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Keratosis pilaris is a big name for a very common skin condition. Keratosis pilaris, also known as KP, is characterized by benign bumps on arms and sometimes legs. Some people are unfortunate enough to get red bumps on their face.

This common skin condition is caused by a buildup of keratin. When the skin does not shed properly or sheds unevenly, both keratin and dead skin cells begin to clog the pores. This is what leads to the skin bumps.

Keratosis pilaris usually goes away as you get older, but it can be a nuisance especially if the bumps get infected. If you prefer to treat this condition instead of wait around till it disappears, then you should look for products that contain chemical exfoliators such as AHAs, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A (or retinoids). Look for keratosis pilaris lotions that contain any of these ingredients.

The Effects of AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin A on Keratosis Pilaris Bumps

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 - which is the outer most layer of the skin - through reduced 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 of the skin in much the same way as AHAs, but it also penetrates the hair follicle and helps regulate the rate of shedding from within. Salicylic acid can also help treat acne problems.

Vitamin A can also help treat keratosis pilaris because it makes the outer layer of the skin grow at a faster pace. Thus, decreasing the amount of keratin in the skin. As a result, the pores are less likely to get clogged because the surface layer of the skin has become thinner.

Using Mechanical Exfoliation to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

Mechanical exfoliation is also a good option to help remove keratin, dead skin cells and keratosis pilaris bumps. You can use homemade or natural scrubs to slough off the keratin buildup. If you're not sure what type of exfoliant to use, 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. By natural acid exfoliator I mean grape juice or milk. Both products contain natural acids that can help to safely remove excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells from the skin's surface.

Sometimes bacteria associated with kp causes infections so it is important to keep it under control even if there is no keratosis pilaris cure. Fortunately, there are natural skin care products such as BIOSKINTREATMENT that can gently and effectively dissolve skin bumps.