Keratosis Pilaris

 Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic skin disorder which shows as a group of small rough bumps (skin-colored, red/brown when inflamed) usually at the outer parts of the arms/thighs.

The main goal in treating KP is to reduce the dead skin cells buildup in the hair follicles, which forms that bump:

✓Gently exfoliate the area with a washcloth/exfoliating gloves for a few weeks while taking a shower

✓Always moisturize after the shower, on damp skin to seal in the water from the shower. Moisturized skin turns over cells more efficiently. Apply barrier-strengthening ingredients:

  • Ceramides
  • Cholesterol
  • Fatty Acids
  • Glycerin
  • NMF

✓Incorporate a treatment with keratolytic agents such as:

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids: <10%)
  • BHA (salicylic acid, <2%)
  • Retinoids

… to help further dissolve cell buildup & regulate turnover

 

❌No long hot shower/baths. They make skin drier by diluting the natural waxes of your lipid barrier (=inflammation-prone barrier with dry skin cells)

❌Don’t use soaps on the area, but gentler cleanser with a slightly acidic pH (5.5) or just plain water

❌Don’t over-do exfoliation. Scrubs/aggressive shaving can worsen KP, especially if you cut off the bump & create a wound, which can inflame the skin around it & leave a scar

❌No scratching

❌Impaired barrier = irritants can get through your stratum corneum easier, alarm your immune system & cause acute inflammation. Thus it’s better to avoid fragrance, essential oils (tea tree/lavender/citrus)& some plant extracts (menthol, eucalyptus)

 

Montaser  Home Care Treatment

  1. Enzyme Moist+ to gently cleanse the affected area daily ( https://montaser.com.au/product/cleanse-moist-plus-3-in-1/ )
  2. Exfoliate Moist+ to help dissolve cell buildup & regulate turnover twice a week ( https://montaser.com.au/product/exfoliate-moist-plus-2-in-1/ )
  3. Lipid Moist+ to strength the barrier daily ( https://montaser.com.au/product/lipid-moist-plus/ )
  4. Daylight Defence ( https://montaser.com.au/product/daylight-defense-cream-with-uvab-skin-protector/ )

 

Professional In-Clinic Treatment

Chemical peels/laser hair removal/vascular laser procedures can help if bumps left hyperpigmentation/redness behind, but I’d stick to regular at-home treatments to prevent them