FAQ & Tips

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.


Need help getting started?

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

 



Join our Private Facebook Group!

 

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
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 causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

What causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.  The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch, but can become unsightly or embarrassing to young children and teens.

But what causes keratosis pilaris in children?

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris in Children? | KPKids.net

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary condition, which means your child likely inherited the condition from their mother or father.  If you have it, or had it as a child, there’s a greater chance that your child will develop it as well.

 

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

 

What is keratosis pilaris?

KP is caused by the excess build-up of keratin and dead skin cells around individual hair follicles.  Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic condition and is NOT caused by parental neglect and bathing too infrequently.  Sometimes overly frequent bathing can actually make your child’s keratosis pilaris worse (see 5 Things to NOT do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris).

Keratosis pilaris is commonly seen in children and teens, but can begin as early as infancy.

Unfortunately, keratosis pilaris can not be cured or prevented.  But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. The skin condition usually disappears by age 30, but some adults deal with symptoms for many years.

RELATED:  Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home

How is KP diagnosed in childhood?

If you believe that you or your child may have the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris, be sure to visit your child’s Physician or Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

In most cases, your child’s doctor can diagnose KP simply by examining and touching the affected area of the skin. No testing is needed.

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin,
be sure to subscribe to our KPKids Community and join us in our private Facebook group. Together, we can find something that works.

 

10 Ways to Improve your Kid's Keratosis Pilaris Today | KPKids.net

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms
Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

As anyone with Keratosis Pilaris knows, the search for a treatment and cure can be exhausting. But what many don’t understand is that Keratosis Pilaris is an inherited skin condition.

The recommended treatments for KP are only for the *temporary* relief of symptoms and must be used continuously to see improvement.

Can Keratosis Pilaris be Completely Cured? | KPKids.net

The treatment plan recommended by your child’s doctor or dermatologist should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure the best results in lessening the visibility and texture of the bumps on their face, arms and legs.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris.

 

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

 

Although the condition may remain for years, symptoms usually lessen by age 30. Keratosis pilaris symptoms may go away with age, but there is currently no cure.

Results will vary from case to case.  This simply means that what may work for one child, may not work for another.

Each child’s skin, diet and sun exposure is different. So keep trying different remedies until you find the best product with the best results for your child.

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
What is Keratosis Pilaris (also known as “KP”)?

What is Keratosis Pilaris (also known as “KP”)?

What is this dermatological condition called Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition diagnosed in approximately 40% of the population.  So if you or your child have KP, you are certainly not alone!

It is characterized by tiny bumps on the skin, usually found on the outer areas of the upper arms, thighs, and cheeks (often referred to as “chicken skin”).

The bumps give a sandpaper-like texture to the skin in these areas.

It commonly presents itself as flesh-colored to slightly red, rough little bumps.

It may occasionally become itchy, but can be managed with proper treatment.

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin, be sure to subscribe today!

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms
How much do you know about KP?

How much do you know about KP?

Did you know that Keratosis Pilaris is caused by the excess build-up of dead skin cells around individual hair follicles?  It is commonly seen in children and teens, but can begin as early as infancy.

DERMAdoctor KP DutyKP is a genetic condition and, despite common misconceptions, is not caused by parental neglect and bathing too infrequently.

Nowadays, there are more and more products available to parents to treat your child’s keratosis pilaris and improve the look and feel of their skin.

DERMAdoctor is an extremely reputable company that has created a very effective line of products for treating keratosis pilaris, like KP Duty.

To learn more about DERMAdoctor‘s ever-growing line of skin products, view their list of products here.

 

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin, be sure to subscribe today!
 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms