Updated 12/11/14. Having rough, bumpy skin on the backs of the arms and thighs (and sometimes on the face) is a condition called Keratosis Pilaris, where dead skin cells block up the hair follicles. While it’s very common and completely harmless, it can be frustrating for those who suffer from it.
What can you do?
Exfoliate! Combining physical exfoliants (facial scrubs or loofahs) and chemical exfoliants (glycolic acid) will dramatically soften and smooth away even the driest, roughest, bumpiest skin.
Here’s an effective way to control Keratosis Pilaris on the arms and legs.
Step 1: In the shower, apply a mild sulfate-free shower gel (bar soaps are too drying) to a loofah or this Exfoliating Body Cloth. Scrub the area in circular motions for two minutes.
Step 2: After the shower, apply an exfoliating serum on the body (I highly recommend AHA Smoothing Serum 20%) ) which contains a powerful percentage of glycolic acid to break down dead cell build up that causes bumpy skin. Follow with a body lotion or reparative skin oil like Pro Remedy Oil. Repeat every other day…
This keep the bumps to a minimum and reveal smoother, softer skin. You can also consider getting a series of chemical peel from an esthetician which will exfoliate deeper within the skin to help smooth the bumps.
Note: You can’t get rid of this condition permanently, but if you’re consistent about exfoliation, it should improve considerably. Trust me on this one.
Read: How To Get Rid Of A Blemish FAST!
Read: Eye Makeup Remover That Won’t Make Eyes Sting
Read: Is Your Skin Fading? Tips To Get The Glow
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Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
Comments:
Her best bet it to get our Exfoliating Body Cloth and use it daily with a gentle sulfate-free shower gel. It’s $14.50 and will last a long time if you keep it clean.
https://www.reneerouleau.com/ExfoliatingBodyCloth.aspx
Posted By: Renée Rouleau |
Thanks for this timely and informative blog post Renee! My 14 year old daughter has this condition and it truly is bothering her a great deal. She has the bumps and they have been identified by her doctor as the above-mentioned Keratosis Pilaris. If she cannot afford the products from your line, can you recommend something a little cheaper that will give her similar results?
Posted By: michelle |
Hi Renee,
Your treatment recommendations for this difficult-to-treat condition sound wonderful and effective. We also have excellent response treating patients with Keratosis Pilaris using Laser Hair removal, thereby removing the inciting hair follicle. This genetically transmitted condition can also benefit from topical Vitamin A derivatives to increase skin turnover. Thank you for making Dallas- and America- beautiful.
Dr. Bassichis
Posted By: Dr. Benjamin Bassichis |
I have this condition and have been using the exfoliating cloth and smoothing lotion for about a year at the recommendation of Renee. They are a true miracle!! The bumps on my arms and legs are almost nonexistest. Thanks for another great product!
Posted By: Stefani Walther |