How to Reduce Keratin in Skin
Visit your doctor for a prescription., Move up to emollient-based steroid creams., Ask about photodynamic therapy (PDT)., Talk about a vitamin A supplement., Take baths and showers in lukewarm water., Pick the right kind of soap., Attempt gentle...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Visit your doctor for a prescription.
If you feel like your keratosis pilaris is an issue, you can talk to your doctor about treatment.
You can discuss your options to see what works best for you.Your doctor may prescribe an acid lotion, either lactic acid lotion (such as AmLactin or Lac-Hydrin), salicylic acid lotion (such as Salex lotion), retinoic acid products (such as Retin-A or Differin), urea cream (such as Carmol 10, 20, or 40), or alpha hydroxy acid lotion (such as Glytone).These acids help dissolve the hard, scaly outer layer of your skin, reducing the appearance of keratosis pilaris.Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream (such as triamcinolone
0.1%), which can reduce redness. -
Step 2: Move up to emollient-based steroid creams.
If other treatments do not work, your doctor may try an emollient-based steroid creams.
Some creams in this class are Cloderm and Locoid Lipocream.
You can only use these creams for about a week., Basically, this treatment uses light and photosensitizer that you apply to your skin to work on the condition; however, using it for keratosis pilaris is an off-label use, so it may not be covered by your insurance.Remember you can't actually cure this condition — you can only make it better., Though lack of vitamin A does not necessarily cause keratosis pilaris, it can cause you to exhibit similar symptoms.Ask your doctor for a blood test and about whether a vitamin A supplement can help., Do not use hot water when bathing or showering, as hot water dries out the skin and causes this particular skin condition to worsen.
In addition, limit how long you are in the shower, as showering strips your body of its natural oils., The best soaps are mild ones that have added oils.
Look for "added moisturizers" or "moisturizing" on the package.
Skip ones that have antibacterial properties or that have added scents or alcohol.In fact, it may be best to skip soap altogether and go for cleansers instead., You don't want to scrub your skin raw.
However, using a light exfoliant can help.
An exfoliant just sloughs off the top layer of dead skin.
You can try a loofah or washcloth with your soap; reserve pumice stones for really rough areas, such as your feet., Every time you hop in the shower, make sure you use a moisturizer when you get out.
The same holds for when you wash your hands.
When you get your body wet, you need to be applying a moisturizer.
Washing skin can remove natural oils, and applying a moisturizer immediately can help trap the water near your skin, providing moisture.Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still damp, just after showering.
If you're having trouble with dry skin, pick a moisturizer that includes an oil or fat to help moisturize your skin., In addition to applying moisturizer after you shower, you should also apply it throughout day.
Try applying it both when you get up and when you go to bed., Natural fabrics are better for your skin because they allow air in.
The exception to the rule is wool, which can be itchy.
Stick to cotton or silk., When picking out your detergent, look for ones that are free of dyes.
Dyes can irritate your skin.
Similarly, it's good to pick one that's scent-free for the same reason., A humidifier can help moisturize your skin, especially if you live in a dry climate.
The ideal humidity for your home is between 30 and 50 percent.
If your home falls below that range, you should be using a humidifier to help your dry skin.If you need to test the humidity, you can find hygrometers at your local hardware store.
They look and work basically like a thermometer.
Some humidifiers come with a hygrometer attached., It's important to keep your humidifier clean because otherwise it can breed bacteria and fungus, making you sick.
One step you can take to help keep it clean is to use distilled water, as it doesn't contain minerals that can encourage bacteria to grow.Change out the water everyday if possible.
To change out the water, unplug the unit.
Pour out the water.
Dry it out, and then refill with clean water.Clean it out completely every three days.
Unplug the unit.
Make sure the unit doesn't have mineral deposits by using hydrogen peroxide on it (3 percent).
Rinse it out afterwards., Humidifiers can build up bacteria over time.
If you have an old one around the house, consider replacing it., The point is to help your skin, and it can't do that if it's in a room you're not in much.
A good choice is your living room or bedroom.
If you can, consider having one in each room. -
Step 3: Ask about photodynamic therapy (PDT).
-
Step 4: Talk about a vitamin A supplement.
-
Step 5: Take baths and showers in lukewarm water.
