To understand how to treat Keratosis Pilaris, we must first define it. Not knowing the causes and effects will make it hard to treat this common skin condition. This can be an embarrassing skin condition affecting all areas of the body. Many people don’t even realize what they are experiencing on their face and body, is in fact the signs of Keratosis Pilaris. All ages and skin types may experience this annoying and frustrating skin condition. It is our job as skin care professionals to offer useful suggestions and treatments, in hopes of helping you shed your chicken skin.
Keratosis Pilaris is a common genetic follicular disorder that will cause rough bumps on the skin. Yes this is another great trait that your parents gave you. The most commonly affected areas are on the back and outer sides of the upper arms. You may also see rough irritated areas on the thighs and buttocks. The only part of your body that will not show signs of this skin disorder, are the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Needless to say that leaves a lot of area for KP to cover. Often times this condition is misdiagnosed and can be treated as acne.
Did you know there are 6 variations of KP? Among the most popular is Keratosis Pilaris Rubra or KPR. This common condition is usually located on the arm area. The bumps are usually red and inflamed. Keratosis Pilaris Alba or KPA is usually classified by rough skin that feels bumpy, but does not have any irritation. You may experience moderate to severe signs of this skin condition. If your condition is moderate you may experience small bumps with little or no irritation. If you have a more severe condition, this will include large areas of the skin that are rough and irritated. By using the right products, your condition can be improved regardless of severity.
A great line that has been popular with staff and clients alike is the M2 Technologies brand. They make a magnificent body treatment called M2 Skin Technologies Body Refinish 15%. You can use this product anywhere that you have rough dry patches or bumps. This will help to smooth, exfoliate, and even out your skin tone.
If you are experiencing red, rash like, larger areas of irritation on your face, you may want to try the M2 Skin Technologies Skin Refinish 12%. This is an effective treatment to apply a few times per week for maximum results. This is a 12% combination of Mandelic and Malic acids. This anti-inflammatory blend will help to reduce redness, even out skin tone, and clear up blemishes. If you have Rosacea which can also be classified with red rash like patches, you may also benefit from this product. Among other popular treatments for KP, can be diet supplements, exfoliations, oil pulling, and an Anti-Candida Diet. Your diet can play a major role in the onsets of KP. Research has proven Omega 3 supplements to be effective in maintaining healthy skin. Perricone MD Omega 3 Dietary Supplements, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties, and will help to soften and smooth the skin from the inside out.
The exfoliants category includes scrubs,microdermabrasion crystals, AHA’s, and BHA’s. If you are looking for a glycolic based product to help resurface all those bumps try the Glytone KP Kit. This reliable kit includes exfoliating body wash and body lotion. The body wash contains 8.8% free glycolic acid which means it is pure glycolic and not in a compound form. This will help to sweep away tired, rough skin. The body lotion will retexturize your skin as it contains 17.5% free glycolic acid. Using this kit as your daily treatment will help treat this common skin condition.
KP can seem unbearable at times, but with the right treatments and support, it can be manageable. If you are not sure on your specific needs and skin conditions, we strongly recommend making an appointment with a health care professional, to better diagnose your condition.
For more helpful information on KP treatments, pictures, and support groups please refer to www.keratosispilaris.org.
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