I have struggled with keratosis pilaris since my youth, and today, I wanted to share the one product that has actually worked for me.
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always had bumps on the backs of my arms and all over my thighs, and I was always a little self conscious about them. When I saw the dermatologist, he diagnosed them as keratosis pilaris and insisted the condition would improve with age. This was the case for the bumps on my arms, but the bumps on my thighs have remained well in my 30’s.
What is Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that presents as tiny bumps on the skin usually on the arms and thighs. The bumps are actually accumulations of dead skin cells that clog the pores. Sounds lovely, huh. Some people even like to refer to this as ‘chicken skin’. Great, thanks.
Experts say the condition usually clears by your 20s, but that was not the case for me (although I still held on to that hope for awhile!) When I reached my 30s, and the skin did not improve at all on my thighs, I started to try a few different treatments.
The One Product That Actually Worked To Improve My Keratosis Pilaris
I had actually tried this product in my teens and 20s without much success, and I’ll tell you more about that later. This AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion has worked wonders on my keratosis pilaris. The alpha hydroxy acid in this lotion works to remove the dead skin cells thereby diminishing the appearance of bumps on the skin.
It does take time for this product to start working. I would say I used it for about 2 months before I starting seeing real improvement. My keratosis pilaris has improved so much. It’s not completely cleared (I honestly don’t think that is a realistic goal), but about 80% of it is gone.
How To Use This Product
This is the important part! The reason this lotion did not work for me when I first tried it in my teens and 20’s is because I was not consistent. You need to apply this lotion twice per day every single day. If you forget for a few days, the bumps will likely return.
Last year, I had been using this product consistently everyday, but I forgot to bring it on vacation with me for a week, and the bumps returned. Once I started using it again, the bumps went away again, but it took time.
Is This A Clean Skincare Product?
According to the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database this product is rated a 2 which is considered a low hazard. I would consider this a clean product.
Where Can You Buy This Lotion?
I usually buy AmLactin from Costco. They sell it in larger bottles which I like since I’m using it twice per day. Target also carries it, but only in a smaller size, and it is more expensive per ounce.
Walmart also carries both the larger and smaller sizes. You can also purchase it on Amazon.
If you’d like more information about keratosis pilaris, check out the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s overview here.
I feel like this is one skincare product that has been life-changing for me. I’ve struggled with this skin condition for so many years and resorted to great lengths to improve it (even using tanning beds. So silly, Ashley!). I just wanted to pass on this information if this skin condition is something you struggle with, too. I know that confidence is found within, but I do feel a little less self conscious wearing shorts and skirts now. Let me know if you try it!