Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes small and often red bumps on the cheeks, arms, or thighs. It’s also known as chicken skin because it resembles the feathers of fried chickens under your fingers. The cause is unknown but scientists have found that keratosis pilaris may be linked to higher levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in the body.
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that can be found on the cheeks, arms and legs. There are many treatments for keratosis pilaris, but not all of them work well. The best treatment for keratosis pilaris is to use “best treatment for keratosis pilaris”.
Dry skin may be a very irritating and sometimes painful skin problem to deal with, whether you have rough patches, flaking, or more serious disorders like eczema. And now that winter is here, you may be noticing that your regular skin care regimen isn’t cutting it.
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes little, rough lumps on the body that aren’t zits. We’ve asked dermatologists to explain precisely what it is, how it is caused, and how it may be treated.
Dr. Anar Mikailov, a Harvard-trained board-certified dermatologist and the originator of KP Away, states that keratosis pilaris is a common skin ailment “marked by small, rough bumps on the surface of the skin.” These pimples, sometimes known as “chicken skin” or “strawberry skin,” may be seen on the upper arms, upper thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.
According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, keratosis pilaris is usually innocuous. “The lumps usually don’t itch or hurt,” she notes, “so the major issue is aesthetic.”
However, as Mikailov demonstrates, there might be more serious situations. The region might become “irritating, itchy, and persistent,” as well as dry or sandpapery. Many individuals will become aware of the problem when they are unable to remove uncomfortable, sometimes painful pimples. Mikailov advises consulting a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and a long-term treatment plan in this scenario.
Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which hair follicles get blocked or clogged, resulting in lumps on the skin. There are, however, differing viewpoints on what causes the obstruction.
iStock
Keratosis pilaris is caused by “a buildup of retained keratin, which is a protein present in your skin, nails, and hair,” according to Engleman. The crucial aspect, according to Mikailov, is our sebaceous glands and their release of sebum, our body’s natural oil that promotes good skin, hair, and nails. “A lack of naturally generated oil, lipids, and acids that ordinarily stimulate healthy hair follicle development and skin renewal results when sebaceous glands are absent or not functioning,” he says. “Follicles eventually get ‘plugged,’ and keratosis pilaris develops.”
According to Dr. Rachel Maiman, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, no matter how the blockage occurs, it results in “evenly spaced out, pink, hard lumps.” She adds that “given its proclivity to run in families,” there’s probably a “heritable component.” Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and the creator of MMSkincare, agrees, calling keratosis pilaris “a hereditary skin disease inherited from one parent and a kind of eczema.”
Keratosis pilaris worsens in many individuals throughout the winter, when the weather is drier. It may also be caused by changes in the environment, such as hard water or cosmetics that irritate your skin, especially those that include strong exfoliating acids or scents, according to Mikailov.
Your age and stage of life are further factors to consider. According to Mikailov, “certain times of life, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause,” might lead to keratosis pilaris. It’s also highly frequent throughout adolescence, he argues, claiming that it affects at least half of all teenagers. “Keratosis pilaris improves with age for some individuals, but it lingers for the majority of people, necessitating a sensible, mild, and safe skin care program.”
“While there is no treatment for keratosis pilaris,” Engelman says, “there are products that may help ease some of the symptoms and prevent it from developing.” She suggests AHA and BHA-based body lotions, which “help to eliminate dead skin cell accumulation without damaging the skin barrier” when combined with moisturizing and calming ingredients.
Maiman advises keratolytic agents, which “help to break down the clumps of dead skin cells” that clog your hair follicles, as she explains. Salicylic acid, urea, ammonium lactate, and glycolic acid are all popular keratolytic agents.
Overall, according to Engelman, the key to long-term keratosis pilaris management is to “keep a healthy skin care regimen that includes washing, thorough exfoliation, and moisturization.”
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub by First Aid Beauty ($30; amazon.com)
This 10% AHA scrub is a mild physical and chemical exfoliation that both Maiman and Engelman recommend. The pumice buffing beads, according to Engelman, act as a physical exfoliator that “targets the symptoms of keratosis pilaris by gently washing away dead skin cells and aiding in the unclogging of clogged hair follicles.” At the same time, “a combination of both glycolic and lactic acids chemically exfoliates the skin,” according to Maiman, while vitamin E conditions and smoothes it.
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream ($48; sephora.com) is a new product from Skinfix.
This body lotion, which “combines a blend of alpha hydroxy acids with salicylic acid” for a formulation that’s great for keratosis pilaris, is one of Maiman’s favorites. Bisabolol, a “soothing ingredient taken from chamomile that relaxes skin,” is also included, according to Maiman.
This daily moisturizer is made with plant-based components including coconut oil, which “mimics the skin’s natural sebum functions,” according to Mikhailov, who also founded the company. It’s made with just the most basic components to decrease the risk of skin irritation from things like aroma. Mikhailov notes, “This moderate method is a far more durable and long-term treatment strategy for keratosis pilaris.”
