As someone with sensitive skin, the notion of Jergens lotion ad-worthy skin—impossibly smooth, virtually poreless, and preternaturally glowing—has always evaded me. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to the occasional flare-ups and the need for extra care, as well as accepted that managing sensitive skin requires constant attention. That being said, I’ve also relished doing what I can to keep my skin calm and healthy, knowing that while nothing can completely prevent irritation forever (at least not yet), there are plenty of ways to soothe and protect sensitive skin thanks to a spate of innovative products and treatments.
As temperatures rise, hemlines shorten, and limbs see the light of day for the first time, it’s essential to know the best ways to care for sensitive skin this summer. From gentle exfoliation to supercharged moisture, here’s a breakdown of sensitive skin care and the best lotions to treat it.
Understanding Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is an incredibly common skin condition that affects 40% of adults. It typically manifests as small, hard bumps, usually surrounded by red areas of skin, on the upper arms, legs, or buttocks. In simplest terms, KP is a blockage of the hair follicles. The skin creates a buildup of a protein called keratin—the same building block for hair, skin, and nails—and the keratin creates a plug that blocks the hair follicle, which leads to the little bumps. The plug can also trigger inflammation in the skin, which is what causes the redness around each hair follicle. Despite how prevalent KP is, and that it tends to run in families, it’s unknown why some people experience it and others don’t, though it’s often found in people with very sensitive skin or alongside conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis.
While KP is usually asymptomatic, it is often worse in the winter and less noticeable in the summer. Arid climates and dry skin worsen KP as skin cells are more adherent and shed less frequently when they are dry. Higher humidity levels and sunlight are believed to help control KP. While this serves as an impetus to hit the beach and catch some rays this summer, layering on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is essential to protect yourself against skin cancer and premature aging.
Exfoliation: The Gentle Approach
The most common mistake in treating KP is trying to ‘scrub’ the bumps off or using a rough loofah to exfoliate them away. Although this technique will work temporarily by dislodging the keratin plugs, rough exfoliation will inflame the skin and hair more, ultimately causing increased redness and making the condition even more noticeable. While physical exfoliators can often be too abrasive on KP, there are specially formulated, finely-milled body scrubs that can be effective. If you love a good body scrub, just make sure to scrub gently and always moisturize immediately after. However, experts agree that chemical exfoliation, which uses acids to gently dissolve away dead skin, is the best strategy for treating KP. Options for chemical exfoliation include topical lotions, creams, or serums that contain glycolic acid and lactic acid (AHAs), salicylic acid (a BHA), gluconolactone (a PHA), and urea.
Moisturizing for KP
For controlling KP, moisture is key—especially when the temperatures drop and air becomes more arid. Anything that dries out skin can make KP more noticeable. This includes arid seasonal changes, and many patients find that their KP flares in the winter and fall, when humidity drops and moisture is pulled out of the skin more easily. When looking for lotions and creams to slather on, a combination of humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients make for the most effective moisturizers. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, petrolatum, dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Anti-inflammatory properties, like aloe and niacinamide, can be helpful in reducing discoloration in reddish bumps. Using a moisturizer that also contains exfoliating ingredients is highly recommended, so it can function as a 2-in-1 product. The hardest part about KP treatment is sticking to a strict twice-daily regimen, so having an ‘all-in-one’ product is always a plus.
The Best Products for Smoother Skin
Now that you have a good understanding of KP and how to manage it, let’s delve into some of the best products on the market that can help smooth out those bumps and give your skin a healthier appearance.
Kylie Skin AHA + Enzyme Glow Mask
Kylie Skin’s Glow Mask is a powerful combination of AHAs and enzymes designed to exfoliate and brighten the skin. This mask is perfect for those with KP, as it helps to remove the buildup of keratin that causes bumps. With regular use, you can expect a more even skin tone and a reduction in the rough texture associated with KP.
The inclusion of enzymes in this mask sets it apart from others on the market. Enzymes work synergistically with AHAs to break down dead skin cells gently and effectively. This dual-action formula ensures that your skin is exfoliated without being overly harsh or irritating. The result is a brighter, more radiant complexion that feels smoother to the touch. Regular use of this mask can help maintain the skin’s clarity and prevent the recurrence of KP bumps.