-
Step 6: Pick the right kind of soap.
-
Step 7: Attempt gentle exfoliation.
-
Step 8: Use a moisturizer after showers.
-
Step 9: Use moisturizers at least three times a day.
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Step 10: Pick natural fabrics.
-
Step 11: Try natural detergents.
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Step 12: Try a humidifier.
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Step 13: Keep your humidifier clean.
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Step 14: Don't keep a humidifier forever.
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Step 15: Set-up the humidifier in the room you spend most of your time.
Detailed Guide
If you feel like your keratosis pilaris is an issue, you can talk to your doctor about treatment.
You can discuss your options to see what works best for you.Your doctor may prescribe an acid lotion, either lactic acid lotion (such as AmLactin or Lac-Hydrin), salicylic acid lotion (such as Salex lotion), retinoic acid products (such as Retin-A or Differin), urea cream (such as Carmol 10, 20, or 40), or alpha hydroxy acid lotion (such as Glytone).These acids help dissolve the hard, scaly outer layer of your skin, reducing the appearance of keratosis pilaris.Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream (such as triamcinolone
0.1%), which can reduce redness.
If other treatments do not work, your doctor may try an emollient-based steroid creams.
Some creams in this class are Cloderm and Locoid Lipocream.
You can only use these creams for about a week., Basically, this treatment uses light and photosensitizer that you apply to your skin to work on the condition; however, using it for keratosis pilaris is an off-label use, so it may not be covered by your insurance.Remember you can't actually cure this condition — you can only make it better., Though lack of vitamin A does not necessarily cause keratosis pilaris, it can cause you to exhibit similar symptoms.Ask your doctor for a blood test and about whether a vitamin A supplement can help., Do not use hot water when bathing or showering, as hot water dries out the skin and causes this particular skin condition to worsen.
In addition, limit how long you are in the shower, as showering strips your body of its natural oils., The best soaps are mild ones that have added oils.
Look for "added moisturizers" or "moisturizing" on the package.
Skip ones that have antibacterial properties or that have added scents or alcohol.In fact, it may be best to skip soap altogether and go for cleansers instead., You don't want to scrub your skin raw.
However, using a light exfoliant can help.
An exfoliant just sloughs off the top layer of dead skin.
You can try a loofah or washcloth with your soap; reserve pumice stones for really rough areas, such as your feet., Every time you hop in the shower, make sure you use a moisturizer when you get out.
The same holds for when you wash your hands.
When you get your body wet, you need to be applying a moisturizer.
Washing skin can remove natural oils, and applying a moisturizer immediately can help trap the water near your skin, providing moisture.Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still damp, just after showering.
If you're having trouble with dry skin, pick a moisturizer that includes an oil or fat to help moisturize your skin., In addition to applying moisturizer after you shower, you should also apply it throughout day.
Try applying it both when you get up and when you go to bed., Natural fabrics are better for your skin because they allow air in.
The exception to the rule is wool, which can be itchy.
Stick to cotton or silk., When picking out your detergent, look for ones that are free of dyes.
Dyes can irritate your skin.
Similarly, it's good to pick one that's scent-free for the same reason., A humidifier can help moisturize your skin, especially if you live in a dry climate.
The ideal humidity for your home is between 30 and 50 percent.
If your home falls below that range, you should be using a humidifier to help your dry skin.If you need to test the humidity, you can find hygrometers at your local hardware store.
They look and work basically like a thermometer.
Some humidifiers come with a hygrometer attached., It's important to keep your humidifier clean because otherwise it can breed bacteria and fungus, making you sick.
One step you can take to help keep it clean is to use distilled water, as it doesn't contain minerals that can encourage bacteria to grow.Change out the water everyday if possible.
To change out the water, unplug the unit.
Pour out the water.
Dry it out, and then refill with clean water.Clean it out completely every three days.
Unplug the unit.
Make sure the unit doesn't have mineral deposits by using hydrogen peroxide on it (3 percent).
Rinse it out afterwards., Humidifiers can build up bacteria over time.
If you have an old one around the house, consider replacing it., The point is to help your skin, and it can't do that if it's in a room you're not in much.
A good choice is your living room or bedroom.
If you can, consider having one in each room.
About the Author
Kevin Lopez
Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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