Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, flanks, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).[1] Less commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.[2] Keratosis pilaris is completely harmless; however the condition can contribute to or exacerbate depression and anxiety. (Source: Wikipedia)
Keratosis pilaris is recognised by little red bumps on the upper arm area that looks a bit like the below:
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| Souce: Wikipedia |
I’m no dermatologist or doctor, but basically KP is where the follicles become blocked and cause inflamed bumps. So the best way to treat is to use products that gently exfoliate, helping to shift dead skin and keep the pores clear. Physical exfoliation isn’t ideal as it can irritate and inflame KP.
So onto the products that have been working for me.
Both are from Paula’s Choice, and they are the ‘Weightless Body Treatment’ and ‘Skin Revealing Body Lotion’. The Weightless Body Treatment contains 2% beta hydroxy acid and the Skin Revealing Lotion contains 10% alpha hydroxy acid.
Thank you!!! I exfoliate my arms with normal body scrubs but nothing seems to be working. Will definatley be trying these out. Thanks xxx
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I like the sound of this as I have been suffering with KP for years and although I use a daily scrub which makes it slightly better, it is still fairly visible on the tops of my arms. And I’ve just had a look on their website and they have 15% off. Off to purchase now!
I used to have this for years! It was such a pain, as you say, no symptoms, but a little unsightly.
Mine seems to have gone (touch wood)…..may be down to exfoliating….or perhaps I grew out of it…?
Thanks for this review, going to make a note of these!
I have KP as well, and I’ve also had great success with these lotions. I’ve also found that using body wash instead of bar soap helps a lot. The stuff that makes a bar soap solid can contribute to clogged pores. I also found that the KP on my legs improved a lot after my workplace did away with the pantyhose rule (hooray)!
I have been using Paula’s Weightless Body Cream and found the same result!! It is a great product-AND I have another unusual result-decrease in seborrheic keratoses!
does KP itch as well? I’ve been having itchy redness for about a year or so. my dermatologist says it’s dermatographism but I’m not convinced…wondering if it could be this.
I can’t believe this post may have identified what I’ve had on my arms my whole life. Thought it was just me! Amazing thank you.
I have KP quite badly on the tops of my arms and I will definitely check these out when I get a bit more money. Or maybe I’ll put them on my christmas list! Thanks so much!
Oooh funnily enough I’ve just bought the weightless body treatment. Does it do away with the red dots, as well as the roughness? I tend to exfoiliate mine regularly so they’re smooth, but I still get the dots.
Which of the two products would you say is most effective? I can’t quite justify the expense of both right now but I’ve been trying to get rid of my KP for ages and this line sounds fantastic.
You have brought up very fantastic points, thank you for the post.
Thank you for this Jen! I’ve been looking for a good non-mechanical exfoliant that wouldn’t break the bank, since you need to keep up a routine to prevent the KP coming back. This sounds great. x
Nice post, fair play.. I have Kerastosis Pilaris, so I find your post very useful. I really like the layout of your blog too btw.. It looks great.