WTF is... keratosis pilaris anyway?
Autumn looms and chicken skin may not be far behind...
So… WTF is it?
It’s the fancy name for that rough, bumpy ‘chicken skin’, you’re annoyed with on your (usually) upper arms and legs.
At this time of year, most of us throw on long sleeves, whack on the heating and forget the diligent moisturisation regimens of the heady days of summer. And voila, nature’s gift: sad-looking skin texture.
Frustratingly, the cause is still largely unknown, but keratosis pilaris (KP) is the result of excess keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. When keratin builds up, it blocks hair follicles, and those incredibly attractive rough bumps appear. If you’re really lucky, they’ll also be a different colour to the rest of your skin, drawing attention to themselves, like the showy little bastards that they are.
Is it fatal?
Not so far, but it’s not optimally aesthetically pleasing.
Are there any specific triggers?
Your gene pool: KP tends to run in families, meaning that if your parents or siblings have it, there’s a decent chance that you’ll share in this treat and potentially hand it down to your unwitting children. The circle of life, ladies and gentlemen!
Dry Skin: People with naturally dry skin are more likely to experience KP, especially during colder months1 when the skin is more prone to dehydration. Cold weather and low humidity can exacerbate the condition, leading to more pronounced bumps.
Skin Conditions: If, like me, you are blessed with the gift of eczema you’re more prone to KP. Eczema weakens your skin barrier, which can make keratin blockages more likely.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can influence the severity of any KP breakouts. KP is more prevalent in women than men.
What can you do about it?
There’s no cure for keratosis pilaris, but the condition can be managed into invisibility with the appropriate love and attention.
Exfoliation
Physical: You can use physical exfoliant (eg a body scrub or a shower mitt2) whilst washing to remove the dead skin cells that contribute to the buildup of keratin.
As ever with physical exfoliation, avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and make the condition worse.
Chemical: Cleansers and moisturisers that contain AHAs or BHAs can be really effective in combating KP
These ingredients help dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting renewal and preventing keratin buildup.
You can get a stronger body peel treatment in-salon. As ever, make sure you’re aware of your sensitivity to whichever active(s) the treatment contains
Moisturise
Hydration is your BBF in the banishment of KP. As above, anything with an AHA/BHA as an ingredient will help. Moisturizers that contain ingredients like urea, lactic acid, or glycerin can help soften the skin and reduce the appearance of bumps. Urea and lactic acid are particularly effective because they not only hydrate but also exfoliate the skin.
You don’t need to go mad and spend masses on a miracle product3, as with most skincare, the solution is consistency rather than sporadic panic-application of something expensive.
Moisturise the affected areas every day, preferably after showering (traps moisture).
Avoid anything heavily scented if you’re sensitive to fragranced products
Topical Retinoids (vitamin A)
A dermatologist can prescribe topical retinoids to help treat severe keratosis pilaris. Retinoids also promote cell turnover and prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged with keratin. However, they can irritate sensitive skin and should not be combined with sun exposure, so only use under instruction from a derm.
Laser Therapy
For more severe cases of KP that don’t respond to topical treatments, laser therapy may be an option. Laser treatments can help reduce redness and improve the texture of the skin by targeting the hair follicles and the buildup of keratin. While laser therapy isn’t a permanent solution, it can provide significant improvement in the appearance of keratosis pilaris.
Diet
Vitamin A and Omega-3 Fatty Acids both promote skin health and the latter reduces inflammation. So pile on the salmon and sweet potato fishcakes.
Have I had it?
Since I was a kid. Along with any other skin condition you care to name 🤦🏼♀️
Anything else I think you should know?
What works for me
I use these very expensive, but IMO not overpriced, shower mitts every time I shower. Knockoffs are available, but the reviews are poor. They should last you 8-10 years effortlessly, so the price per use is minuscule.
My search for The Perfect Body Scrub In A Tube continues. For now, I’m using up a bottle of Soap and Glory Smoothie Star, which is doing me proud
I double-moisturise. First with this, which I let absorb (lightning fast)
and then a layer of whatever else I fancy.
I also usually moisturise my body at night
Any excess skincare on my hands from my skincare routine goes on my arms, day or night
Until next time! x
Disclaimer: ‘WTF is…’ guides are intended to be a 3-5 minute introduction to a topic. They are, by their nature, not exhaustive.
If you have a concern that I’ve irresponsibly included/omitted information, don’t hesitate to get in touch to let me know and I’ll take a look.
Reminder that any cosmetic work undertaken should be in accordance with The 6 rules of cosmetic work. Here they are, in case you missed them the first time…
i.e. approx 12 months of the year if you’re UK-based
You can if you want to though - it’s your money