What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris sounds like something you wouldn't want to get, but it is actually a big name for a very common skin condition. Keratosis pilaris, also known as KP, is characterized by benign bumps on arms and sometimes legs. Some people are unlucky enough to get red bumps on their face.
This common skin condition is caused by a buildup of keratin. This skin problem arises when the skin does not shed properly or sheds unevenly. The keratin combines with the dead skin cells and begins to clog the pores. This is what leads to the visual skin bumps.
Keratosis pilaris normally goes away with age, but it can be a nuisance especially if the bumps get infected. This condition will react quite well to 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.
Effects of AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin A on Keratosis Pilaris Bumps
Alpha hydroxy acids 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 moderate the formation of a new stratum corneum - which is the outer most layer of the skin - through reduced 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 before. It is now more difficult for keratin and dead cells to block the hair follicles.
Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid has a double effect on keratosis pilaris. It acts on the surface, much like AHAs, but it can also penetrate the hair follicle and help regulate the rate of shedding from within. Salicylic acid can also help treat acne problems.
Vitamin A (and its derivatives retinol or retinoids) can help treat keratosis pilaris by making 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.
Using Mechanical Exfoliation to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Mechanical exfoliation is also a good way of removing excess keratin, dead skin cells, and keratosis pilaris bumps. You can use homemade or natural scrubs to slough off the keratin buildup. Sugar is a good option if you want to use an inexpensive and natural exfoliant.
For sensitive skin, try using a natural acid exfoliator as your keratosis pilaris treatment. If you're lost and don't quite know what a "natural acid exfolitator" is then I'll clarify. A natural acid exfoliator can be grape juice or milk. Both products contain natural acids that can help to safely remove excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells from the skin's surface.

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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. Luckily, natural skin care products such as BIOSKINTREATMENT can quickly and gently dissolve skin bumps.

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