Have you looked in the mirror lately and seen a few white bumps that look like tiny pimples? Do these white rough patches make your face feel like sandpaper? Chances are you facing a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris. Also called Chicken Skin, Keratosis Pilaris often a common harmless condition, so you do not need to worry. But Keratosis Pilaris often does look bothersome on the skin. After all, who wants rough-bumps on their skin?
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Around millions suffer from Keratosis Pilaris and it usually brings along itchiness and dryness too. This Chicken skin condition is less noticeable in Summer or humid conditions. Keratosis Pilaris happens due to the buildup of keratin. Keratin is a hair protein present in our skin pores that protects us from infections, UV rays, and other harmful things.
Keratin gets clogged in the openings of a hair follicle and causes tiny bumps to appear. Keratosis Pilaris is more prevalent in people who have dry skins, especially in winter because of less moisture in the air.
Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris:
If you face a similar situation, where you experience small white/light-colored bumps on your body and face, we have a remedy for you. Keratosis Pilaris is a treatable condition with home remedies too. We’ll show you how.
1. Avoid Using Hot Water While Bathing:
Dry skin makes Keratosis Pilaris conditions worse. Using hot water in the shower or bath will strip away your body’s natural oils present on the skin. Use lukewarm water instead while bathing if needed, especially during colder months. Use cool, or room temperature water in the summer months. Do not take long baths as it will suck moisture from the skin. Always follow up with moisturizer or lotion afterwards.
2. Sea Salt For Keratosis Pilaris:
An affordable solution to your misery with keratosis pilaris. Use sea salt as an exfoliator in the shower as it’ll remove dead skin from the surface and unclog your hair follicles, allowing excess keratin to wash away. To create a Sea Salt exfoliator, you will need:
1. Two teaspoons of sea salt and,
2. Four teaspoons of raw honey.
Sea salt has anti-inflammatory properties, and honey has moisturizing qualities which boosts your skin’s ability to produce nutrients. Apply the mixture on wet skin in the shower on affected areas evenly, rub it on the skin, and let it rest for 15 mins or so. Don’t over-exfoliate or rub harshly as it can cause inflammation. Do this at least twice a week for best results.
Check out this 100% organic handcrafted bath salt that is proven to relax muscles and provide nourishment to the skin. This bath salt ensures you indulge in a divine bath that not only calms your body but also your soul.
READ: 5 Homemade Remedies for Soft Skin
3. Coconut Oil For Keratosis Pilaris:
Coconut oil is a nourishing, and moisturizing agent that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Create a mixture of:
1. 2 tablespoons coconut oil. (extra virgin coconut oil is preferred)
2. 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
In warm coconut oil, mix the sugar, and create a paste. Massage evenly on the affected areas, and you will feel a smooth and calming feel from the start. Rinse the mixture off your body with lukewarm/cold water after three to five minutes. Do this every day for the best result.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar For Keratosis Pilaris:
Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders on Keratosis Pilaris as it acts as a chemical exfoliant on skin. Do not apply Apple Cider Vinegar straight onto your skin. Create a mixture with moisturizers and emollients:
1. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
2. 1 teaspoon of honey.
3. 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Mix the ingredients and apply evenly on the affected area. Let the mixture dry on the skin and rinse it off with lukewarm/cold water. Do this every day for the best results. This mixture works because Apple cider vinegar with coconut oil and honey will remove dead skin from the surface, excess keratin from hair follicles, and your skin will be left smooth and moisturized.
5. Tea Tree Oil For Keratosis Pilaris:
Tea Tree Oil is a very useful ingredient. It not only provides relief when you face pimple problems and frequent breakouts but also for Keratosis pilaris. To use tea tree oil to your aid for the chicken skin condition, create a mixture with:
1. 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
2. 10 drops of coconut oil.
The mixture will purify your skin and nourish it from within, bringing out a natural healthy glow. This mixture antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory too, remember do not use tea tree oil directly. Apply this blend of oils twice a day and leave it on. Results will be smooth, clear, and healthy skin if daily applied.
6. Aloe Vera For Keratosis Pilaris:
Aloe Vera’s advantages are numerous. Aloe vera is used to treat many skin issues, and it works for Keratosis Pilaris too. This gel-like ingredient can be applied on to the affected areas using a cotton pad.
Take fresh aloe vera gel and apply it evenly using the cotton pad gently. Do not be harsh or quick during this process as it will result in irritation and inflammation of the skin. Leave the aloe vera gel on the skin for 10 minutes. The mixture will leave a soothing and cooling effect on the skin. Then gently massage the gel for 5-7 minutes, and wipe off the gel using the cotton pad.
