Rics really needs to know…I don’t know if what I have is what they call chicken skin since when I searched in the internet about it I read that there should be redness on the part of your body where you have chicken skin. Mine doesn’t have that. It’s more like when you have goosebumps when you’re cold or frightened, in my case that ‘goosebumps’ seemed to not go away, regardless. I’d like to cure that so I’ll have blemish-free skin even up-close. Also, the problem is not only when you look at it you’ll see them, but to touch your skin and you feel those little bumps like when you touch the skin of a featherless chicken, I feel self-conscious. I hope it’s curable. But honestly is it really (curable)? can anyone suggest any medication, hopefully over the counter medicine or products, that can get rid of this skin problem.
The Right Brain responds (with a little help):
Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE the members of the Beauty Brains Forum? I especially love when they help us answer questions! Case in point, lovely LindyGirl did some research in response to Rics’ question. Here’s what she found out:
Keratosis pilaris can cause chicken skin
According to this article by the Cosmetics Cop, a condition known as keratosis pilaris can cause bumpy, chicken-like skin on your upper arms, backside, or thighs. These bumps are actually clogged pores where “skin cells have become hardened inside the pore.”
What can you do about it?
You use alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) to exfoliate. According to the article AHA’s work for some people but it was recommended that you try a BHA product first. Those products do exfoliate without scrubbing. Scrubbing doesn’t work. And using bar soaps or cleansers can make the condition worse. Here is yet another article from WebMD that provides some helpful tips in the last paragraph.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Chicken skin is a real problem for some people. If the tips from these articles don’t help you, please consult your dermatologist!
Image courtesy NY Times.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I have had KP my entire life on my outer arms from shoulder to wrist, all over my thighs, on the outside and back of my calves, and sporadically in other areas (stomach, sides, etc.). Most of the bumps also have red spots. The best combination I have found is medium pressure with a standard bath puff and lactic acid or urea cream.
Even then, you have to exfoliate and moisturize every single day to see a serious improvement in the bumps and it probably won’t be 100%. I am also seeing some clearing as I get older and skin cell turnover is slowing.
you can eliminate it easily by simply bry brushing those bumpy ares using a body brush cured mine the same way
I use exfoliating gloves that most drugstores sell for a few dollars. They work very well and allow me to easily scrub all over. For my face I use an exfoliating cloth that’s thinner and smoother than the gloves. I use Cera Ve unscented cleanser because it doesn’t irritate my skin or give me zits. After bathing, I use 2% BHA liquid from the Paula’s Choice website. Their BHA products are unscented and a better deal (per ounce) than other brands that I’m aware of. After scrubbing and using the BHA, I use a moisturizer. My favorites are Cera Ve moisture lotion, Abolene cream, and pure mineral oil. Make sure not to use any soap or lotion that will clog your pores. It might take a few weeks to see real improvement, but I think it will work.
BTW, there’s a good discussion thread on the Forum on what products are good to treat this condition. http://thebeautybrains.com/bbforum/discussion/2337/chicken-skin-or-goosebumps#Item_9