Keratosis pilaris or chicken skin is a very common skin disorder that affects people of all ages. Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch, and are flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black in color. This condition develops when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop.
Keratosis pilaris is generally considered a cosmetic problem rather than a serious skin disorder requiring medical intervention. But the roughness of the skin and its chicken skin-like appearance can be annoying. Consuming excessive dairy products and meat can sometimes aggravate the condition. It is best to avoid these if they are your trigger foods to developing keratosis pilaris. Also, avoid food items that contain gluten.
The condition isn’t often serious and usually disappears with time, but you can treat it in several different ways. Keep your skin well hydrated from inside with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce the severity of keratosis pilaris and prevent its recurrence. Drink plenty of water. Oily fish, nuts and other foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids may be of help too.
Getting rid of keratosis pilaris completely may not be possible, but the home remedies will reduce the severity and heal inflammation effectively. Ingredients like coconut oil, cod liver oil, tea tree oil, argan oil, baking soda, lactic acid, and apple cider vinegar help effectively manage keratosis pilaris. In addition, scrubs, oatmeal baths, and witch hazel also help manage keratosis pilaris. Including fresh fruits and vegetables helps get the required amounts of antioxidants that will help combat keratosis pilaris.
Use the home remedies listed below to help your body heal these bumps and fade them away.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil acts as an excellent keratosis pilaris home remedy, and it is good not only for your hair but for your skin as well. Its unique fatty acids soften the skin and provide nourishment from within. The strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help heal skin inflammation over time. Mix coconut oil with little sugar and make a paste out of it. Rub this paste on the affected area in a circular motion before or after a bath. Then wipe off and rinse with water. Alternatively, apply coconut oil directly onto your skin after bathing.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is very good at treating dry skin and improving your skin’s appearance. The lactic acid in the yogurt exfoliates the skin chemically. The milk fats may moisturize the skin. Apply a little yogurt on the affected area and allow to dry on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Then wash off with a gentle soap.
3. Baking Soda
Baking Soda has excellent exfoliating properties for your skin, removing dead cells and opening pores. Mix 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda and water to form a paste. Gently scrub the affected areas for 3–5 minutes, and rinse. Or combine baking soda with lemon for a simple scrub that adds citric acid to unclog pores and exfoliate skin. Cut a lemon in half and dip the flesh into baking soda. Rub onto the affected area for one minute then rinse. Use twice a week.
4. Flaxseed Oil
Flax seed oil is very useful in treating the symptoms of keratosis pilaris. The oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and these acids are very useful for your skin and by regular application of the oil on the skin the bumps can be removed permanently. Moreover, it is also advised to include flax seeds to your daily eating routine to get more benefits.
5. Cream and Sugar
One of the easiest ways to remove the appearance of keratosis pilaris from the skin is use a mixture of cream and sugar. Cream is rich in lactic acid and when mixed with sugar acts as an excellent scrub that helps in reducing the bumps from the skin. It is advised to gently scrub the skin for a few minutes and wash off the mixture with warm water.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV, on topical application, acts as a chemical exfoliant. It will remove the dead skin cells and excess keratin that are causing the formation of the bumps on the skin. It also doesn’t allow any infections to develop. Mix one part Apple Cider Vinegar with one part water. Apply this solution directly onto the affected area. Leave it on for few minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.
7. Essential Oils
Lemon oil contains antioxidants that will keep your skin healthy. It also has antifungal properties that will keep the skin infection-free. Lavender oil aids the lemon oil in keeping the skin healthy with its antibacterial properties. It also soothes the skin and the mind.
For this you will need:
- 2-3 drops lemon essential oil
- 2-3 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mix all the oils and massage on the skin for a few minutes. Let it air dry. Repeat this twice a day.
8. Milk
Lactic acid found in milk can also be useful to treat keratosis pilaris, by soothing and hydrating dry skin. Take a milk bath by adding 2- 3 cups of milk to your bath water. Lay in the bath tub for at least 20 minutes. In order to treat the breakouts more effectively, apply a small amount of milk directly onto the bumps.
9. Sour Cream
The lactic acid naturally found in sour cream helps to remove keratin buildup that can irritate your skin. Alone, or with a little white or brown sugar, gently rub in a circular motion for a few minutes and then rinse.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil purifies the skin, making it clear and healthy. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties will aid in giving you quick relief from keratosis pilaris, without developing any infections.
For this you will need:
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops coconut oil
Mix the two oils and massage onto the affected area. Leave it on and repeat this twice a day for better results.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is not only soothing for the skin, but it also has healing and moisturizing effects. Topical gel application is very beneficial for the skin. Take out fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes. After this, gently massage the gel for a few minutes. Wipe off the excess gel using a cotton pad. Repeat this twice or thrice a day for better results.
12. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a potent herb when it comes to treating skin problems. When the bumps on the skin are due to dry skin or hair removal, witch hazel is an excellent home remedy. It soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, and kills any bacteria that may be present. Crush the witch hazel leaves and add water to form a paste. Spread this paste evenly on the affected area and let it dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse with water. Apply this pack every day until the bumps go away. You can also use witch hazel lotion or tincture if you cannot find fresh leaves.
13. Argan Oil
Argan oil is a non-greasy oil that nourishes the skin. It contains vitamin E that helps in maintaining a healthy and blemish-free skin. Argan oil is also effective in healing wounds and scars. Massage the oil on the affected area and leave it on. Repeat this twice a day and you will start seeing results in a few days.
14. Oats
Oatmeal is a gentle, skin-friendly scrub to smoothen out the bumps. Just mix some oats with water or milk and make a paste out of it. Apply this paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then rub it on with a circular motion for a few minutes and then wash off. This can be a messy affair, but it leaves your skin silky soft. Alternately, you can bundle up some oatmeal in a muslin cloth and use it to rub down your body as you sit in the bath. Apply a moisturizer after washing off the oatmeal residue.
Try these recipes and let us know if you receive relief or not by visiting our comment section.