As we all know theres not too much research about kp and new treatments but theres things we can use from general skin investigation or another conditions like eczema, acne or rosacea and ill post that i found in some threads.
Ive read comments here about not using products that are too moisturizing cause makes kp worst and so does for acne but whats behind this?
According to that i researched reading, theres ingredients used as emollients (for the product to spread well and makes the skin feel smooth and lubricated) or thickeners (to make a heavy consistance). This products have comedogenic ability (clog pores) which means could block the pores depending on our skin response and concentration in the forumla. So would be better to avoid for kp cause we are fighting against our own clogs (keratin).
These are some of the ingredients:
isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, butyl stearate, isostearyl neopentanoate, myristyl myristate, decyl oleate, octyl stearate, octyl palmitate or isocetyl stearate
And this is applied to cleansers also.
And the recommendation about using non soap body washes is related with this, soaps can leave residues that irritates and clog pores.

Leah,

Other ingredients to look for and avoid are lauryl sulfates and parabens.

Lauryl sulfate is very common in body and hair products that it can prove challenging to find products that don't contain it. It strips the skin and hair of natural oils, increasing dryness.

Here is an excerpt from Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

"This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. - It is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. In the cleaning industry SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces."

Paraben is a preservative. It has been found in breast tumor tissue.

kebod

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My treatment: Oil pulling daily; candida diet (minimum of carbs, no sugars); omega-3 from canned salmon and sardines; sun exposure 10-15 minutes, 3 days a week, without sunblock; program to strengthen immune system; probiotic supplements; lots of water; moderate daily exercise; exfoliation with epsom salts and sugar several times a week. KP reduced 99%. If I go "off diet" -- grains, sugars, etc. -- or stop oil pulling, KP returns.

But in that study where parabens were found in breast tumors tissue they didnt analyse if normal tissue also had it. Besides parabens are in food also so if there have to be concerns should be more in what we eat instead of cosmetics.
Is not demostrated that parabens can reach the bloodstream, few chemicals have enough small molecules to do so.

Yes, I have read that the use of parabens is controversial. However, it is a fact that the FDA does not oversee the cosmetic industry -- the cosmetic companies oversee themselves, which is not very encouraging, considering that the bottom line for most of those companies is profit.

Parabens are used as a food preservate, but there have been too many studies where the FDA reverses itself or falls down on the job when it comes to food safety.

The US Environmental Protection Agency made this statement:

"The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" reported that the chemical preservatives called parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)—displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. These disruptors interfere with your body´s endocrine system: your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid—virtually every system in your body. The EPA also stated that "continual introduction of these benzoates (parabens) into sewage treatment systems and directly to recreational waters from the skin leads to the question of risk to aquatic organisms." Scientists in Europe found other endocrine-disrupting body care chemicals in the bodies of fish that humans are eating, and in human breast milk."
The Truth About Parabens

Just this week, there have been news reports about male marine animals being able to produce eggs or having deformed sex organs due to endocrine disruptors making their way to waterways via sewage and water treatment plants.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/op...28kristof.html

Until it is proven that parabens are safe, I'm not going to give it the benefit of the doubt when it is completely possible to avoid it.

kebod

__________________
My treatment: Oil pulling daily; candida diet (minimum of carbs, no sugars); omega-3 from canned salmon and sardines; sun exposure 10-15 minutes, 3 days a week, without sunblock; program to strengthen immune system; probiotic supplements; lots of water; moderate daily exercise; exfoliation with epsom salts and sugar several times a week. KP reduced 99%. If I go "off diet" -- grains, sugars, etc. -- or stop oil pulling, KP returns.

Seriously, you should use Arbonne products because they do not contain harsh chemical cleansers. The moisturizers they make have been the ONLY thing that has minimized my KP.

I havent tried Arbonne products, i think are too expensive and couldnt find the ingredients lists not even of one product.

Can you post here a complete ingredients list of these products you are recommending???