Busting the Science of Exfoliation and Keratosis Pilaris

A prevalent skin condition that is characterized by small bumps and dry, rough patches on the body is Keratosis Pilaris (KP), and it is commonly seen on the back of the upper arms, the front of thighs, and the buttocks. It is found in at least 40% of adults. KP is all about keratin, a hair protein, in the pores, and the buildup leads to clogging of the pores, blocking the emergence of growing hair follicles and creating small bumps. Even though the pores are harmless, they can cause itching, discomfort, inflammation, and scarring. You can go for keratosis pilaris exfoliation as it focuses on addressing the cosmetic implications of your keratin-blocked pores, which can appear rough, dry, flaky, bumpy, patchy, and red.

Keratosis pilaris is also known as chicken skin, strawberry skin, strawberry legs, body bumps, red body bumps, ingrown hairs, rough skin, flaky skin,  body acne, and body breakouts.

Should I exfoliate keratosis pilaris?

When it comes to Keratosis Pilaris, simply exfoliation doesn’t do the job. You need to understand and learn the kind of exfoliation that you need to do and which products does your skin actually needs. Treating Keratosis Pilaris is not a one time process but it is essentially a series of skincare habits that you need to follow in the long run. 

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but you can try some methods here which have been known to immensely help skin with Kp. 

Soaking

You can prepare the skin for further treatments through warm baths as it prepares the skin for other treatments, and it is vital to remember that sustained heat can strip the skin of natural oils, so it is essential to limit the duration and intensity of heat exposure.  It can help you soothe, nourish, and protect the skin.

Physical exfoliation

You need to know how often to exfoliate keratosis pilaris if you want to go for physical exfoliation as it is all about grainy scrubs, washcloths, pumice stones, loofahs, and other interventions. It not only helps you to remove dead skin cells but also removes the excess keratin blocking your pores. The key to successful exfoliation is moderation, as excessive physical exfoliation can surely irritate and damage your skin and exacerbate KP symptoms.

Chemical exfoliation

It is all about acids and enzymes which tend to react with your skin to gently unglue and peel away dead skin cells and excess keratin, and it is one of the most vital steps to keep dead skin cells and unclog pores at bay. 

Hydration 

A vital part of combatting KP is using ingredients that replenish the moisture to the skin, and it is not only substantial but also long-lasting.

It might be a good idea to swap your current body washout for something gentler like KP Bundle - Exfoliating Body Wash & Body Lotion. 

At My Touch Skincare, our dedicated team of skincare enthusiasts and scientists have curated an array of well-formulated products crafted especially to help those with Kp. Visit www.mytouchskincare.com to know more about our products and to shop them. You can also choose to follow us on Instagram where we keep our followers updated about skin tips and more details about our products!