Repeat this process about twice or thrice a day. Aloe vera gel is a moisturizing and healing agent that softens the hair follicles, and skin pores holding the excess keratin.
Also, Check out How to Get Rid of Acne Naturally at Home
7. Argan Oil For Keratosis Pilaris:
Argan Oil is a lightweight non-sticky, easily absorbed non-greasy oil, that can be used to treat keratosis pilaris. Argan oil treats acne, improves wound healing, heals skin infections, moisturizes skin, and is enriched with Vitamin-E. Massage Argan oil evenly on the skin twice a day and continue this for a few weeks to notice assured results.
8. Baking Soda For Keratosis Pilaris:
Baking soda is always available within reach and has loads of beneficial properties. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, removes dead skin cells, and improves blood circulation. Baking soda is an ideal agent to treat keratosis pilaris and mild rashes that come along with it.
Create a paste of 2-3 tablespoon of baking soda with water and massage the blend onto the affected areas evenly for 3-5 minutes. Message in circular motions and rinse off the paste with lukewarm/cold water. Repeat this process everyday before shower for desired results.
Keratosis Pilaris does not necessarily mean you have an underlying disease. Keratosis Pilaris is often harmless. Sometimes itchy goosebumps that appear like a rash/pimples on your upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, along with redness or swelling. The skin condition, Keratosis Pilaris, is very prevalent in India and abroad.
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally? – Key Takeaways:
1. Keratosis Pilaris is not a curable skin condition, but it can be treated and managed with the above remedies. Keratosis pilaris spontaneously improves over time, and it usually disappears as we get older. It requires ongoing maintenance therapy and proper care to minimize the appearance of the gooseflesh, goosebumps, or chicken skin.
2. Moisturize your skin daily. Use the natural hydrating moisturizing oils listed above and more such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, lavender essential oil, sea salt, raw honey, and avocado. If the condition proves to be serious and effecting your mental health and image issues, consult a dermatologist.
3. Try Dry Brushing. Dry brushing unclogs your skin pores and removes dead skin cells. In sweeping motions, gently brush every affected area of your body, preferably with a natural bristle brush before bathing.
4. Do not use perfumed soaps or bathing products. Use non-scented, natural mild soaps, and products instead because perfumed ones are made with harmful chemical ingredients that can dry your skin fast and cause rashes to appear. Also, do not spend too much time underwater as it will wash away your natural oils and make your skin dry.
5. Practice a Non-inflammatory Diet that consists of omega-3 foods such as fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines; Nuts and seeds like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts; Plant oils like flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil, and much more. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and drink water at least 8-12 glasses a day for hydration.
Keratosis Pilaris is nothing to be feared of. Follow the above remedies and tips to keep lessen the number and appearance of the tiny-pimples and rashes. Avoid wearing tight clothes to protect the area from irritation and friction. Remember not to scratch, pick, or rub your affected skin.
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FAQs on How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris:
How long does it take to get rid of Chicken Skin (Keratosis pilaris)?
Improvement can be after 4 to 6 weeks if a proper routine and diet are followed for managing the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is harmless and tends to go away in most after the age of 30. Unfortunately, Keratosis Pilaris is not a curable skin condition.
What vitamins help with Chicken Skin?
Vitamin A, Vitamin B, zinc, and magnesium can help with treating Keratosis Pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is some has connections with vitamin A deficiency too. It is advisable to intake your daily vitamins in the form of healthy food in your regular diet. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements for vitamins.
Does Chicken Skin ever go away?
Keratosis pilaris fades away in most by the age of 30. The skin condition, with the right routine and diet, can fade away and treat itself. Do not be tempted to poke, scratch, or pop your keratosis pilaris flare-ups. If the skin condition remains and appears unsightly, it is better to consult a physician.
Does Vaseline help Chicken Skin?
Vaseline contains petroleum jelly, and thus it can be a good remedy for Keratosis Pilaris. After bathing or washing your face, whilst your face is still damp, apply Vaseline petroleum jelly as a moisturizer. Vaseline will help flatten the chicken skin flare-ups by providing moisture to the dry skin.
Does sunlight help Chicken Skin?
Sunlight does not help with treating the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris. Time under sunlight can make your skin dry and lose its texture. You might see a slight improvement in the flare-ups after getting a natural sun-tan because the tan has an exfoliating effect. But as soon as the tan goes, it will leave more flare-ups in its wake. Minimize your time under sunlight, and if unavoidable, wear sunscreen.
