Keratosis Pilaris: Everything You Need to Know About “Chicken Skin”
Bumpy, dry and structured areas – a trifecta of things you don't want when it comes to skin.
If you notice tiny bumps or rough patches of skin on the back of your arms (or other areas of your body, such as your legs or face), you are not alone. Known as keratosis pilaris, this skin condition is relatively common (though aggravating), but here is some good news: you don't have to live with bumpy skin forever.
What is Keratosis Pilaris and what causes it?
Keratosis pilaris is a very common and painless skin condition. These small red bumps and dry spots are often referred to as "chicken skin" due to their appearance and can deteriorate depending on the season in drier months due to a lack of humidity.
What causes keratosis pilaris? It is basically a result of keratin formation at the opening of the hair follicle. Keratin is a crucial protein in the skin's epidermis and is important because it protects skin cells from infection. When keratin builds up, it forms a plug that blocks the hair follicles, resulting in textured, red, and bumpy skin associated with keratosis pilaris.
When keratin builds up, it forms a plug that blocks the hair follicles and results in textured, red, and bumpy skin associated with keratosis pilaris.
Dermatologists are not entirely sure why it happens, but some things are certain when it comes to keratosis pilaris: dry weather, hormonal changes, and predisposition to skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis are all to blame.
Differences between Keratosis Pilaris, Acne and Milia
If you notice these rough, dry spots or small red bumps on your skin, this can be cause for concern. Don't stress though – Keratosis pilaris is not painful and there is no burning or itching with the condition.
Often confused with other skin problems like acne or milia, there are actually significant differences between keratosis pilaris and other common skin problems. Acne occurs when dead skin cells and oil in hair follicles combine, which leads to the development of bacteria and inflammation. Milia, on the other hand, occurs when cells or keratin accumulate under the skin and not specifically in the hair follicle. Distinguishing points between milia and keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris tend to present themselves as small red bumps covering a wider area of the skin (such as arms or legs) with tiny bumps or dry spots, while milia are white or yellow bumps that generally develop on the chin, nose, and cheeks .
How to Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris
With a consistent skin care plan, your chicken skin can be a thing of the past. How to remove Keratosis pilaris:
Do not use hard skin care products
If you suffer from Keratosis pilaris, your skin will already feel dry and rough – with hard ingredients, you don't have to make the situation worse. Instead, use soothing and nourishing products for your bath and skin care. Facial Recovery Oil can be used anywhere on the body and contains gentle and pure ingredients such as clary sage oil and olive oil.
Exfoliation often
Prevent dead skin from forming by exfoliating regularly. Use products with natural peels such as sugar or salt peels that gently remove dry skin without causing irritation. A loofah or sponge is another great way to remove dead skin cells for daily exfoliation. For the face, use a physical peel that contains lactic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids. These types of scrubs improve texture and remove dead skin.
Take lukewarm baths or showers
Hot water is hard on the skin because it removes natural oils and exacerbates dryness. Instead, use lukewarm water to activate skin care products, clean the pores, and maintain balance with skin oils.
Moisturize regularly
Seal the moisture after bathing or showering by applying moisturizer to the face and body. Because keratosis pilaris is associated with dry skin, maintaining hydration is key to treating and relieving keratosis pilaris. One of our favorites is the mangosteen body lotion, which not only provides the skin with moisture, but also reappears with its unique lactic acid complex.
Avoid tight clothing
Rubbing through tight-fitting clothing can further irritate the skin as it destroys the skin's natural barrier against inflammation and bacteria. It also causes the skin to become dry, which increases the risk of deposits and clogged pores. Packing these skinny jeans away could be a wise decision if you're battling keratosis pilaris.
Visit a dermatologist
If you don't see any improvement, it's time to get professional. Contact a beautician or dermatologist who will help you solve the problem if you don't see any improvement within a few weeks.
An important note: the routine must be followed when treating keratosis pilaris! Once you stop taking measures to reduce the onset of keratosis pilaris, the condition often returns. To take action against Keratosis pilaris and keep it at bay, you should contact your Eminence Organics spa partner for virtual advice or a visit to the spa.
Did you spot these types of bumps on your body or face? Let us know how to deal with this skin care issue in the comments below, or let us know on social media.
This entry was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.