USD $35.00 (Shop Now)
Glow Hub The Glow Giver AHA Toning Pads
Glow Hub’s AHA Toning Pads are an easy and convenient way to incorporate chemical exfoliation into your routine. These pads are soaked in a blend of AHAs that help to gently exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of bumps. They are perfect for on-the-go use and can be incorporated into your morning or evening skincare routine.
These toning pads are particularly beneficial for those with busy lifestyles. Each pad is pre-soaked with the perfect amount of product, ensuring consistent application every time. Simply swipe a pad over your skin after cleansing to enjoy the exfoliating benefits of AHAs without the mess or hassle. The result is smoother, clearer skin with a more even texture. These pads are also great for travel, allowing you to maintain your skincare routine wherever you go.
USD $30.00 (Shop Now)
Frank Body Smoothing AHA Body Lotion
This body lotion from Frank Body combines the moisturizing properties of a traditional lotion with the exfoliating power of AHAs. It’s designed specifically for rough, bumpy skin and helps to smooth and hydrate the skin simultaneously. With regular use, this lotion can significantly improve the texture of your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
The formulation of this lotion is what makes it a standout product for managing KP. It contains a blend of AHAs that work to exfoliate the skin gently, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Simultaneously, the moisturizing ingredients in the lotion hydrate and nourish the skin, helping to maintain its softness and smoothness. This dual-action approach ensures that your skin is treated effectively, resulting in a noticeable improvement in texture and appearance.
USD $18.50 (Shop Now)
Glow Hub Go Deep AHA Body Scrub
For those who prefer a physical exfoliator, Glow Hub’s AHA Body Scrub is an excellent choice. This scrub contains AHAs to help dissolve dead skin cells while the physical exfoliants work to slough them away. It’s gentle enough for regular use and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and smooth. Remember to moisturize immediately after using this scrub to lock in hydration.
This scrub offers a perfect balance between physical and chemical exfoliation. The AHAs in the formula work to dissolve dead skin cells, while the physical exfoliants gently buff them away, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed. The scrub also contains hydrating ingredients to ensure that your skin remains moisturized and soft after exfoliation. Regular use of this scrub can help maintain the smooth texture of your skin and prevent the buildup of keratin that causes KP bumps.
USD $45.00 (Shop Now)
First Aid Beauty Supersize Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA
These ingrown hair pads from First Aid Beauty are a lifesaver for those struggling with KP. They contain a blend of BHAs and AHAs that help to exfoliate the skin, prevent ingrown hairs, and reduce the appearance of bumps. They are also infused with soothing ingredients to minimize irritation and redness. These pads are easy to use and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine.
The blend of BHAs and AHAs in these pads provides a comprehensive exfoliating treatment for your skin. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess oil and unclog them, while AHAs work on the surface to dissolve dead skin cells. This combination ensures that your skin is thoroughly exfoliated, reducing the appearance of KP bumps and preventing ingrown hairs. The soothing ingredients in the pads help to minimize any irritation or redness, making them suitable for daily use.
USD $45.00 (Shop Now)
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream
Infused with a powerful blend of fruit AHAs and Vitamin C, Bom Dia Bright Body Cream works to gently exfoliate and even out skin tone, revealing a more luminous and youthful appearance. The cream’s rich, creamy texture melts into the skin, providing deep hydration while leaving a velvety, non-greasy finish. The infusion of Amazonian cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, and coconut oil further enhances the moisturizing properties, ensuring your skin feels soft, supple, and nourished.
The Bom Dia Bright Body Cream also features the signature Cheirosa ’40 fragrance, a captivating blend of black amber plum, vanilla woods, and jasmine blooms, which envelops your senses in a warm, exotic scent that lingers throughout the day.
Perfect for all skin types, this body cream not only improves the texture and tone of your skin but also delivers an indulgent sensory experience. Whether you’re looking to boost your skin’s radiance, smooth out imperfections, or simply pamper yourself with a luxurious treatment, Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream is your go-to solution for achieving irresistibly glowing and beautifully scented skin.
USD $38.00 (Shop Now)
BlissPro Liquid Exfoliant
BlissPro’s liquid exfoliant is a powerful treatment for KP, combining AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. This exfoliant is designed to be used after cleansing and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. With regular use, it helps to reduce the appearance of bumps and improve the overall texture of your skin.
