While the majority of beauty and grooming products are designed for the face, skincare isn’t merely a neck-up affair. With clear, smooth skin being a desirable commodity all over your body, we’re continually on the hunt for the best ways to eliminate bumps and breakouts. If you’re experiencing non-acneic bumps on your skin, you may be dealing with keratosis pilaris.
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What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris (KP) – often (rather unkindly) nicknamed chicken skin – is a common skin condition that manifests as small bumps (either red, dark, or the same as your skin tone) and rough patches on your skin. Keratosis pilaris occurs when excess keratin (a type of protein) builds up, forming plugs that block the hair follicles. KP is thought to be a genetic condition and is completely harmless.
How to treat keratosis pilaris
While there is no one-size-fits-all method of treating KP, a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation is thought to be the best approach. While it can’t completely be cured, regular exfoliation can reduce its appearance. Fortunately, KP is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults, and typically fades by age 30.
The solution to Keratosis pilaris
Exfoliating acids aren’t just for your face; a combination of AHAs and BHA can work to reduce the appearance of chicken skin.
Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit uses a three-pronged approach to tackle bumpy skin, with a body scrub, body mitt, and body lotion.
1. Smooth Body Scrub
Bamboo particles and natural pumice work to physically slough off dead skin, while lactic acid chemically exfoliates, breaking down the bonds between skin cells and helping trigger cellular renewal for fresh skin.
Directions: before showering, massage Smooth Body Scrub in circular motions over dry skin. Leave for up to five minutes before rinsing off. Use 2-3 times a week.
2. Smooth Body Mitt
The Smooth Body Mitt uses manual exfoliation to remove dry flaky skin and gently unblock hair follicles, minimising the likelihood of more keratin plugs forming.
Directions: for use with or without Smooth Body Scrub. Use on dry skin for more intense exfoliation or on damp skin for gentle exfoliation.
3. Smooth Body Lotion
Urea, lactic acid, and salicylic acid chemically exfoliate the skin, while nourishing moringa butter, shea butter, and squalane provide moisture and hydration while strengthening the skin’s barrier.
Directions: massage into the skin morning and evening. Follow up with sunscreen during the day.
Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit
FAQ
To alleviate KP, try a mixture of physical and chemical exfoliation. This involves a combination of granular, physical scrubs and exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid.
KP occurs when an excess of keratin protein builds up and blocks the hair follicles, resulting in small raised bumps or rough patches of skin.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless and often goes away or becomes less noticeable by age 30.
While you may not be able to completely get rid of KP, you can reduce its appearance in a few weeks with consistent exfoliation.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Deborah Turbeville for Vogue
