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Throughout my career as a pharmacist, and now with BeyondKP, it has always been my passion to help & support people with frustrating & persistent skin conditions.
This is something very personal to me - my own skin health journey has been marked by lifelong struggles with eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, and intense dry skin. I know all too well the embarassment and frustration these conditions can cause.
My goal is to address the common myths, stigmas and misconceptions about KP and provide effective guidance on treatment and management strategies - so that those who are impacted by KP can feel more comfortable and confident in their skin.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent way too much time trying to find the right routine to smooth those stubborn KP bumps. I know how frustrating it is—you exfoliate, you moisturise, yet the bumps still seem to stick around.
I get it. That’s exactly why I put together this guide—to help you understand which exfoliants actually work for KP, how to use them effectively, and how to get smoother skin without overdoing it.
Let’s break it down.
Why Exfoliation Matters for KP
KP happens when keratin (a protein in the skin) builds up inside the hair follicle, blocking it and creating tiny, rough bumps. Exfoliation helps by removing dead skin cells and loosening keratin plugs, but not all exfoliants work the same way.
The mistake most people make? Focusing too much on exfoliation while neglecting skin barrier support. Many assume that scrubbing harder or using stronger acids will smooth out KP faster. But KP-prone skin often lacks sufficient lipids (the fats that help maintain a healthy skin barrier), making it more prone to dryness and irritation. If you exfoliate aggressively —whether with scrubs, acids, or exfoliating gloves— you’re stripping away these protective lipids, leading to redness, tightness, and more bumps instead of less.
The key to it all? Balance exfoliation with hydration and skin barrier repair—so you get smoother skin without irritation.
Which Exfoliant Works Best for KP?
Best for Dry & Sensitive Skin: Lactic Acid
It’s a gentle AHA that loosens dead skin cells while hydrating—making it perfect for KP-prone skin that needs both exfoliation and moisture.
Best for Stubborn, Rough KP: Glycolic Acid
A stronger AHA that penetrates deeper and speeds up cell turnover. Since it’s more intense than lactic acid, pairing it with hydrating ingredients helps minimise irritation.
Best for Clearing Blocked Follicles: Salicylic Acid
If your KP is red, inflamed, or looks like tiny breakouts, salicylic acid (BHA) is your best bet. Unlike AHAs, which work on the skin’s surface, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates deep into the follicle to help clear keratin buildup at the root.
👉 If your KP isn’t budging, BeyondKP Triple Action Smoothing Cream is designed to tackle both surface roughness and deeper keratin buildup. With lactic acid, salicylic acid, and urea, it exfoliates while keeping your skin hydrated—so you don’t have to worry about irritation.
Should You Use a Scrub?
Body scrubs can smooth rough patches, but they won’t clear keratin buildup inside the follicle—so they work best paired with chemical exfoliants. If you use a scrub, make sure it’s:
✔️ Gentle – Avoid large, harsh particles that can scratch and irritate.
✔️ Used 2-3 times a week – Over-scrubbing can weaken your skin barrier.
✔️ Always follow with moisturiser – To prevent dryness and irritation.
👉 Looking for a scrub that won’t leave your skin feeling tight or irritated? BeyondKP Renew Body Scrub gently buffs away dead skin while nourishing and supporting your skin barrier, making it the perfect first step before applying chemical exfoliants.
Should You Moisturise After Exfoliating?
Absolutely—every single time! Exfoliation removes dead skin, but moisturising keeps your skin barrier strong and prevents irritation. Without hydration, KP can feel even rougher.
For the best results, choose a moisturiser that contains:
✔️ Urea – A humectant that draws moisture into the skin while gently softening rough patches. It also softens keratin bumps, a win-win for KP.
✔️ Lactic acid – Hydrates and mildly exfoliates, helping to smooth out KP bumps over time.
✔️ Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, keeping skin calm and resilient.
👉 BeyondKP Triple Action Smoothing Cream isn’t just a moisturiser—with added urea and niacinamide, it’s a complete exfoliating and hydrating treatment that gently smooths and softens KP in one step.
The Best Routine for KP-Prone Skin
If you want smoother skin and fewer KP bumps, here’s the best way to exfoliate:
1️⃣ Use a gentle body scrub 2-3 times a week to buff away surface roughness.
2️⃣ Apply a chemical exfoliant (lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid) to loosen keratin buildup inside follicles.
3️⃣ Follow up with a hydrating urea based moisturiser to soothe and protect the skin barrier.
By combining chemical and physical exfoliation with proper hydration, you’ll get the best results without irritating your skin.
👉 Want a routine that works? Our KP Smooth Skin Duo (Renew Body Scrub + Triple Action Smoothing Cream) work together to exfoliate, hydrate, and restore your skin barrier, keeping KP-prone skin smooth and comfortable.
Oh No… I Over-Exfoliated My Skin! What Now?
If your skin feels tight, burning, stinging, or looks red, you may have over-exfoliated. It happens to the best of us! The good news? Your skin can heal, but it needs time and the right care.
Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, so now is the time to pause exfoliation, focus on hydration, and strengthen your skin barrier.
How to Soothe Over-Exfoliated Skin:
✔️ Stop exfoliating immediately – Give your skin a break from scrubs, acids, and exfoliating gloves.
✔️ Switch to a barrier repair cream – Use a fragrance-free, lipid-rich repair cream to soothe your skin barrier. Look for lipids like jojoba, squalane and ceramides to restore lost moisture.
✔ ️ Avoid actives like AHAs/ BHAs/ Retinoids/ Vitamin C - Stick to gentle cleansers and rich moisturisers until your skin feels normal again.
👉 Over-exfoliated and need relief? BeyondKP Skin Barrier Rescue Cream is formulated with jojoba esters, squalane, and colloidal oatmeal to to soothe irritation, restore moisture, and support your skin barrier as it heals.
Final Thoughts
Exfoliation is a key step in managing KP, but finding the right balance is everything.
✔️ Too little, and you won’t clear keratin buildup.
✔️ Too much, and you risk redness, irritation, and dryness.
👉 The best approach? Use the right exfoliants, hydrate your skin, and listen to what your skin needs. With the right routine, you’ll be on your way to smoother, healthier skin.
💡 Not sure where to start? BeyondKP takes the guesswork out of KP care with science-backed formulations designed for sensitive, bumpy skin. Whether you need a gentle scrub, an exfoliating treatment, or a barrier-repairing moisturiser, our products work together to support your skin at every step.
If you're on your own KP journey, know that progress is possible! 💙
