Chicken skin, skin bumps, call it what you will. The medical name for this condition is “Keratosis Pilaris” or “KP”. I have had KP since I was a little girl. I would get teased about it constantly and it made me grow very insecure about my skin. I have it pretty bad on my upper arms and thighs. It has improved with age, but it will never go away. Luckily, I am able to keep the inflammation to a minimum with a few topical products, similar to the ones I have listed below. What is KP? Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless genetic skin condition that appears as small bumps on the upper arms and thighs, Although it can be present anywhere on the body (except the palms of the hands and feet.) KP is a build up of keratin (the material our hair, skin and nails is made up of), causing the hair follicles to clog, forming a bump on the skin’s surface. KP can worsen during the cooler months when the skin becomes drier or with hormonal changes, such as pregnancy. There is no cure for KP, but there are a few treatment options. Results do vary, based on the severity of the KP. You want to look for creams and lotions containing Lactic Acid and/or Glycolic Acid. Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin helping to smooth the bumps and slough off dead skin cells. Extra Virgin Coconut oil is an alternative treatment, for those of you who prefer a more natural product. Lather extra virgin coconut oil on your skin before you take a shower and gentle scrub with a loofah. You may also use the extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer after you shower. Skinstore.com carries a few products specifically designed to help treat KP; Glytone KP Kit M2 Skin Technologies Body Refinish 15% //
Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment with 2 Percent BHA
