Keratosis pilaris is like that pesky person who just gets under your skin (literally). If you deal with KP, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a nuisance. I’ve dealt with KP since I went through puberty at 10 years old…lucky me! Over the years, I’ve tried creams, exfoliators, diets, and everything else you can imagine to treat it.
While maintaining a healthy gut is the biggest key to the puzzle (we’ll save that for another day), I have a fabulous DIY treatment for you, if you struggle with Keratosis pilaris.
First, WTF is Keratosis Pilaris?
Also nicknamed “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that manifests as red patches and bumps. It resembles goosebumps and appears most often on the back of the arms and thighs. They feel rough like sandpaper and are very small, about the size of a salt grain. Sometimes they occur on the face and can be mistaken for acne. There may also be redness around the bumps that varies from light pink to bright red. {source}
Your skin naturally contains keratin, which is a protein. About 50% overproduce this protein. When overproduced, it becomes trapped inside hair follicles which forms a rough, raised, and plugged follicle. These follicles become inflamed, which is why the surrounding skin turns red or pink.
The DIY Treatment
KP is not something that you can make disappear with topical treatments, but exfoliating helps A LOT. You just have to be consistent.
So this brings me to my DIY treatment that helps more than any other lotion or potion I’ve put on my KP. I did hours of research and months of being a guinea pig and this stuff really works. Just call me Antoine Lavoisier. 😉
I started my research with finding out the best anti-inflammatory products, and I mixed and matched until I came up with THE holy grail KP relief.
Before we get to the exact measurements, here is the background on each ingredient: turmeric helps with inflammation when ingested and applied to the body. You’ve probably seen that it’s super trendy right now do order a turmeric latte, right? They taste pretty good, too.
Jojoba oil and lavender oil are also anti-inflammatories. Jojoba oil is known to reduce redness and is very hydrating. Lavender is known to kill bacteria.
♡ 2T Baking Soda
♡ 1.5 t Turmeric Powder
♡ 3T Jojoba Oil
♡ 5-10 drops of pure essential lavender oil
Mix all of the ingredients, and apply to the KP skin. I always do this in the shower, and rinse off with warm water.
Do you deal with keratosis pilaris? Any other tips to deal?
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