Tired of Bumpy Skin? Here’s How Salicylic Acid Can Help with Keratosis Pilaris

Is Salicylic Acid Good for Keratosis Pilaris?

Have you ever found the skin around your arms, cheeks, or thighs often have a bumpy texture? Ever wondered what it was, and why you are suffering from it? Chances are its keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, and it’s a common concern for many of us. With that in mind, we have taken it upon ourselves to find out more about this genetic condition and figuring out whether salicylic acid is good for keratosis pilaris.

Before we dive in, if you wanted to find out more about salicylic acid, check out our blog post. For those who only need a quick reminder, here are examples of what salicylic acid can do for the skin.

What is salicylic acid and how does it benefit the skin?

Salicylic acid is a popular blemish fighting ingredient that belongs to the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) family. It can provide a number of benefits, especially for those who are prone to frequent breakouts.

Salicylic acid is oil soluble meaning it can penetrate further down into the skin than other acids, such as the popular AHA, glycolic acid. It can clear the pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities.

Salicylic acid can slough away the build-up of dead skin cells that can sit on the surface of the skin and form spots, and blackheads as well as making the complexion look dull and lack lustre.

Salicylic acid removes the barrier of impurities that sit on the skin surface enabling other skincare formulas to absorb rapidly.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that appears on the skin when there is a build-up of keratin, which is hard protein that is harmless, but can be unsightly. This results in the pores becoming clogged and results in rough patches of skin, with small bumps under the skin. The texture and look of the skin will resemble what many suffers call chicken skin and will often flare-up throughout the year, particularly in the winter months.

There is no real treatment or understanding of how and why people suffer from keratosis pilaris, but there are some skincare ingredients used to help reduce the severity of any flare-ups.

Which acid is best for keratosis pilaris?

There are a variety of acids available to help combat keratosis pilaris, the most used are members of the AHA and BHA family as they provide chemical exfoliation. These acids are found in such products as toners, face cleansers, and serums, all of which are found in over-the-counter formulas. If you are wanting something to pack more of a punch, consult with a trained professional for effective treatments or medical grade products to introduce into your everyday routine.

The best acids to use on keratosis pilaris are,

Lactic Acid

Known as being the gentlest of the AHAs, this is because its molecular size is too large to penetrate too far and cause irritation. It also contains humectant traits that enable the acid to exfoliate whilst locking moisture into the skin barrier. This not only revives the luminosity of the complexion but also strengthens the skin ensuring it is able to protect itself from exposure to free radicals, such as UV light, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.

Salicylic Acid

Used by many who have an oily skin type and who are prone to breakouts, salicylic acid is more potent than lactic acid. This is a result of it being oil-soluble meaning it can reach further down than lactic acid and clear the pores of bacteria, debris, and gunk clogging the pores. For those with a sensitive skin type, I would suggest avoiding salicylic acid as it’s too potent and will result in irritation.

Glycolic Acid

Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is one of the most popular AHAs and sits in the middle of lactic acid and salicylic acid regarding how potent it is on the skin. Its molecular size is smaller than lactic acid, but not as small as salicylic acid, this results in it being an effective ingredient to use if you have a normal skin type. You will also find you can use glycolic acid twice a day, especially if it’s formulated into skincare products that are rinsed off the skin.

Is glycolic acid or salicylic acid better for keratosis pilaris?

Both acids are effective at clearing the skin of keratosis pilaris. It really boils down to how your skin reacts to the acids which will determine your choice. As I have mentioned already, salicylic acid is a lot more potent than glycolic acid and can cause irritation. This is the main concern regarding using these actives on the face and not body. The skin on our body is slightly more robust so to establish which acid to use, it’s best to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it all over the skin. Do this by applying a 10p size amount of product on the inside of your forearm and leave the product there for 24 hours, if there’s no sign of irritation, you are good to go. Don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor or dermatologist if you have any concerns.

What gets rid of keratosis pilaris?

There are a few ways of treating keratosis pilaris at home, here are some examples of proven ways to treat KP easily and effectively.

Start off by gently exfoliating the skin whilst bathing. By this I mean using a loofah, or flannel to loosen the bounds of the dead skin cells making them easier to slough away with the following steps of this routine.

Follow your gentle exfoliation by applying a chemical exfoliator that can be applied directly to the skin after bathing. The best exfoliants to use are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. You will also find that any body lotions containing urea will also work at removing the build-up of dead skin cells.

Finally, finish this off with a moisturiser packed with hyaluronic acid, or other hydrating ingredients to keep the skin nourished. You should opt for formulas that are oil-free to prevent the hair follicles from becoming blocked again.

That is an example of the easiest way of maintaining your skin, as for curing keratosis pilaris, there is sadly not known treatment that will rid you of the condition completely. But this routine will help you keep on top of any flare-ups.

What should I avoid with keratosis pilaris?

There is a lot of information surrounding ways of reducing the build-up of keratin in the skin by changing your diet. Those who eliminated gluten from their daily diet have found a significant reduction in how badly they suffer from flare-ups in KP. Others also suggest avoiding spices, oils, and lactose has also improved their concerns. This however does lack scientific backing so if this is something you wanted to pursue, I suggest consulting with your doctor.

How long does it take to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

The average time it takes for keratosis pilaris to clear fully is 4 to 6 weeks. This is after consistent use of the best product formulation and can often take some time to find the right skincare product in the first place.

If you are wanting to rid the skin of keratosis pilaris, you need to maintain your routine to ensure you keep any flare-ups to a bare minimum.

There you have a little more information about whether salicylic acid is good for treating keratosis pilaris. With any luck, I hope I have cleared up some confusion surrounding this skin concern, but if you have any further questions, come, and follow us on Instagram!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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