AMPERNA® is here to help you
Keratosis pilaris (also referred to as ‘chicken skin’) is a very common skin condition many people suffer from. It’s a harmless and non-infectious skin concern that usually occurs in childhood but can also appear and/ become more obvious later in your adult life as well.
Keratosis pilaris are small, hard, coloured bumps (ranging from flesh, white, red, brown, or black) that dot the skin where hair follicles exist and have a rough sandpaper-like appearance. The areas most affected are on the upper arms, thighs, chest, and the face. Dry and rough skin is also a characteristic of keratosis pilaris.
Some people find the symptoms mild enough to ignore, whilst others can experience itching and irritation, which can result in inflammation and feeling self-conscious of their appearance.
Thankfully there are ways to reduce keratosis pilaris symptoms as well as help rid those pesky bumps forever… using AMPERNA® products.
What causes Keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis means ‘scaly skin’ and Pilaris means ‘hair’ in Latin. Keratin (a hair protein) in our skin is there to protect us from infections but too much keratin can lead to irritation. The build-up of keratin on the skin causing hair follicles to become blocked is the main culprit of keratosis pilaris bumps from forming. These tiny bumps are composed of skin and ingrown hair.
It is unknown why keratin builds up on some people’s skin causing keratosis pilaris and not others, but there’s evidence to suggest that genetics plays a hand. Also, if you suffer from asthma, eczema, or obesity you are more susceptible to the condition keratosis pilaris. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty can also cause flare ups.
How to treat Keratosis Pilaris
There’s no quick fix when it comes to treating keratosis pilaris. As this condition is anchored around trapped scaly skin you will need to focus on gently removing the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and pollutants that accumulate during the day.
Here are a few tips you can try at reducing your symptoms:
- Avoid scratching or picking the bumps. You will find keratosis pilaris patches may become itchier during the winter months when your skin becomes drier. Meaning an increased temptation to scratch and damage the surface of your skin. Instead, use a light moisturizing cream that contains urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. Regularly moisturising your affected skin throughout the day as needed will help soften the bumps and relieve dry and itchy symptoms.
For best results apply your moisturiser after showering and on damp skin.
- Use mild gentle cleansers for your face and your body. Harsh heavily fragranced cleansers and body wash can cause further irritation and dryness to the skin.
- Cool water is best to use on sensitive skin concerns like keratosis pilaris as hot water aggravates the skin.
- Gently pat your skin dry, avoid roughly rubbing your skin with a towel.
- Gentle exfoliation is key. Chemical exfoliants like AMPERNA®'s 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion is your best friend when it comes to treating keratosis pilaris. Glycolic Acid (AHA) helps breakdown the top layer of skin, dissolving oils and sloughing away dead skin cells. This product can be used on both your face and body, wherever you have patches of keratosis pilaris. Use up to a couple of times a week for optimal results at diminishing the bumpy appearance.
- Never use harsh physical exfoliating scrubs or coarse exfoliating mitts. Just don’t.
- Avoid tight/restrictive clothing. The friction of tight fighting clothes may increase symptoms. Looser styles and natural fibres where possible are best.
- Review your diet. The foods we eat play a major role in the health of our skin. And although research is scarce in proving that food actually causes keratosis pilaris, there are certainly key nutrients and minerals you should incorporate in your diet to better help the overall health of your skin.
Your diet should be rich in:
Vitamin A (spinach, kale, sweet potato, and carrots)
Vitamin C (tomato, broccoli, and citrus fruits)
Vitamin E (nuts, and green vegetables)
Vitamin B7 (mushrooms, avocado, sunflower seeds, and cauliflower)
Omega-3 Fats (Salmon and sardines)
@ampernaskin Keratosis Pilaris #probioticskincare #keratosispilaris #keratosispilaristreatment #keratosispilarisremedy #fyp #foryoupage #skincondition ♬ original sound - ampernaskin
How to keep your Keratosis Pilaris in check with AMPERNA®
Clearing will take time. For some people the bumps eventually go away on their own. But for others it can take years and years and their symptoms may become worse. Be patient and practice the above tips to help minimise the appearance of keratosis pilaris.
Kiri (AMPERNA® founder and owner) has helped people treat their keratosis pilaris and kick it to the curb for good.
With no laser treatments.
No steroid cream.
And no prescribed medication.
By using the below AMPERNA® products consistently as part of their maintenance plan they are now keratosis pilaris free!
Recommended products for Keratosis Pilaris
ACNE TRIO BUNDLE (for your face)
- Ultra-Gentle Soothing Cleanser this gel cleanser contains sage and cucumber extracts to help cool and nourish the skin. It rinses clean without leaving any irritating residue or stripping the skins natural pH levels. This can be used morning and night.
- Lightweight Soothing Emulsion this light but hard-working moisturiser contains ceramides, emollients, and hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage. This can be applied morning and night and throughout the day as required.
- 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion the hero product when treating keratosis pilaris. This gentle chemical exfoliant helps remove excess debris from the outer layer of the skin, working hard at descaling your keratosis pilaris bumps. The 10% glycolic acid (AHA) combined with antioxidants and AMPERNA®'s probiotic complex help deliver good bacteria to your skin gently but effectively. NOTE: This can also be used on your body as required.
WASH AND LOTION DUO (for your body)
- Hydrating Gentle Wash with Ceramides our soap-free body wash contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, colloidal oatmeal and silverion which has antibacterial properties. These ingredients are vital in helping clean the skin on your body without aggravating your keratosis pilaris patches.
- Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides 72 hours of hydrated skin... Yes, you read that right. This incredible fragrance-free, fast-absorbing body lotion contains pentavitin which offers 72 hours of heavenly hydration for your skin. It’s the perfect body lotion for people suffering from keratosis pilaris. It’s non-greasy and wont clog your pores.
References
Keratosis Pilaris: What is it, and can it be Treated? - Dr Nathan Holt (cambridgelaserclinic.com)
Keratosis pilaris - treatment, causes and symptoms | healthdirect
