Keratosis pilaris

Note that most people use this term for “bumpy” skin, common in children and teenagers. Some types of keratosis pilaris (with longer names) are related to severe genetic problems.

Keratosis pilaris is a (usually) temporary disorder of keratinization, The problem resides in the upper portion of the hair follicle, which fills with scales instead of exfoliating normally.

In bumpy skin, actives that improve keratinization and skin renewal will help a lot. These include alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid (so called “beta hydroxy”), and vitamin A. Other actives that can help are those that will help keep the skin moisturized but will not “plug” pores.

K.P.  is normal, if we define normal as something that is very common and not dangerous or even problematic. It is harmless and does not hurt or itch. So why does it have a Latin name? Just like “cellulite” a serious-sounding name makes it worth a product that will make money for the companies that sell it. But go to a dermatologist and it is likely that he/she will tell you to forget about it.

If you still want to get rid of bumpy skin (in my opinion, people often stop worrying about a “condition” once they are told that it is normal and /or easy to sort out, here are some options.

Option 1: use Skin Actives alpha/beta exfoliator as directed. Rinse well, dry with a towel, apply some Every Lipid Serum or Ultra Moisturizing cream.

Option 2: Exfoliate with Ascorbic Acid crystals on moist skin. Rinse well, dry with a towel, apply some Every Lipid Serum or Ultra Moisturizing cream.

Option 3: Exfoliate with 20% Vitamin C serum (use as directed). Rinse well, dry with a towel, apply some Every Lipid Serum or Ultra Moisturizing cream.

Option 4. Vitamin A serum or cream help normalize skin renewal. It helps in acne, bumpy skin and more.

With these suggestions, you can work out your own favorite way of controlling K.P. Or you can wait a few years and it will go away!