Keratosis pilaris (also known as KP or follicular keratosis) is a common skin condition that usually affects the back and outside part of the upper arm. In some cases it may affect the legs and face, but it doesn't affect the palms or soles of the feet.

Keratosis pilaris appears around the hair follicles and looks like small, benign bumps or papules that are actually waxy build-ups of keratin. Skin sloughs off at a consistent rate, however, near the hair follicle where the KP papules form, the keratinized skin cells slough off at a much slower rate, clogging the follicles.

The result is small bumps all over the affected area. These are commonly referred to as goose bumps.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatments

Keratosis pilaris usually subsides as we age, however, if you're not willing to wait so long you can do something about it now. KP generally responds well to creams containing Vitamin A, alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid. If you prefer a more intense type of treatment, you might want to exfoliate with a microdermabrasion cream.

Vitamin A (retinol or retinoids) works on KP by causing the outer layer of the skin to grow more rapidly, which, in turn, decreases the amount of the keratin in the skin. As a result, the outer layer of the skin becomes thinner, making it less probable for pores to become blocked. This ingredient is also helpful if you suffer from acne and acne related conditions.

Keratosis pilaris creams benefit from alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs. This group of acids is derived from different types of foods. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid (sugar cane), lactic acid (milk), citric acid (citrus fruits) and mandelic acid (almonds).

AHAs have a tremendous effect on keratinization. It works against keratosis pilaris because they modulate the formation of a new stratum corneum through diminished cellular cohesion between corneocytes at the lowest levels of the stratum corneum. This permits the stratum corneum to slough off at a higher rate than it was previously able to.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in a wide range of cosmetic products. Just like AHAs, this acid helps the skin shed more easily.

Or you can use an abrasive method to exfoliate your skin and help promote cell turnover. Some less conventional methods of abrasion are the use of terry cloth towels cloths, facial scrubs, crepe paper, sugar or salt crystals. You can also use loofahs and brushes, but you may benefit more using specialized creams.

Be careful not to use an exfoliant with pumice or other mechanical abrasives if you have sensitive or dry skin. Instead, try natural acids like those found in grapes or milk to help remove dead cells.