Natural Remedies For Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) are tiny bumps that appear on the upper arms, thighs, back, buttocks, cheeks and legs. It is also called as chicken skin due to its dry and rough appearance.

The reason for KP is dysfunctional keratinization in which the body produces more of keratin protein that clogs the hair follicles with dead skin cells and appears as tiny bumps that make you feel the skin like a sandpaper. But the reason for the excess buildup of keratin is unknown.

It is also caused due to hormonal imbalance or genetics or dryness of the skin. It is painless, harmless and non-contagious skin disorder but gets worse during winter months due to less humid or cold weather.

There is no complete cure for KP, as it worsens in winter and gets normal in summer. Ointments and medicines are not that much effective in treating KP.

Wondering about how to cure this embarrassing skin problem? Then have a look at these natural remedies which are very effective in treating this KP and makes your skin soft.

Home Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris:

Here are the best remedies mentioned for treating keratosis pilaris but a multi-therapeutic approach will give a quick relief from KP. Let’s get started.

Remedy – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has astringent that unclogs and shrinks the skin pores which in turn restrict keratin buildup in the hair follicles. It soothes the inflammation by balancing your skin’s pH levels. It exfoliates gently to remove the excess dead cells to unclog the skin pores.

Steps to be followed…

Mix equal quantities of raw apple cider vinegar and water.
Stir well and apply it on the KP affected areas.
Let it sit for few minutes and rinse off.
Repeat the process a few times daily till you get relief from KP.

Note:

Or stir 1/2 to 1 cup of ACV in your bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak for 20 minutes and rinse your body with normal water. Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
Or else consume a glass of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of ACV and 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink it daily on an empty stomach to get relief from inside the body.
Or mix 1 teaspoon of soy lecithin (or raw honey) in 1 ½ cup each of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil. Stir well and apply it daily as an ointment on the affected areas.

Remedy – 2: (Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil has all essential fatty acids that make it penetrate deep into the skin and moisturizes your skin. The lauric acid helps to break down the keratin buildup to prevent the clog of hair follicles. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and inflammation of bumps.

Steps to be followed…

Stir 1 tablespoon of sugar to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
Spread this on the affected area and massage gently for few minutes.
For best results, add 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and honey to this scrub mix.
Rinse off thoroughly and repeat regularly.

Note:

Or apply some organic coconut oil on the affected areas and leave it on for overnight.
Or blend 1 part of Shea butter, 2 parts of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E, few drops of essential oil. Apply it on KP and massage gently. Use this after exfoliation.
Or consume 1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil daily and gradually increase the amount up to 3 tablespoons.

Remedy – 3: (Oatmeal)

Oatmeal soothes dry and itchy skin and moisturizes the skin to prevent dryness. It scrubs your skin to remove dead cells and smoothes out the bumps.

Steps to be followed…

Blend 1/3 cup of oatmeal to make it a fine powder.
Mix it well in warm water filled in your bathtub.
Soak in it for about 15 – 20 minutes and then bath normally.
Continue this bath regularly for 2 – 3 times a week to get rid of KP.

Note: Or mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal in enough warm water to make a paste. Rub this paste gently on the skin and rinse off after 10 – 15 minutes. Dry it and apply moisturizer.

Remedy – 4: (Baking Soda)

Baking soda exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells that block the skin pores and thereby reduces the bumps on the skin.

Steps to be followed…

Add enough water in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir it to make a paste.
Apply it on the damp skin and scrub it gently for 3 – 5 minutes in a circular motion.
Rinse the area with warm water and moisturize your skin.
Do it few times a week till you get relief from keratosis pilaris.

Note: Or mix baking soda, salt, lactic acid (milk or yogurt), water and ACV to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and exfoliate after few minutes to remove KP.

Remedy – 5: (Olive Oil)

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E that moisturizes your dry skin to reduce tiny bumps. It rejuvenates the damaged skin and removes excess keratin for quick heal from KP.

Steps to be followed…

Mix 1 tablespoon each of extra virgin olive oil and sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of warm water (or honey) in a bowl.
Stir well and apply it on the affected areas.
Scrub it gently for few minutes and leave for another few minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and dry the skin.
Repeat the process regularly for 2 – 3 times a week.

Note:

Or mix 3 tablespoons of salt in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply it on the KP affected areas and massage gently in circular motions. Rinse off with water and dry it.
Or else, massage the affected with some extra-virgin olive oil regularly for few times a day.

Remedy – 6: (Sour Cream with Sugar)

Sour cream has lactic acid which exfoliates the skin to remove the keratin buildup. It also moisturizes the skin to prevent dryness. This cream acts as a scrub when mixed with sugar.

Steps to be followed…

Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar in 2 teaspoons of sour cream.
Apply it on the affected area and scrub it gently in circular motions.
Wait for few minutes and wash it off.
Dry the skin and repeat the same for few times a week.

Note: Yogurt or buttermilk also has lactic acid, so you can apply them (either plain or mixed with sugar) for treating KP.

Remedy – 7: (Diet Plan)

Diet plays a major part in getting rid of any health or beauty problem. Here is the diet for the people having KP.

Include foods that are rich in omega – 3 and 6 fatty acids like cold water fish (salmon, tuna or mackerel) and consume 2 – 3 times a week. It prevents dryness and promotes healthy skin. Or take fish oil supplements as per your doctor’s advice.
Include foods rich in vitamin A and E like carrots, papaya, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkins, mangoes, nuts, strawberries, etc.
Drink more water to flush out the toxins from your body and have at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Remedy – 8: (Vitamin A Oil)

Vitamin A has retinol which is essential for regulating the production of keratin and thus prevents the follicles from getting plugged with dead cells. It also reduces the inflammation in case if you’re suffering from inflamed tiny bumps.

Steps to be followed…

Squeeze the oil from 1 – 2 vitamin A capsules.
Apply it on the affected area and massage gently for 3 – 5 minutes.
Let it sit for another 15 -20 minutes and rinse off with water.
Regular follow – up will yield quick relief from the problem.

Tips and Precautions:

Never ever scratch the bumps or rub it roughly.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for bathing. Also, avoid using harsh soaps and overtime in your bath.
Always moisturize the affected area with natural moisturizers like coconut oil, Shea butter, olive oil or cocoa butter to prevent dryness.
It’s suggested to use a humidifier for adding moisture to the air in the home.
Prefer brown sugar or cane sugar rather than white sugar for treating KP.
Other effective remedies include the application of any of these ingredients like vitamin E oil, tea tree oil with any carrier oil, aloe vera gel, Epsom salt with olive oil scrub, aspirin paste (crushed aspirin and water), milk baths (milk in bath water), etc.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are natural acids with mild to moderate exfoliating property. Lactic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid will come under this AHA list. So, apply a cream or lotion containing AHA on the affected area and massage for 3 – 5 minutes regularly.
Also use beta hydroxy acids in the same way as AHA to get rid of keratosis pilaris.
Exfoliation (or scrubbing) and moisturizing are best ways to get rid of KP. So, do it regularly to eliminate dead cells and moisture the skin.
Exposing to sunlight for at least 20 – 30 minutes daily will enhance your vitamin D and thus prevents dryness worsening KP. But apply sunscreen lotion while going out in sun in between 11 am – 4 pm.
Consult your doctor if the symptoms get worse and have medical treatment for KP.
Make sure to use organic ingredients and do some skin patch test before applying to know whether it causing any allergic reaction or not? then use it regularly.

Have you tried any of these methods for Keratosis Pilaris? Let me know which remedy works well in treating your KP by sharing your experience in below comments box.

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