What is Keratosis pilaris or KP?
Keratosis refers to hyperkeratosis/heaping up of keratin at the upper layers of the skin. Pilaris refers to the presence of this heaped-up keratin around the hair follicles.
Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition in which the dead cells of the upper layers of the skin plug up the hair follicles in your skin, eventually leading to dry and rough skin with tiny bumps commonly referred to as chicken skin or strawberry skin.
Where does KP occur?
KP or strawberry skin can occur mostly on the body areas like arms, thighs and butt region and at times occurs on the face as well.
What causes strawberry skin?
Researchers say that this skin condition can be hereditary. However, additional factors like skin barrier abnormalities, androgen excess, certain textile choices, traditional hair removal methods, and friction have all been known to precipitate or aggravate keratosis pilaris.
Is KP curable?
You need to understand that Keratosis pilaris is a skin disorder and not a disease. So, it cannot be cured but can be controlled with a good and consistent skin care routine. Let’s get into some of the do’s and don’ts to manage Keratosis pilaris at home effectively.
Do’s:
Exfoliate your skin with a lactic acid based body peel. Milk Route® KP is the best lactic acid body peel customized to manage symptoms of Keratosis pilaris. It has an innovative triple lactic acid formula which targets 3 main features associated with Keratosis pilaris- dryness, roughness and pigmentation. For best results, use this lactic acid body peel 4 to 5 times per week, 10 minutes before bathing.
Always carry a moisturizer with you and moisturize the areas of concern regularly. Consider a non-occlusive, fragrance free moisturizer like the SMOO™ Moisturizing Creme Light for the body.
Opt for loose-fitting cotton-based clothes over synthetic fabrics in order to avoid friction and to prevent exposing your skin to synthetic chemicals.
Maintain a well-balanced diet as a good diet is important to maintain healthy skin.
Don’ts:
Avoid using harsh physical scrubs, which can damage your skin, worsening the symptoms of KP.
Never try to scratch or pick the bumps as it can irritate your skin and can lead to pigmentation, scarring and infection.
While bathing, avoid hot water showers, which can exacerbate the dryness of your skin. Instead, go for lukewarm showers with a mild moisturizing body wash.
Avoid waxing your skin for hair removal as it can increase ingrown hairs, worsening Keratosis pilaris. So, choose laser hair reduction under the guidance of a dermatologist.
To summarize, Keratosis pilaris is harmless, and if you can follow the above recommendations along with a good skin care routine consisting of Milk Route® KP lactic acid body peel and SMOO™ Light body moisturizer, you can effectively control the symptoms and maintain smooth and healthy skin.