Bom Dia Bright Body Cream with Vitamin C by Sol de Janeiro ($45; sephora.com)
A profoundly nourishing moisturizer at the conclusion of a skin care regimen is essential for dealing with dry skin disorders like keratosis pilaris, according to Engelman. She describes this body lotion as “excellent for both hydrating the skin and gently exfoliating any dead skin accumulation” since it includes fruit alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.
“This cream is created with ceramides to boost skin barrier functions,” Mikhailov adds, recommending this moisturizer as a good drugstore buy. Humectants are ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help your skin retain moisture. It’s also fragrance-free.
Engelman advises exfoliating with this liquid exfoliator if you have keratosis pilaris on your face. She notes that it has a five-acid combination that has been “clinically proved to smooth, soften, and enhance skin’s texture.”
Body Lotion by Isdin ($39; amazon.com)
“Isdin body lotion is excellent,” Marmur says. She says that the composition mixes urea and other moisturizing substances to gently dissolve the lumps while also hydrating the skin or eczema underneath.
This gel moisturizer serves to “thoroughly hydrate dry, sensitive skin with hyaluronic acid,” according to Engelman, and is another excellent cosmetic solution for keratosis pilaris. She recommends applying after exfoliating.
CeraVe Salicylic Acid Body Wash ($11.99; amazon.com)
Maiman suggests this body wash as a salicylic acid product. She recommends applying it in the shower on afflicted areas to exfoliate and soften your skin. Reviewers praise about this product, with some claiming that after only one application, they saw an improvement in their complexion.
Bump + Smooth CBD Body Serum by Lord Jones ($60; sephora.com)
This body serum, according to Engelman, comprises a four-acid combination that aids in the removal of dead skin cells. Bisabolol, squalane, and ceramides are some of the ingredients that help to soothe and hydrate the skin. If this is your first time using a body serum, the company suggests cleaning and drying your skin first, then massaging the serum over problem areas. After that, you may use a body lotion to finish.
MMSkincare Dry Skin Savior Glycol & Urea Cream ($36; mmskincare.com)
According to firm creator Marmur, this lotion combines urea and glycolic acid, two chemicals that dissolve the dead skin that causes hair follicle obstruction. It’s buttery, balmy, and intended to combat many types of dryness, including eczema and keratosis pilaris, as well as excessively dry hands after hand washing. She recommends using the MMSkincare Rescue Cream right after.
MMSkincare Rescue Face Neck Body Cream ($92; mmskincare.com) is a face, neck, and body cream by MMSkincare.
According to Marmur, this rich, thick cream may be used numerous times a day for relief from dryness. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and squalene, among other moisturizing compounds.
Melach 33 Luxe CBD Body Butter ($74; melach33.com) is a luxurious CBD body butter.
According to Engelman, this body butter is “filled with shea butter, nutritious plant oils, antioxidants, and 1,000 mg of broad-spectrum CBD,” which “thoroughly soothes and hydrates skin.”
Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion by AmLactin ($12.97; amazon.com)
According to Maiman, “AmLactin lotion is a standard in the care of keratosis pilaris for many dermatologists.” Its principal constituent is ammonium lactate, an alpha hydroxy acid with keratolytic characteristics that is a kind of lactic acid. To put it another way? It has all of the elements necessary to clear those clogged hair follicles.
While many individuals might experience changes in their bumps simply moisturizing and moisturising their skin, Mikhailov says that other people may need moderate exfoliation. He explains that this body wash is “formulated with jojoba wax beads that melt into your skin and has a blend of healing plant-based oils such as jojoba oil, squalane, and coconut oil.”
“Using a keratolytic agent like urea may assist people with particularly tough cases,” Mikhailov says. He does, however, advise care. “These high-strength exfoliating lotions may sting and should not be used on the face,” says the author.
Keratosis pilaris, or “chicken skin” is a common condition that affects the skin. It’s usually caused by genetics and can be treated with keratosis pilaris lotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a condition that appears as bumps and small, red skin-like cysts on the outer side of your arms, thighs, butt cheeks or anywhere else you might have dry skin. Its usually not painful to touch but it can be uncomfortable when it gets in the way of everyday activities like wearing clothes.
What causes keratosis pilaris chicken skin?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes chicken-skin like bumps on the arms, legs, and face. Its usually caused by genetics or extreme dryness in those areas of your body. It can also be triggered by harmful products found around your home (like harsh shampoos).
How do I get rid of keratosis pilaris permanently?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes bumps on the arms, legs, face and torso. There are many treatments for keratosis pilaris available through dermatologists such as laser treatment or topical creams with retinol. If you want to get rid of your keratosis pilaris yourself there are some home remedies that might work well including applying cornstarch directly to the area, rubbing lemon juice onto dry knuckles and doing salt scrub therapy twice weekly over two weeks
Related Tags
- keratosis pilaris causes
- keratosis pilaris laser treatment
- keratosis pilaris soap
- keratosis pilaris reddit
- keratosis pilaris before and after
