Introduction

Brief overview of Keratosis Pilaris (KP) 

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that is not harmful and looks like small bumps on the skin. It is also known as ‘chicken skin’, as it resembles the skin of a plucked chicken. If you have this condition, you will have small, painless bumps on the skin around the hair follicles. These bumps may appear red, white, brown, or match your skin tone. 

They are  found in any area with a hair follicle, but are also mainly found on your upper arms, and can appear in various parts of the body, including:^6,2

• Face- particularly the cheeks and neck
• Leg - especially the thighs
• Chest
• Back
• Butt
• Forearms

This condition is harmless and typically does not need any treatment, as it may fade away on its own. However, natural remedies can help to speed up the process in a less invasive way as compared to certain medical treatments, which can cause skin irritation.

Understanding Keratosis Pilaris 

Symptoms 

Keratosis pilaris causes the skin to have patches of small, discoloured, and rough bumps that may resemble the skin of a strawberry.² You may notice the bumps and not have any other symptoms. But if you experience any symptoms, they may include:

• Dry, itchy skin - especially on the back of your upper arms, legs, and butt
• Skin that feels rough like sandpaper
• Irritation
• Worsening of the bumps during drier months and winter months

Causes

The bumps that you see are collections of protein keratin. So, when you have keratosis pilaris, the keratin blocks your hair follicle, preventing skin from flaking off. The hair follicles are openings in your skin through which your hair comes through the skin. Though it is still unknown why it only affects some people and not others, it is thought that it could be because of a genetic factor or mutation in your genes.¹

Benefits of Natural Remedies

Keratosis pilaris usually clears up on its own with time. But if you feel uncomfortable showing your skin, you might want to take the natural remedy approach. Taking a natural approach to treatment is an option, as it can be gentler on your skin, it is affordable, accessible, and, when compared to prescribed medications, natural remedies are much less invasive. 

Top Home Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris^3,4

Moisturising Oils

Moisturising oils are perfect for you, as they can help your skin to have the nourishment needed to hydrate the skin. Some examples of moisturising oils are:

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil

How to apply: 

Apply a generous layer of oil to the areas of skin affected by Keratosis Pilaris overnight and rinse it off in the morning. Repeat daily until you see improvements in your skin.
It is a good idea to apply it thickly overnight for maximum absorption, and you can rinse it off in the morning until your skin starts to feel better.

Exfoliation Techniques

Exfoliating the skin is an excellent way to remove any buildup of dead skin cells and keratin. Some natural exfoliants include:

• Sugar and olive oil scrub
• Oatmeal and honey paste
• Baking soda and water mixture

Daily gentle exfoliation can help to improve the skin texture and help to lighten the dark spots caused by excess keratin.

Natural Acids and Enzymes

Using natural acids and enzymes is also an important step, as they contain natural exfoliating properties and can help to balance the pH of the skin. Such examples include:

• Apple cider vinegar toner
• Yogurt or milk 
• Papaya

Soothing Agents

To help soothe and make the skin feel refreshed, you can use:

• Aloe vera gel
• Chamomile compress
• Green tea soaks

Diet and Hydration

To improve the overall skin health, it is also important to eat a nutrient-rich diet that is rich in vitamins A, D, and E and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which also help to improve your overall gut health. Avoid having sugar and dairy; they can be possible triggers for flare-ups. Most importantly, it is important to stay hydrated, which helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin moisturised.

Lifestyle and Skin Care Tips^5,7

To see improvements in your skin, it is important to change your routine. Some things you can do are:

• Use a humidifier to prevent skin dryness
• Wear breathable clothing
• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers
• Avoid hot showers - use lukewarm water
• Avoid harsh soaps
• Use mild exfoliators
• Moisturise daily

Summary

Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition that can temporarily cause dark bumps across various parts of the body. To help improve your skin, you can use natural remedies, such as oils and natural exfoliants. However, if you are not seeing improvements after using natural treatments, then it is best to see a dermatologist who can guide you through more advanced  medical treatment options