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, as it is also known, is characterized by benign bumps on arms and sometimes legs. Some people also get red bumps on their face.

This skin problem 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 skin bumps.

Keratosis pilaris will usually fade as we age, but it can be a nuisance especially if the bumps get infected. If you want to treat this condition then look for products that contain chemical exfoliators such as AHAs, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A (or retinoids). Simply make sure that the keratosis pilaris lotions you're about to purchase contain any one of these ingredients.

AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin A on Keratosis Pilaris Bumps - How they help

AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are derived from different types of foods. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and mandelic acid.

AHAs help moderate the formation of a new stratum corneum (outer most layer of the skin) 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 normal. It now becomes more difficult for keratin and dead cells to clog the hair follicles.

Salicylic acid, however, 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 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. Consequently, decreasing the amount of keratin in the skin. As a result, the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner and pores are less likely to get clogged.

Mechanical Exfoliation & 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 because it is much more gentle with your skin than salt and it is inexpensive.

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