At Amazingy, we get a lot of questions regarding certain (skin related) topics. In response, we try our best to get to the core of the problem quickly to alleviate any symptoms. It’s our philosophy to use the most non-invasive treatment possible and we believe in using products from natural and organic origin. Our goal is to get you on the right track to better health, feeling confident with the skin you live in.
Sometimes, symptoms are caused by serious health conditions. If you are uncertain what is causing your symptoms, or a treatment isn’t working and you’d like to try an alternative, always seek additional medical advice first.

One of our readers sent in a question concerning a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris, wanting to know what could ease her symptoms.

Keratosis Pilaris (KP), is a skin condition which commonly shows as small bumps on the back of arms, thighs or cheeks. It’s caused from a build-up of keratin (a naturally occurring protein that protects your skin), which blocks the opening of hair follicles and combined with dead skin cells, clogs the follicles and creates tiny raised bumps on the skin. While it’s a harmless condition, it can be aesthetically displeasing.

There are several variations of Keratosis Pilaris, the main three being:

1.  Keratosis Pilaris Rubra – red, inflamed bumps.
2.  Keratosis Pilaris Alba – dry, rough, bumpy skin with no irritation
3.  Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii – red rash on the cheeks.

Unfortunately, like a lot of skin conditions, there is no singular treatment that improves Keratosis Pilaris. However, there are things that can be done to improve its appearance.

1. Exfoliate

As dead skin cells clog and aggravate the skin, exfoliation is essential. Doing this will remove keratin filled bumps and help to even out the skin’s surface. For best results, use an exfoliating tool made from natural fibres, like the Konjac Sponge or a muslin cloth, as a synthetic material can cause irritation to the skin. You should exfoliate both your face and your body on a regular basis, as often as every day.
Dry skin brushing has also seen to work well on people with KP. Dry brushing removes dead skin cells, lifting the hairs while stimulating follicular circulation and increasing cell renewal.
The practice of thoroughly dry brushing the face twice daily has seen improvements of some KP skin within a week. If your symptoms worsen however, stop dry brushing as it might have over stimulated and, thus, irritated your skin.
Martini Spa provides high quality exfoliating products for a good price. Amazingy also offers a wide range of scrubs and exfoliating foaming body cleansers from brands such as Suki, Pai, Kimberly Sayer and M Picaut.

2. Remove Irritants

Sensitive skin can be easily irritated by anything it comes into contact with, especially when using synthetic or overly perfumed products. The best way to avoid irritation is by switching over to 100% plant-based and fragrance-free laundry detergents, body washes and cleanser. Low irritant facial cleansers are found in the Dr. Alkaitis, Kahina, or Pai range.

3. Avoid Over Treatment

It’s common for those with KP to over-treat their skin with harsh drying products in hopes of keeping flare ups at bay. Instead, what ends up happening is that the skin becomes temporarily clear when the oil glands are dried out, only to later relapse into breakouts and irritation. A gentle and slow approach can sometimes be more effective, as it allows the skin to find a natural balance and begin to heal itself. Maintaining a good skin hygiene routine before trying any topical treatment is advised. Once the skin starts to show signs of healing, gradually introduce natural cleansing products. Witch hazel and willow bark are products that aid in balancing your body’s natural oil production and decongesting stubborn pores.

4. Hydrate The Skin

Dry skin is more prone to KP than oily skin, with winter months worsening the condition. Staying hydrated is essential to keeping the skin nourished. During the night is when the body becomes most dehydrated, so upon rising is the best time to rehydrate. Drinking a glass of water or two with a squeeze of lemon 20 minutes before you eat breakfast is a nice way to start your day hydrated. Also, try enriching your diet with good fats found in avocados, nuts and fish, while trying to avoid known triggers and irritants like wheat, dairy and sugar. Topically, the skin can be kept moisturised with a soft body cream like Pai’s Comfrey and Calendula. Both these herbal ingredients are targeted to relieve rashes and to encourage wound healing. For the face, Dr. Alkaitis’ Soothing Gel can be used as a tonic and a cream, or, better yet: a light oil applied to damp skin is a fast and efficient way to rehydrate. Most of these moisturisers would also be suitable.

To start, we’d advise the Dr. Alkaitis Travel & Try kit, which contains a sample of all products in the range. It includes 30 ml of two different tonics (the serum/toner and the soothing gel) as well as the nourishing oil (which is intended for both face and body) and a cleanser. It also has sample sizes of both day and night creams, which are excellent for dry skin. The night cream is especially moisturizing. Note: a little goes a long way: you only need a tiny bit. You can also experiment with mixing the oil with the cream, to create the consistency you prefer best.

What are your own experiences with KP, and which treatment methods have worked for you? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section!

If you have specific health conditions you’d like to know more about, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach Alana at: [email protected].

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