How To Deal With Keratosis Pilaris

It’s More Common Than You Might Think

"Nobody knows exactly what causes the keratin build-up but it’s thought to be genetic. It’s incredibly common and tends to appear in childhood, getting more obvious during adolescence. In some cases, it continues into adulthood. It often follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, so there’s a one in two chance of a child developing it if a parent has it.” – Lucy Mitchell, head of brand at Ameliorate

Hormones, Weather & Even Clothes Can Affect It

"KP can get worse during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations – and it can also get worse during hay fever season." –  Sophie Medlin, dietitian

"Cold weather can dry the skin out, making the bumps feel more textured. Tight clothing is a common trigger too – friction from seams or fitted styles can aggravate it, so looser silhouettes are always better if it's flaring up.” – Lucy

There’s A Right & Wrong Way To Treat It

"KP often clears up on its own by the time you’re in your 30s or 40s but if it’s persistent, the best way to manage it is with a consistent routine. Moisturise regularly using creams that contain AHAs or BHAs – just be careful, as these ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.” – Sophie

“Opt for chemical exfoliants like lactic or salicylic acid and follow up with moisturiser to soften the skin.” – Dr Alexis Granite, dermatologist

“Lactic acid is key for treating the condition as it helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells by breaking down excess keratin. Using mild and unperfumed soaps helps, as does patting your skin dry rather than rubbing it.” – Lucy

Scrubs & Gloves Can Make Things Worse

“When treating it, avoid using gritty body scrubs or exfoliating gloves. These can trigger inflammation and even eczema.” – Alexis

“Squeezing the bumps is like squeezing a spot – it can cause inflammation and damage the pore, so it’s best avoided.” – Sophie

Consistency Is Everything

“If you stop using a good exfoliating moisturiser, it’s likely KP will return. It’s a condition that requires ongoing maintenance if you want to keep it at bay.” – Sophie

“Pat your skin dry after a shower instead of rubbing it and apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp to help lock in the added hydration. The skin on your body needs a consistent routine just like the face – but it’s something most of us forget.” – Alexis

There Is The Option To Try Something Stronger

“Medical skin clinics can offer chemical peels, which may help if the condition is more severe.” – Sophie

“Your GP may prescribe a retinoid or a mild steroid cream if there’s visible redness – but hydrocortisone should only be used short term, for example ahead of a special event.” – Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic

There’s No Miracle Diet But Supplements Can Help

“There’s no miracle diet for KP. Gluten is often viewed negatively in the context of skin issues but there’s no evidence to support that – and cutting it out unnecessarily can impact your gut health and nutritional balance.” – Sophie

“A high-quality omega-3 supplement along with vitamins A, D and K2 can help keep the skin supple and support keratin regulation.” – Sophie

Visit AMELIORATE.COM, DRALEXISGRANITE.COM, CADOGANCLINIC.COM & follow @SOPHIEDIETITIAN