FAQs

Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which one develops rough bumps on the upper outer arms, although it may also appear on the fronts of thighs and buttocks. It is often referred to as ‘chicken skin’. It is often hereditary and more common in people with a personal or family history of eczema or allergies. Although it can be present year round, it tends to flare more in cold, dry winter months. Lubricating moisturizers, such as Curel®Extreme Care moisturizer, can be very helpful, especially if applied right after bathing, when the skin is still moist. Occasionally, a prescription lotion containing lactic acid or urea can be used, which can help loosen some of the cells that are clogging the hair follicles (leading to the bumpy appearance).

The first line of defense against breakouts of eczema is good skin care. Eczema is more likely to flare when the skin’s barrier has become disrupted becoming dry and cracked. Take short baths or showers that are not too hot, use a mild cleanser, and immediately after, pat dry (don’t rub, which will remove moisture). While the skin is still damp to the touch, apply a rich emollient moisturizer, such as Curel® Itch Defense lotion, to seal in the moisture. Restoring the barrier can help prevent eczema flares. Moisturize at least twice a day, morning and night, to keep the skin lubricated. Getting a humidifier for your bedroom, especially overnight, can also help.

There are many different kinds of alcohol. Curel® lotions do not contain ethanol or isopropanol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) which can cause dry skin. The alcohol used in Curel® lotions, Cetearyl Alcohol, is based on large molecules and is actually helpful in protecting the skin from becoming dry.

It is best to pat dry, not rub, after bathing, and then, while the skin still feels damp to the touch, to immediately apply moisturizer. This will seal in the moisture, which is the best way to hydrate the skin. It is best to use rich emollients, such as Curel® therapeutic moisturizers, to improve the skin’s lipid rich barrier and make it feel smoother and more supple.

Both psoriasis and eczema are inherited inflammatory conditions that can present with rashes. Both tend to flare with changes of temperature and climate, and with stress. Eczema usually first appears in childhood, and consists of inflamed, red patches that are very itchy. The rash usually appears on the insides of the arms, behind the knees and on the neck (‘flexor’ surfaces). Those with eczema often also have a personal or family history of allergies, asthma or hay fever. Psoriasis can appear at any age, but usually in adulthood, and presents with thick red, scaly patches on the knees, outside the elbows (‘extensor’ surfaces), and buttocks, and is usually not itchy. Using moisturizers can help decrease flares of both conditions, which tend to worsen when the skin is dry.

Skin can become more sensitive with age. The lipid barrier can become disrupted as one gets older, leading to dryness and cracking and therefore permit easier penetration of potentially irritating substances. Chronic exposure to the sun can thin the skin, making it more sensitive and even more likely to bruise after trauma. In women, hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen after menopause, can also thin the skin and increase dryness, itching and irritation.

Estrogen helps keep the skin smooth, plump, soft and lubricated. After menopause, with lower estrogen levels, the skin tends to become more dry and sensitive. The drier it becomes, the itchier it is, and then scratching leads to further disruption of the barrier and dryness, leading to an ‘itch - scratch cycle’. It is therefore important to moisturize regularly, especially after bathing.

Air conditioning, as well as heat, can cause dryness of the skin. They both cause the air to be less humid and more dry, so moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin, making it feel more dry, tight, and more likely to itch. It is therefore important to use emollient moisturizers, especially after bathing, year round to help keep the skin lubricated. Moisturizers will help restore the epidermal lipid barrier, therefore sealing in moisture and making the skin less likely to become dehydrated, peel and crack.

When it is cold and dry outside (and accompanied by heat inside), the skin loses some of its natural moisture, which is basically evaporating into the dry air. The lipids, or fats, make up the so-called "barrier" of the epidermis, or outer skin layer; they are also decreased, which allows even more water to escape from the skin, followed by more cracking. This leads to more inflammation, as potential irritants are more likely to penetrate the skin. The function of moisturizers is to restore that barrier and seal in moisture, preventing further water loss. This also protects against irritation and possible infection. Before you go outside in the cold, dry air, apply moisturizer and allow it to absorb before putting on gloves to further protect the hands.

Curel® Extreme Carel® lotion has been specially formulated to restore and prevent extra dry skin. It contains more moisturizing ingredients than many competitive advanced lotions and it combines cationic technology with an unusually high level of glycerin. This unique combination has been clinically proven to moisturize extra dry skin better and to provide two times more moisture than the leading advanced lotion.

Daily Moisture Fragrance Free lotion is hypoallergenic and is ideal for sensitive skin.

Curel® Extreme Care® lotion and Itch Defense lotion are dermatologist tested and pediatrician tested. They are appropriate for sensitive skin and for children ages six months and up, who have dry, itchy, or easily irritated skin.

The Curel® skincare experts do not specifically test their products for face usage. Curel® lotions are non-comedogenic.