Keratosis Pilaris
Ever notice patches of small bumps on the backs of your arms or on your upper thighs? These could be a harmless skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin).
These small bumps can be flesh tone, pinkish-red or black on dark skin and may look and feel like pimples or goose-bumps.
Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of dead skin cell, which clog your pores, also called hair follicles. When dead skin cells clog many hair follicles, you feel the rough, dry patches of Keratosis Pilaris. These patches are usually found on backs of arms, upper thighs, buttocks and cheeks.
While Keratosis Pilaris is mostly prominent in the winter, if untreated the tiny bumps may persist year-round. Although Keratosis Pilaris is harmless there is a way to improve and minimize the bumpy appearance.
Exfoliate gently: When you exfoliate your skin, you remove the dead skin cells from the surface. You can slough off these dead cells gently with a loofah, Eco Tan Exfoliating Mitt or a buff puff. Be careful not to scrub your skin excessively, this tends to irritate the skin and worsen Keratosis Pilaris.
Apply moisturizer:
- After every shower or bath
- Within 5 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, while your skin is still damp
- At least 2 or 3 times a day, gently massaging cream into the skin with keratosis pilaris
Often moisturizing creams used to treat Keratosis Pilaris contain one of the following key ingredients: Urea or Lactic acid, these can help soothe the dry skin and act as an mild exfoliant.
Follow a habit of gentle exfoliating and moisturizing regularly, your skin soon will feel silky smooth.
Tip: Choose a oil-free moisturizer that will not clog your pores.
###