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Small white dots on the skin and small, reddish bumps resembling goosebumps. Does this description sound familiar to you? Perhaps you have developed a condition known as keratosis pilaris. It most commonly occurs in teenagers, but it is not uncommon for adults to suffer from it as well. It usually affects the skin of the arms, but it can sometimes appear on the thighs, buttocks or face.
From a health perspective, you don’t need to worry
Keratosis pilaris is a non-infectious condition that does not cause any serious problems, so it is mainly an aesthetic issue. It is caused by an overproduction of keratin, which clogs hair follicles and contributes to the formation of small bumps. The skin feels rough and uneven to the touch. Unfortunately there is no known cure, but regular care can significantly reduce the symptoms. Sometimes keratosis disappears on its own over time.
Exfoliation of the skin is essential, as it helps remove dead epithelial skin cells. This prevents their excessive accumulation, inflammation and pimples caused by clogged pores. There is no need to buy expensive cosmetic products; you can prepare a scrub at home. What will you need?
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
Repeat the scrub several times a week
Mix all the ingredients and then apply the mixture to the skin using circular motions. After a short time rinse it off. The sugar provides exfoliation, the honey nourishes the skin and also has anti-inflammatory effects. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and softens the skin. Apply the scrub four times a week.
Another recipe advises mixing 3 tablespoons of sea salt and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. The effect will be similar to the previous mixture. An effective scrub can also be made from a cream with lactic acid mixed with sugar. Leave it on for about fifteen minutes. It thoroughly nourishes and hydrates the skin. If salt or sugar are too coarse for you, try mixing oatmeal with a little milk. The last option is to mix ordinary salt with baking soda and dilute with a little water to create a pasty consistency.
Masks and wraps are also suitable
From time to time treat yourself to a simple wrap or mask. The easiest is to soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar, wipe the affected area with it and let it dry. Then rinse off the vinegar and apply coconut oil. In a similar way you can apply yogurt to the skin, which, thanks to lactic acid, helps remove dead cells. Leave the yogurt on for at least fifteen minutes.
A very strong anti-inflammatory effect is produced by a paste made from several aspirin tablets dissolved in water. It is enough to apply it evenly to the skin once a week and leave it on for ten minutes. If you like baths, enrich them with vitamin E. You can usually buy it in capsule form as a dietary supplement. Squeeze the contents of three capsules into lukewarm water and soak the affected areas in it; it will leave your skin soft and smooth. Always remember to finish by moisturizing the skin with cold-pressed oil.
