Q:

What is the best way to get rid of KP (keratosis pilaris)? (Those small bumps on the backs of arms & thighs)

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Answers (7)

EXPERT
Daniela Ferri (Licensed Esthetician, Acne Specialist) answered

Skin cells die a little before they are meant to, and build up during their hardening stage before they are supposed to stack up to form the normal, protective top layer of the skin.  What results is a prickly mess building up in many pores, resulting in that “goose-bumpy” feeling, and occasionally prevention of hairs from coming through the follicle properly, leading to a few pimples.  On the behind and thighs, pressure and friction from sitting, and from rough clothing like jeans, pushes more dead skin cells and oils into the pores, causing clogging and irritation.

The answer to all of this is exfoliation, hydrating moisturizer and protection from friction. In terms of exfoliation, this is achieved inside the pores using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)  and Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO), and outside on skin’s surface using exfoliating gloves. Then, hydration would come in the form of a non-clogging lotion that would replenish and sooth. FInally, moisture absorption and prevention of friction is achieved with a revolutionary new treatment called FerroRosa FrictionFixTM applied once to twice daily before getting dressed.  The overall treatment would be as follows :

Step 1) Use exfoliating gloves every shower with a BPO wash on affected areas.

Step 2)  After your shower use an AHA hydrating lotionover the area, rub in thoroughly, let dry. 

Step 3) Apply sunscreen to the area religiously unless you are certain the area will have absolutely no sun exposure.  If there is no sun exposure, no other moisturizer is needed.

Step 4). For breakouts on butt and thighs, apply medium coat of FerroRosa FrictionFixTM to entire affected area, before getting dressed and again before working out or sitting for long periods.

It is also a good idea to avoid dryer sheets as they can deposit a very pore clogging material onto skin.  If you do not moisturize with an AHA lotion, body lotions should not contain any avocado, olive, palm or coconut oils, as these are pore-clogging. You should also avoid products that contain mineral oil, petrolatum or petroleum jelly, so your skin can begin to shed its dead skin cells and allow the free flow of its own oil.  Most moisturizers out there are clogging, so really you should only use a lotion recommended by your skin care professional.

For more info, please visit my web site at www.daniela.com, or for more personalized evaluation and advice, email me at [email protected]

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Anonymous answered

I use coconut oil in the shower. It's helped with my kp.  I let the jar heat up while I'm washing my hair and face. Once it has some liquid in the jar, I pour some in my hand and rub in on the places I need it. When I get out of the shower, I use lotion as well. It's important to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.
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LiviNZ answered
Coconut oil has really helped mine! I've had it since I was a little kid and finally used coconut oil and it's amazing! 
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CHIgirl commented
i just read about this as well! i want to try it but can you describe in more detail how you use the coconut oil? do you rub it on in the shower or after the shower? how much do you use? thanks!
LiviNZ commented
I just put it on after a shower at night as a moisturizer... it soaks in while I sleep and amazingly soft skin in the morning!
CHIgirl commented
Cool, thanks!
AmyW answered
My friend who has KP says you just have to manage it; there are several ointments dermatologists can prescribe, but it is virtually trial and error to see what works for you. At the same time, they always say any solution has to involve consistent use—doing the same treatment routine every day.
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Claire W. answered
AmLactin worked wonders for the rough bumpy skin on my thighs that I seem to get every fall-spring. I think the lactic acid in it encourages skin renewal while being gentle on your skin and not clogging pores. I used to exfoliate every time I showered but it didn't make a difference and I think may have just irritated the skin more. Simply moisturizing with AmLactin after every shower has cleared it up completely without any exfoliating. It's quite affordable too which is a plus!
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Anonymous answered
Exfoliate! Either with an exfoliating cloth or a body scrub, then air dry if you can (towels, even when fresh out of the washer, can have residual soaps & perfumes on them that can bother KP). Once you're dry, slap on the coconut oil!
I put a bunch of it in a mixing bowl with some essential oils (lemon grass & lavender are my faves) & use a hand mixer to "whip" the oil into sort of a body butter, then put it in small jars. It's easier to use than digging it out of the container when it's solid, & you can better control the amount than when it's liquid.
I use coconut oil head-to-toe & I swear it has not only curbed my KP(this has to be a daily regiment though, or it will come back!), but has also gotten rid of dark circles under my eyes, & helped to fade a few scars.
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rhelschein answered
Keratosis Pilaris is associated with a gluten intolerance. I used to struggle with KP, but after changing my diet, it has all but disappeared. I agree with exfoliating, but instead of putting tons of chemicals on your skin, which end up being absorbed into your bloodstream, try going gluten-free! Not only will your KP clear up, but you'll probably have much more energy, you'll lose your swollen midsection, and you're autoimmune issues like allergies will become much more easy to manage. Good luck!
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CHIgirl commented
How long did it take for you to see results regarding the KP after you started the gluten free diet?
rhelschein commented
It takes about 3-4 weeks to see results, as it takes about that long for your gut health to begin to improve and regenerate.