell water bottles because they keep your water cold for hours). Take your water bottle with you during the day to ensure that you always have drinking water available. You may be surprised how much more water you will drink if it’s easily within your reach.

Example: A 150 lb. person should drink at least 75 ounces of water per day.

When it comes to moisturizing products to apply to your dry skin, look for two ingredients: humectants and emollients. Humectants are ingredients that attract water and moisture into the skin. When you read product labels, you’ll find the most common humectants are hyaluronic acid, lecithin and propylene glycol. Our latest favorite is Water Drench Cream by Peter Thomas Roth and it’s a bestseller for good reason.

Emollients are the ingredients that hold and lock in that moisture to help the skin stay healthy. The most common emollients you’ll find are petrolatum (like Aquaphor), glycerin (like La Roche-Posay), dimethicone (like CeraVe) and lanolin (used by many breastfeeding moms).

RELATED: Recommended Products for Toddlers with KP: 2 – 4 years

 

5. When should you see a doctor or dermatologist?

Preventing Dry Skin | KPKids.netIt is important to know when your skin is more than just unusually dry or perhaps showing signs of another serious skin condition. The most common signs of extremely dry skin are tightening of the skin, loss of elasticity and flaking or peeling.

Any symptoms that include unexplained redness (other than possible sunburn), excessive itching or rash-like irritation of the skin should be immediately addressed by a doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to determine if your symptoms are a sign of keratosis pilaris, eczema or an allergic reaction. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and find a treatment plan that works for you.

RELATED: What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

We’re talking about keratosis pilaris tips, products and advice daily in our Facebook group, called KP Collective (you can join for free with 1-click).

See what we’re using in our home to treat our family’s keratosis pilaris here: Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home. And don’t forget to grab your free Keratosis Pilaris Tip Sheet with 10 Things You can do Today to Improve Your Child’s KP.

 

SHOP OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS FROM DERMADOCTORDermaDoctor products for children with keratosis pilaris | KPKids.net

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms, Living with Keratosis Pilaris
What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

The results are in! Your helpful responses have taught us volumes about what you, as a parent of a child with keratosis pilaris, are struggling with and how you’re treating this often-frustrating skin condition.

In January of 2017, we asked readers about their experience with their child’s keratosis pilaris, what clears it up, what makes it worse, and what they want to try in the future to improve their skin long-term. We left the survey open for a month, and have made some interesting observations about how you are currently treating your child’s KP and what’s working for you.

We were super excited to read through every response, so THANK YOU for taking the time to share your answers with us!

Here’s what your responses to these 10 simple questions have taught us…

What your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire have taught us about Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

How KP Starts

Our first question was a simple one in asking the sex of your child. While the girls were the majority, it was only by a few points (55.9% female vs. 44.1% male). There hasn’t been any research to show that keratosis pilaris is more common in females vs. males, but this is an interesting find.

We also asked you at what age you first noticed your child’s keratosis pilaris, and 50% of you discovered it within the first year (that’s actually surprising!). As parents we often think of skin conditions developing more in their toddler years when they’re more active and into everything, but the first year of life can bring on a lot of environmental and nutritional changes.

 

RELATED: If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

 

Where does Keratosis Pilaris come from?

It is widely know that keratosis pilaris (and many similar skin conditions) can have a hereditary cause, which means that if you have KP then your children are likely to develop it as well. Your responses to the next question were not surprising.

Over 45% of you have keratosis pilaris yourselves, while another 22.7% of you were unsure if you have it.

Food sensitivities and allergies are typically the first assumption parents make when their child develops KP. However, based on your responses, the food allergies are minimal to non-existent for your KP kids with over 85% of our readers telling us their kids have no food allergies at all. While this is an interesting statistic to read, some parents may find that their KP kid may still have nutritional deficiencies in their diet that can lead to keratosis pilaris flare-ups (namely vitamin A & vitamin D, ask your doctor).


RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

How do you Treat Keratosis Pilaris?

As any parent of a KP kid will tell you, keeping their child’s skin moisturized is only one step in effectively treating keratosis pilaris. So we asked parents what methods they were using to treat their kids’ KP. Beyond using moisturizing lotions and creams (74.4% of you, nice job), many of you are also using alpha-hydroxy lotions that contain salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to slough off that top layer of dead skin (44.2% of you, way to go!). Using extra sunscreen (in a gentler formula) is always advised for kids with KP, so we’re super happy to hear that 30% of you have stepped up the sunscreen protection as well.

Soon your toddler turns into an active child, so we asked if their activity in sports has affected their skin. Most of you replied that your children don’t play sports yet (58% of you) or that there is no noticeable change in their skin from high-activity sports (23% of you).

What’s important to note here is that if you’ve only recently received a diagnosis of keratosis pilaris from your child’s pediatrician or dermatologist, then your child may still be age 3 and younger (see the second question above) and not involved in sports yet. When the sports activities do begin, keep the frequent sweating and showering routine in mind as your child grows and be sure to establish good skin care habits early.

 

RELATEDHow this $10 Lotion has Improved my Kids’ Keratosis Pilaris

 

So what’s working to improve your child’s keratosis pilaris?

What are you doing today that is WORKING? We asked parents to share with us what methods or products were working for them in treating their child’s KP and the responses varied greatly.

From establishing a solid routine of moisturizing every day to trying different AHA lotions, the trial-and-error of finding what works best for your child may seem never-ending. But rest assured that you are not alone and every child’s skin reacts differently. Keep trying to find the right combination of soaps, cleansers, lotions, scrubs and even laundry detergents that will make a noticeable difference, and adjust your routine seasonally as needed.

