Hi little angels! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve talked about skincare. With summer in full swing, I have been spending a little extra time trying to take care of my skin. Today, I am sharing with you how I fight those annoying little bumps known as KP.
Before I dive into my go-to products, let’s chat about what the heck KP (aka “chicken skin”) is. KP is short for Keratosis Pilaris. It is a common long-term skin condition that causes small, scaly bumps where there are hair follicles. The bumps are actually extra keratin buildup. Keratin is the protein that protects skin, hair and nails from infections and other harmful things. The buildup forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle. Doctors don’t know what triggers the buildup.
I never dealt with KP until three years ago. I have it on the back of my arms, and it actually makes me really self-conscious. People will sometimes ask me if I am cold, LOL. This past year I noticed it got pretty bad in the winter. I wanted to do everything I could to tame it.
Unfortunately for me, you cannot prevent or cure Keratosis Pilaris. The best way to treat it is usually with a topical exfoliant, topical retinoids, or lotions. After much trial and error, I found three products that work the best for me! Please note: Everyone’s skin is different and what works for me may not work the same for you.
The first product is the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. I use this scrub in the shower 2-3 times a week. It helps exfoliate to remove dead cells. The Glycolic and Lactic Acids help skin appear bright, and the Bisabolol soothes skin. This product is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free. It has pretty good reviews! This product is a little pricey at around $28 for 8 oz. It definitely lasts a while though! They also make a “mini” size for $10, which is a great way to test the product out before buying the full size.
The next product I use is the AmLactin Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion. It works almost instantly with visible results. My only complaint is that it smells pretty bad. I will usually use this at night before bed a few times a week. You can find this product at any drugstore like Target, CVS, Walmart, etc. I believe it is around $15. To my knowledge, this product is not cruelty-free.
I have tried other lotions, like the skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream. I personally found that it did not work as good as the AmLactin, and it is more expensive ($45).
The last product that I’ve found to be a real game changer is actually a serum made for your face. I have been using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA. I have been rubbing it on the backs of my arms twice a week. Out of all three of the products mentioned, this probably works the best! It is also the cheapest at around $7.
If you’re struggling with KP, know you are not alone. I know how frustrating and embarrassing it can be. I hope these products give you smoother skin and more confidence!
You can find all products mentioned linked below! They are associated with LikeToKnow.it, where I have the potential to make a small commission at no extra cost to you!
xx Courtney