Why Do I Have These Bumps on My Skin? Keratosis Pilaris (KP) Tips and Tricks

If you experience tiny rough/scaly bumps that tend to hang out on the upper arms, legs, and cheeks, then you are not alone!

Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic skin condition that plagues so many people. It can have a profound effect on the confidence one has and I understand first hand how embarrassing this skin condition can be. Although there is no 100% cure to KP, there are things that we can do to help address and keep it at bay. Let me share with you my recommendations.

First things first, lets address exactly what KP is. Keratosis Pilaris results from the opening of a hair follicle (pore) becoming blocked by a build up of keratin. Often times KP is hereditary, but no one knows exactly why it shows up on the skin.

There are a few things I recommend when it comes to dealing with Keratosis Pilaris.

My top tip would be to use something with a keratolytic ingredient in it. Of course you're probably thinking, what on earth is a keratolytic ingredient? Let me break it down for you...

Keratolytics help to break up skin cells and lift away excess keratin build up. This is why it makes for such a nice agent when dealing with KP, which is ultimately the build up of dead skin.

My top Keratolytic Ingredients to look out for when dealing with KP are:

- Salicylic Acid

- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and more)

Another tip I like to mention, as we are dealing with an excess of dead skin, is to use a moisturizer immediately after a bath/shower. When the skin is still wet, the moisturizer has a chance to seal and slow down transepidermal water loss. This can help with keeping the skin soft and supple, opposed to rough and scaly. Adding in the keratolytic ingredient within the moisturizer or wash that is being used will help treat and prevent. Lastly, using a gentle wash cloth to buff the body wash into the skin can help with light mechanical exfoliation and aide in unblocking the pores from keratin build up. Resist from any harsh scrubbing that can irritate the skin and create more harm than good.

Hopefully this bit of information is useful to those of you who are struggling with KP. Always feel free to reach out to me if you feel as though you could use some extra support!

x,

Sarah

P.S I have found cutting sugar out of the diet to be incredibly helpful for those who suffer with KP. I will be the first to admit that I would rather have some bumps on my arms then cut out my Dairy Queen blizzards (I am obsessed), but It is definitely worth a mention! (Balance is key, people)

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Product Recommendations

IMAGE Salicylic Gel Cleanser

Salicylic acid formulated into a cleanser to treat blocked pores. Can be used when dealing with acne as well.

Message me for more information

CeraVe Renewing SA Lotion

Gentle formulation of salicylic acid and ceramides to nourish and treat the skin. I recommend using on body. Can be used when dealing with body acne as well.