Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is also known more informally as ‘chicken skin’ for its resemblance to the skin of a plucked chicken. It presents itself as dozens (or sometimes hundreds) of tiny bumps that mainly show up on the back of the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes the face – all the places you could really do with avoiding skin that looks like a plucked chicken!
While some people with the condition find that it doesn’t hurt or bother them, for others it can be irritating, uncomfortable and at times embarrassing. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to treat it and reduce its severity.
Products for Keratosis Pilaris Prone Skin
Let customers speak for us
OMG this stuff is serious magic for PD! I have been a PD sufferer for over 10yrs on and off with my bouts of flare ups. I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun and done all of the deep dives into how to cure my PD, knowing for me a lot of it is gut related and diet etc. However, still finding nothing to help soothe the flare ups whilst I conquer the gut stuff. I'd always been on the fence about Amperna not really trusting that any skin care could help. But I finally purchased the duo pack after deciding to try this rather than a sulfar soap as a last resort. And WOW WOW WOW!! Literally after one day of applying morning and night I saw immediate results! All of the tingling and itchiness ceased and the ever growing red little bumps also ceased immediately. I literally couldn't believe it. After a week, it had completely cleared all the little bumps and within two weeks the redness around my nose and mouth was barely visible. I cannot scream enough how amazing these products are for anyone suffering with PD! I cannot wait until my skin is ready to indulge in all of the Amperna products. I am converted for life and so thankful Amperna exists. Bloody gamechanger! Can't believe I sat on the fence this long!
An absolute game changer for my POD. I use both at night if I get a flare up, and it works really well to keep flare ups at bay
I’ve only been using the Soothing Duo for a couple of days but I already notice a difference in my rosacea prone skin. My barrier is improved and overall redness is reduced. Will definitely be purchasing more products from the range. Happy to have found such lovely soothing natural products!
I suffer from PD with intermittent flares when the weather changes and sometimes exfoliating with other products is not possible. This lotion is amazing and has helped keep my skin clear as well as improved texture over the last six months of use!
I have suffered from PD intermittently over the last few years to varying degrees and have tried so many different things. Some seem to work for a little bit but ultimately the fix never seems to last. Typically weather change will bring this on for me and come summer time I don’t want to be wearing much on my face so it is difficult when I flare during this time. Amperna has helped so much, just after a week of use I noticed a difference in my skin and since then I have had minimal to no flares. Photos on top are before and photos to the bottom are after just one week of using the Amperna cleanser as well as the resurfacing lotion. I plan to buy more products to add to my stock!
I am in love with this product and how amazing it has transformed my skin. I have not had any flare ups since starting the soothing duo 7 months ago!! Thank you
Honestly, Amperna is the best out there, and I am so lucky to have essentially stumbled upon Kiri and her brand a few years ago. I have been using all Amperna skin care since 2020 and have been so happy with the results and the day to day efficiency of her products. This cleanser is gentle, doesn't have a strong fragrance, and doesn't dry out my skin. I 'lather' the cleanser on my face for 60 seconds and then rinse off and find it doesn't leave my face feeling tight at all but refreshed.
My skin glows up everytime I use this product everyday in the morning. The best SPF I’ve ever used!!!
I have been struggling with acne, rosacea and periodical dermatitis over the past few years. I have found nothing that addresses all 3 skin concerns without flaring another issue. This product is so gentle and soothing. Have been using it with the Hydrate for the past month or so and my skin has never looked or felt better. Almost completely gone! So thankful to have found this line.
Keratosis Pilaris sufferers can apply the AMPERNA® Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion moisturiser morning and night or throughout the day if required. This moisturiser contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and emollients to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage. AMPERNA® Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion moisturiser won’t clog pores and contains sage extract to help cool, soothe and nourish skin.
Continued use of our AMPERNA® 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion helps to remove excess debris from the outer layer of skin and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.
When using glycolic acid and other AHAs, always wear sunscreen and appropriate sun protection. Chemical exfoliants can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Our Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum is a deeply hydrating serum helps soothe the skin while targeting dullness, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines.
WHAT CAUSES KERATOSIS PILARIS?
Keratosis pilaris occurs when your skin produces too much keratin, the key structural matter that makes up the outer layer of skin (and hair). The excess keratin blocks the hair follicle instead of exfoliating or shedding. This causes small bumps and rough, dry patches to appear.
The condition is fairly common and can show up at any age, but it’s more likely to affect young children. In fact according to DermNet NZ, up to half of all children are affected by keratosis pilaris.
Genetics also play a part in the condition - if a parent has the keratosis pilaris, up to half of that person’s children are also likely to have the condition.
According to Dr Amy Burkahrt, who specialises in integrative medicine and digestive health, “It is seen more commonly in inflammatory conditions such as asthma and allergies, and is associated with dry skin, vitamin A and essential fatty acid deficiency.”
Keratosis pilaris is fairly harmless, and tends to reduce in severity with age (some people find it resolves when they hit their 30s). However, some people suffer from dry, itchy patches caused by the condition and others are bothered greatly by its effect on physical appearance.
HOW TO TREAT KERATOSIS PILARIS
Like many skin conditions, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor or skin specialist first to ensure you get the right diagnosis.
While picking is very tempting (we totally understand), avoid it at all costs - it will only make the spots worse and could leave you with scarring.
DIETARY TREATMENTS
Some experts suggest that diet can play a role in helping to manage the condition, particularly those who approach healing from an integrative or holistic approach.
In the article titled ‘Keratosis Pilaris diet: Eat your way to a bump-free skin’, the following vitamins and minerals are recommended along with Vitamin D and Vitamin B7:
Vitamin A for its inflammation fighting properties (found in spinach, carrots, sweet potato, kale and liver)
Omega-3 fats to help prevent dryness and manage oil production (found in wild salmon, sardines and krill oil)
Vitamin C for its ability to reduce dry, scaly skin (sourced from citrus fruits, tomato, broccoli, capsicum)
Vitamin E to fight UV rays and reduce cellular damage (found in almonds, hazelnuts, broccoli and green vegetables)
FOODS TO AVOID IF YOU HAVE KERATOSIS PILARIS
The article also recommends that sufferers avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, trans fat, refined carbohydrates and artificial flavours and colours.
Read more about the affect an anti-inflammatory diet can have on your skin in our article ‘Could an anti-inflammatory diet be the first step to clear skin?’.
REGIME FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS
Melanie Ruckley, in-house naturopath at Nourished Life recommends the following 4 steps when starting on a keratosis pilaris treatment regime.
Exfoliate
“Regular exfoliation can help to smooth the skin and buff away any bumps”, says Melanie, “don't try to scratch them off! However, this step alone will not address the inflammation at the base of the hair follicle.”
Moisturise
“Use a hardworking moisturiser. Regularly moisturising softens dry skin and can promote cell turnover, preventing blocked pores.”
Check the Ingredients in your Skincare Products
“Avoid synthetic ingredients commonly found in mainstream scrubs and lotions as these can make the skin dry.”
(Read our article ‘Four ingredients we exclude from our products and why’ for more information about synthetic ingredients.)
Keep it up
“Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris is all about consistency,” explains Melanie, “so once you find a routine that works, stick to it.”
Our Classic Edit bundle is a great place to start with your Keratosis Pilaris skincare regime. It contains our groundbreaking, ultra-gentle exfoliant and a slew of ingredients to help nourish, hydrate and reduce inflammation.