Dealing with Keratosis Pilaris this Winter

Cold weather, central heating, and low humidity can wreak havoc to your skin, especially if you have keratosis pilaris. Here, we share some tips on how to manage it this winter season.

Fast facts

Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, is a condition where little white or red bumps appear on the skin, usually seen on the backs of arms and legs, at the hair follicle. It is caused by a buildup of keratin which then forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle. Except for some itching, keratosis pilaris does not hurt. It is usually worse in winter months, when there’s less moisture in the air. Also, the area of your skin affected by keratosis pilaris may become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, which can happen if you scratch or pick at the bumps.

There are a number of practices that may help reduce the appearance of dry and red bumps on your skin:

Gentle exfoliation

“Gently” is the term to remember when exfoliating skin with keratosis pilaris. Do not use a body scrub along with exfoliating gloves. This would cause more damage to your skin. There are gentle exfoliants that are sure to get rid of those clogged hair follicles. Better yet, you can always check organic products, which are milder and safer for your skin. One thing to remember with organic products though, is to make sure that the ingredients do not irritate your skin.

Use mild soaps

Use natural, non-toxic, vegetable-based, chemical-free, and animal fat-free soaps and cleansers on your skin. These are typically found at local health stores. However, it is still imperative that you consult your dermatologist about which soap is more appropriate for your skin type. The last thing you need is something that would worsen the condition.

Moisturize

Dry skin not only aggravates keratosis pilaris, but also gives the area a rough and scaly appearance. Moisturizing several times a day especially if your skin feels itchy, would greatly help. You can always try natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, calendula oil, olive oil, and aloe vera.

Limit your bath time and frequency

While taking long showers could make most people feel better, those with keratosis pilaris should limit bathing time to 20 minutes or less. Taking long showers or baths may strip off the natural oils from your skin and cause it to dry.

Use a humidifier

The use of a humidifier can be a helpful tool when combating symptoms of keratosis pilaris. Humidifiers are useful during cold winter months or in dry climates, as they help maintain skin hydration by adding moisture to the air around you. Do not set the humidity level to high to prevent mold from growing inside your home and also to prevent lung-related problems. Keep your humidifiers clean and get rid of mineral deposits in it.

Wear something comfy

Wearing comfortable clothes is also a big help if you have keratosis pilaris, other skin allergies, or if you have sensitive skin in general. Wearing clean and comfortable clothing helps you go about your daily tasks comfortably, which a very important thing. Here at Cottonique, we offer 100% organic cotton clothing that are specially made for individuals with sensitive skin and allergies.

Remember that everyone’s skin is different and some tips recommended above may or may not work for you. It is best to talk to a physician to know exactly what your skin needs.