Keratosis pilaris is a big name for a very common skin condition. KP, as it is also known, is characterized by benign bumps on arms and sometimes legs. Some people also get red bumps on their face.

This skin condition is caused by a buildup of keratin. This happens when the skin does not shed properly or sheds unevenly, leaving both keratin and dead skin cells to clog the pores. This is what produces the visible skin bumps.

Keratosis pilaris normally goes away with age, but it can be a nuisance especially if the bumps get infected. This condition will react quite well to products that contain chemical exfoliators such as AHAs, salicylic acid and Vitamin A (or retinoids). Look for keratosis pilaris lotions that contain any of these ingredients.

AHAs, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin A on Keratosis Pilaris Bumps - How they help

Alpha hydroxy acids (also known as AHAs) are 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 help control the formation of a new stratum corneum through diminished cellular cohesion between corneocytes at the lowest levels of the stratum corneum. This means that the stratum corneum can slough off at a higher rate than before. It now becomes more difficult for keratin and dead cells to clog the hair follicles.

Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid has a double effect on keratosis pilaris. It acts on the surface, much like AHAs, but it can also penetrate the hair follicle and help regulate the rate of shedding from within. Salicylic acid can also help address acne problems.

Vitamin A (retinol or retinoids) can help treat keratosis pilaris because it makes the outer layer of the skin grow more rapidly. Thus, decreasing the amount of keratin in the skin. As a result, the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner making it so the pores are less likely to get clogged.

Using Mechanical Exfoliation to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

Mechanical exfoliation is also a good option to help remove keratin, dead skin cells and keratosis pilaris bumps. You can either use homemade or natural scrubs to slough off the keratin buildup. Sugar is a good option if you want to use an inexpensive and natural exfoliant.

For sensitive skin, try using a natural acid exfoliator as your keratosis pilaris treatment. If you're lost and don't quite know what a "natural acid exfolitator" is then I'll clarify. A natural acid exfoliator can be grape juice or milk. Both of these products contain acids that help remove excess sebum, debris and dead skin cells from the skin's surface.