Keratosis Pilaris and the solution to silky smooth skin
Keratosis Pilaris, strawberry skin or chicken skin - there are many different names behind the skin condition that looks like a kind of goosebumps. More people are affected by it than you think and I also have to deal with it regularly.
In this blog post I'll explain what exactly Keratosis Pilaris is all about and how you can really get rid of it.
The so-called »chicken skin«, which could be mistaken for goose bumps, is a result of keratin buildup in the hair follicle. Keratin is a protein that is also found in our hair and nails which provides stability. However, when there is an overproduction of keratin, the hair follicles become clogged and the surrounding skin thickens.
Keratosis Pilaris mainly affects the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and in some cases the neck. From experience, I can say that it gets worse in the winter months than in the summer. Dry air, cold and dry skin worsen the condition of KP. In summer, on the other hand, it gets better due to sun exposure and increased humidity. KP is not harmful, but not really aesthetically pleasing, which is why I always try to find ways to get rid of it.
Before and After of my inner thighs
What can you do to get rid of the »chicken skin«?
There are several ways to achieve softer and smoother skin. However, the reason why I am writing this blog post is because of a product recommendation that works better than any other product I've tried. Believe me that I have tried many things before and nothing has had such a positive result on me.
The product that works wonders for me is the Glycolica Body Cream 16% by Alkemilla. The product is enriched with 16% glycolic acid, so it is quite highly concentrated but has never caused any skin irritation for me. The brand recommends washing the product off after 5 minutes during the first few days of use, but I never did. I used it about 4-5 days a week on the affected areas with no problems and got fantastic results. However, I would recommend sensitive skin to start slow and try it out to see if they tolerate it well when the cream is not washed off at the beginning as directed.
When I became aware of Alkemilla, I also ordered another product from the brand, the Acid Peel for the Body 90/60/90. Why it has this strange name is a mystery to me. The acid peeling has a very liquidy, watery consistency and contains a mix of AHAs, such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid and lactic acid. When using this liquid exfoliant I apply a body oil/cream afterwards, to moisturize the area. The dispenser is not ideal for a liquid, I wish they would change it. As Caroline Hirons always says 'love the juice, hate the packaging'. Because the product inside is really good.
Final thoughts
I really enjoy both products. The Glycolica Body Cream 16% is a bit more intense in its effect, but I also find the liquid acid peeling great and compared to other brands, both products achieve a better effect on me.
To minimize KP in the long term, it is important to exfoliate the skin regularly (e.g. also with a dry brush) and to moisturize/hydrate it sufficiently. Only then can you achieve a silky smooth and soft skin in the long term, which you can be happy about.