Keratosis pilaris, also known as KP or follicular keratosis, is a commonly known skin condition that affects the back and outside part of the upper arm. In some cases it can affect the legs and face. It never affects the palms or soles of the feet.

Keratosis pilaris occurs around the hair follicles and presents as 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 bumps are sometimes 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. Exfoliation is also a treatment option to improve the appearance of your skin.

Vitamin A (retinol or retinoids) works on KP by causing the outer layer of the skin to grow more rapidly. This, in effect, decreases the amount of the keratin in the skin. As a result, the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner and pores are less likely to become blocked. This ingredient is also helpful if you suffer from acne.

Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs are another great addition to keratosis pilaris creams. This group of natural acids are derived from different types of foods. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid are derived from sugar cane, milk, citrus fruits, and almonds.

AHAs have a profound 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 commonly used in a wide range of cosmetic products. Similar to AHAs, Salicylic acid also helps the skin shed more easily.

Or, if you prefer, you can also exfoliate your skin with a mechanical abrasive to help promote cell turnover. Some less expensive mechanical methods may include using 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.

If you have dry or sensitive skin you should stay away from exfoliants with pumice or other mechanical abrasives. Instead, try natural acids like those found in grapes or milk to help remove dead cells.