Keratosis Pilaris - the symptoms and solutions

Keratosis pilaris as you may know is a very common condition, appearing usually on the outer edge of the upper arms. Keratosis pilaris is quite harmless and does not cause any symptoms. There are numerous rough follicular spots, which may be skin coloured, red or brown. Often keratosis pilaris also occurs on the thighs and cheeks, and less often on the forearms and upper back. It is most obvious during the teenage years.

The condition tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out. It can disappear for years, or appear for the first time in adult life.

The precise cause has yet to be determined, although it is thought to be a disorder of keratinisation in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug instead of exfoliating. This widens the pores making them appear more obvious than elsewhere. Often a curled hair can be identified under the skin.

My recommendations to you would be to use a body wash that does not include soap. Dermalogica's Conditioning Body Wash is ideal. Moisturise twice a day and always apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of having a bath or shower for maximum benefits. Dermalogica's Body Hydrating Cream is excellent for you as it contains hydroxy acids, which will dissolve the inter-cellular glue that holds the dead skin cells together and the fruit enzymes of papaya and papain will digest the keratinised cells.

Chances are you take pretty good care of your face. You would never use a bar of soap on it, nor would you step out of the bathroom wtihout toning, moisturising and applying a protective dose of sunscreen.

But what about the rest of you? Think your arms, chest and legs don't deserve that same attention? Think again! Body therapy is as ancient as Greek thermaes and Turkish Baths. During this era, spa meant "health through water" However, through expansion and accessibility, the word "spa" has become synonymous with luxury and pampering. In fact, check out any body lotions or shower gels you may have in your home and you'll notice that very little mention is made of any health benefits to skin.

What does this all mean? It's simple - just because our facial skin may be more delicate than any other place on our bodies, that doesn't mean the scrubbing, soaping, shaving and exposure to UV rays and overall abuse performed beyond the neckline is acceptable! Our bodies can experience the same skin conditions as out faces (including acne, dry skin and sensitivity) and require the same targeted, results-driven treaments and regimes we give our faces. Never has this been more important with the onset of autum, so really give your skin that extra protection and lock in some humidity. Dermalogica's Conditioning Body Wash with it's purifying essential oils and Quillaja Saponaria cleanse the body without over-drying, followed by Body Hydrating Cream that will retexturise your skin, gently smoothing away dull, rough debris while essential plant oils deeply condition for supple skin that begs to be touched! For really intensive results, try mixing adding few drops of Stress Relief Treatment Oil.

You can find all Dermalogica's Body Therapy products on our website.

Until next time...

Donna