Keratosis pilaris sounds like something you wouldn't want to get, but it is actually a big name for a very common skin condition. KP, which is short for keratosis pilaris, is characterized by benign skin bumps on arms. Some people are unlucky enough to get red bumps on their face.

This skin condition is caused by a buildup of keratin. When the skin does not shed properly or sheds unevenly, both keratin and dead skin cells begin to clog the pores. This is what leads to the skin bumps.

Keratosis pilaris will usually fade as we age, but it can be a nuisance especially if the bumps get infected. If you prefer to treat this condition instead of wait around till it disappears, then you should look for products that contain chemical exfoliators such as AHAs, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A (or retinoids). Look for keratosis pilaris lotions that contain any of these ingredients.

The Effects of AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin A on Keratosis Pilaris Bumps

Alpha hydroxy acids (also known as AHAs) are derived from different types of foods. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid (sugar cane), lactic acid (milk), citric acid (citrus fruits) and mandelic acid (almonds).

AHAs help control the formation of a new stratum corneum through diminished cellular cohesion between corneocytes at the lowest levels of the stratum corneum. This means that the stratum corneum can slough off at a higher rate than it did before. It now becomes more difficult for keratin and dead cells to clog the hair follicles.

Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid has a double effect on keratosis pilaris. It acts on the surface of the skin in much the same way as AHAs, but it also penetrates the hair follicle and helps regulate the rate of shedding from within. Salicylic acid can also help address acne problems.

Vitamin A (retinol or retinoids) can help treat keratosis pilaris because it makes the outer layer of the skin grow more rapidly. Thus, decreasing the amount of keratin in the skin. As a result, the pores are less likely to get clogged because the surface layer of the skin has become thinner.

Mechanical Exfoliation for Keratosis Pilaris

Mechanical exfoliation is also a good way of removing excess keratin, dead skin cells, and keratosis pilaris bumps. You can slough off the keratin buildup using homemade or natural scrubs. Sugar is a good option because it is much more gentle with your skin than salt and it is inexpensive.

For sensitive skin, try using a natural acid exfoliator as your keratosis pilaris treatment. By natural acid exfoliator I mean grape juice or milk. Both of these products contain acids that can help remove excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Even if there is no actual keratosis pilaris cure bacteria associated with kp causes infections whih can lead to more serious problems, that is why it is so important that you keep KP under control. Fortunately, there are natural skin care products such as BIOSKINTREATMENT that can gently and effectively dissolve skin bumps.