This liquid exfoliant offers a comprehensive exfoliating treatment for your skin. The blend of AHAs and BHAs ensures that dead skin cells are effectively removed, unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of KP bumps. The exfoliant is easy to use and can be applied after cleansing to provide an additional layer of exfoliation. Regular use of this exfoliant can help to maintain the clarity and smoothness of your skin, preventing the recurrence of KP bumps.
USD $40.50 (Shop Now)
Alya Skin Pore Perfecting Elixir
Alya Skin’s Pore Perfecting Elixir is a lightweight serum that combines AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. This elixir is perfect for those with KP, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, resulting in smoother, clearer skin. Use it after cleansing and before moisturizing for best results.
This elixir offers a lightweight, yet effective, exfoliating treatment for your skin. The blend of AHAs and BHAs ensures that dead skin cells are removed, unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of KP bumps. The elixir also contains hydrating ingredients to ensure that your skin remains moisturized and soft. Regular use of this elixir can help to maintain the clarity and smoothness of your skin, preventing the recurrence of KP bumps.
USD $24.00 (Shop Now)
BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturizer
The unique formula of BeamCream targets rough patches and uneven texture, working diligently to promote a more refined and radiant complexion. Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural extracts, it helps to nourish and rejuvenate the skin, enhancing its natural glow and resilience. This advanced moisturizer also contains gentle exfoliating agents that aid in removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft and refreshed.
With regular use, BeamCream not only soothes and softens but also helps to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. It’s perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, ensuring a gentle yet effective treatment. Whether you’re looking to combat dryness, smooth out rough areas, or simply indulge in a pampering skincare ritual, BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturizer is the ultimate choice for achieving and maintaining beautifully radiant skin.
USD $32.00 (Shop Now)
Body Breakout Kit
This is a comprehensive solution for cleansing and clarifying skin on the chest, back, and shoulders. This powerful duo includes:
- A.H.A Botanical Body Soap: This best-selling body wash combines the cleansing power of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) with botanical extracts like Grapefruit, Ginseng, and Linden. It effectively cleanses and mildly exfoliates the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and impurities. The rejuvenating blend leaves your skin feeling fresh, revitalized, and ready to tackle the day.
- Special Cleansing Lotion “O”: Designed specifically for problem areas on the back, chest, and shoulders, this astringent lotion is infused with clarifying ingredients such as Camphor. It works deeply to cleanse troubled skin, eliminating pore-clogging impurities and excess oil. Regular use of Special Cleansing Lotion “O” helps reveal clearer, healthier-looking skin by reducing the appearance of breakouts and promoting a smoother complexion.
This Body Breakout Kit from Mario Badescu offers a targeted approach to skincare, addressing blemishes and congestion on the body with effective, dermatologist-tested formulations. Ideal for those looking to achieve clearer and more balanced skin, this duo provides a refreshing and purifying experience that enhances overall skin health and appearance.
USD $32.00 (Shop Now)
Additional Tips for Managing KP
In addition to using the right products, some several other tips and tricks can help manage KP and keep your skin looking its best.
Hydration is Key: Keeping your skin well-hydrated is essential for managing KP. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, making KP worse. Opt for lukewarm showers instead and limit your shower time to avoid drying out your skin.
Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help keep your skin hydrated, especially during the winter months when the air tends to be drier.
Protect Your Skin: Sun exposure can help improve KP, but it’s essential to protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent damage. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to managing KP. Stick to a regular skincare routine and be patient—results may take time, but with consistent use of the right products, you can see an improvement in the texture and appearance of your skin.
Keratosis pilaris may be a common and often frustrating skin condition, but with the right products and a consistent skincare routine, you can manage the symptoms and achieve smoother, softer skin. From chemical exfoliants to moisturizing lotions, there are plenty of innovative products on the market that can help to reduce the appearance of bumps and improve the texture of your skin. Whether you prefer a gentle scrub or a powerful exfoliating treatment, incorporating these products into your routine can make a significant difference. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid hot showers, and protect your skin with sunscreen to keep your skin looking its best. With the right approach, you can enjoy smoother, healthier skin all year round.
