Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a skin condition usually known as 'chicken skin' or 'goose pumps'. This skin condition usually affects the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. This condition is distinguished by small skin bumps that are hard to the touch. Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition but most people affected by this ailment want to find something that will eliminate the problem. Sadly, there aren't many treatments that are effective in eliminating KP.

A buildup of keratin is what causes keratosis pilaris. Keratin is a hard protein that protects our skin from harmful substances and infections. People with keratosis pilaris start forming a hard and scaly plug that clogs the opening of the follicle. This process in which a hard skin bump is formed is called hyperkeratinization. The hyperkeratinization makes the skin to have a sand-paper like texture, which is the main reason why individuals want to deal with this problem.

Treat KP

Researchers are yet to find a cure for keratosis pilaris, so there are only treatments available to deal with this problem. Next are some really good tips to treat KP at home:

Exfoliating might be one of the most effective ways to improve texture and feel of your skin. Make use of a loofah or rough cloth to gently exfoliate your skin while showering. Scrub gently as over-scrubbing can make the condition worse. To make this remedy more effective, purchase a gentle scrub or a microdermabrasion cream that contains natural ingredients. The combination of using an abrading tool in addition to the natural ingredients will help make your skin smoother. Use warm water when treating keratosis pilaris. Hot water will only inflame and irritate your skin while cold water prevents follicles from opening and unclog.

Moisturizing is another really effective way of preventing keratosis pilaris, especially if you use natural products that contain a natural form of salicylic acid and snail secretion. Willow bark extract can effectively unclog hard keratin plugs while snail secretion acts by deeply moisturizing and regenerating the skin. This combination of ingredients also prevents the production of excess keratin which will in essence prevent the formation of skin bumps.