Products mentioned above include: Cocoa Butter Body Wash, Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo, Organic Coconut Oil, AmLactin AHA LotionKP Elements, CeraVe SA lotionJosie Maran Whipped Argon Oil Body Butter, Olive Oil Body Butter, Fish Oil Supplements, Epsom Bath Salts, SkinFix Renewing Cream, Roll-On Castor Oil.

Note: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.

 

RELATED: Grab your FREE KP Tip Sheet 
to learn 10 things you can do in the next 24 hours to improve your child’s skin.

 

Can Keratosis Pilaris be seasonal?

Recently in our new Facebook group, we asked you and our readers where in the world you lived. Although we’re based in Texas, we were surprised to hear that some of our readers were from far outside the US, including Germany, UK and Australia. Regardless of where you live, the change in seasons can affect your child’s skin and their keratosis pilaris may flare up in extremely dry conditions like cold Winter weather.

Most parents told us that their child’s skin looks and feels worse in the Winter, and only somewhat worse in the Summer. It’s also interesting to hear from a few parents who say their child’s skin actually looks and feels better in the cooler, drier weather of Winter than the typically warmer, more humid weather of Summer. Our advice: keep experimenting.

 

Are you a member of our private Facebook group yet?
There’s hundreds of helpful parents sharing tips or treating keratosis pilaris in kids each week. It’s free to join with 1-click!

 

RELATED: 5 Things NOT to do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris

 

So your kid has KP. What should you do now?

You’ve narrowed it down, seen the dermatologist and gotten the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris. You’re concerned and worried about how their skin looks. So what should you do now? Let’s make a plan.

Start with gentler products, begin moisturizing regularly, use a humidifier, and consider factors like laundry detergent and fabric softeners, as well as dietary changes. See what products we’re currently using in our home here.

When we asked our readers what’s on their list of things to try to hopefully improve their child’s keratosis pilaris, here’s what they had to say…

Products mentioned above include: Shea Moisture Baby Lotion, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, AmLactin AHA Lotion, CeraVe SA lotion, gluten-free food & recipes, AHA lotions, Kerapil, Konjac sponges, Frankincense essential oil, SkinFix Renewing Cream, DermaDoctor KP Duty, Coconut Oil, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, sugar scrub, salt scrub, Mustela Stelatopia cream.

Note: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.

 

RELATED: Recommended Products for Children with KP: 5 – 8 years

 

KPKids.net

 

We’ve learned a lot, so what’s next?

We sincerely appreciate each of our readers who took the time to answer the 10 questions we posed about caring for your child’s keratosis pilaris. We’ve learned volumes about what frustrates most parents in dealing with this skin condition… Finding a product or method that makes your kid’s skin look and feel better.

Finding that perfect product, gentle-enough scrub, gluten-free recipe book to try, or sunscreen for their sensitive skin can each be an ongoing challenge. Just remember, every child’s skin reacts differently and just as easily as their taste in food changes, so will their skin change as they grow.

You are not alone! Keep experimenting with a variety of products or cleansing/scrubbing methods to find some improvement in their skin texture and appearance. Soon we’ll say goodbye to that “chicken skin” because together, we’ll find something that works.

 

Thank you for all of your helpful responses!

Join our incredibly helpful KP Collective community on Facebook to connect with hundreds of other parents of KP kids to get tips, advice and recommendations.

Join the KP Collective with just 1-click (it’s free)!

Join the KP Collective, our free Facebook group for parents of children with keratosis pilaris!

 

If you’ve found this information about keratosis pilaris in children to be helpful, please forward this post to a friend who may also have a KP kid. Thank you!

 

 

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms, Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Recommended Products for Children with KP:  5 – 8 years

Recommended Products for Children with KP: 5 – 8 years

Our children become more independent every year, and managing the health of their skin becomes very important during the ages of 5 – 8 years.

But how do you teach them the basics of good skin care at this age?

 

Products for children kids skin keratosis pilaris age 5 6 7 8 | KPKids.net

 

 

Show them daily.

Establish good habits from the beginning and your child will feel more comfortable taking care of their sensitive skin. Opt for shorter showers over long baths. Studies have shown that cooler showers are better for those children with sensitive skin, keratosis pilaris or eczema because less natural moisture is pulled from the skin than in a long, hot bath.

You can make showers fun for your child with a suction-cup mirror and even a lighted shower head. What kid doesn’t like to sing in the shower?  🙂

Give them an example.

We all can learn by example. If your child is reluctant to all the attention you’re paying to their skin, show them a simple experiment. Do a side-by-side spot test on their skin with the cleanser, scrub or moisturizer you’d like for them to use…

For example, one arm untreated after their shower and one arm with the right skin care routine complete. Ask them to decide which area feels better, looks better and seems healthiest. Explain the benefits of good skin care early-on so they’ll be encouraged to continue to take care of their sensitive skin.

Show your child the best products to use after bathing (and before bed), how to use them and create a daily routine. The more independent your child can feel and the more they can do for themselves, the more confident they feel about their skin and body.

 

 

RELATED: Keratosis Pilaris Products we use in Our Home

 

Keep trying until you find something that works.

We’ve tested many products in our home through the years, and have come across our favorites through trial and error.  These are some of our top mom-tested products (and brands) for treating keratosis pilariseczema and sensitive dry skin in children…

 

Grab your FREE KP Tip Sheet with 10 Ways to Improve your child’s Keratosis Pilaris!

 


Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris