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Beauty

12 ‘Chicken Skin’ Treatments That’ll Leave Skin Baby Smooth

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We all want to have smooth, beautiful skin, but sometimes, factors beyond our control get in the way. If you’re someone who deals with a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (KP), you likely know exactly what we mean. Also known as “chicken skin” for the bumpy appearance it creates on the epidermis, it’s an unsightly issue that can be a real confidence buster. Though there’s no cure for KP, there are a slew of products on the market designed to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risks of flare ups. Read on to find out what they are and where you can get your hands on them.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris? 

According to esthetician Heather Wilson, who spoke to FIRST for Women in July, “Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which the skin produces too much keratin, blocking hair follicles and resulting in dry, bumpy skin.” 

Though it’s harmless and causes no medical complications, the tiny red bumps that KP results in can look like goosebumps and are typically seen on the backs of your arms, thighs, face, or buttocks.. They can also be mistaken for pimples. It effects an estimated 50 to 80 percent of adolescents and 40 percent of adults.  

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris 

Keratosis pilaris appears as the result of dead skin cells that clog our pores and block our hair follicles. Though it can be a genetic condition (30 to 50 percent of patients have a positive family history, according to Medscape), it can also flare up due to hormones or other extenuating factors, including dry skin, asthma, eczema, obesity, and melanoma, just to name a few.

best keratosis pilaris treatments

The Best Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris 

KP can differ from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find a treatment that’s right for you. It also requires routine maintenance with the proper products to ensure that skin not only heals, but remains healthy. If you’re ready to say goodbye to itchy, chicken skin, keep scrolling for FIRST for Women’s picks for 12 of the best treatments for keratosis pilaris treatments for smoother skin. 

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