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Have you ever rubbed your elbow and it felt like you were brushing your hand against sandpaper?
Illustration By Jocelyn Runice
Or what about the spots on the back of yourthighsthat look like littleingrown hairs?
Many people call the pesky dots chicken skin, but those annoying bumps are actually called keratosis pilaris.
In some cases, those with KP will notice outbreaks depending on the weather.
“Some people might be bad in the wintertime,” says Papantoniou.
Papantoniou explains that the bumps usually go away with age.
Cases are more prevalent during the teenage years, but KP is overall unpredictable.
So what’s the best way to treat the little dots?
And if you think that shaving will improve the grainy flesh, think again.
That extra friction can be drying and aggravating to the skin.
“I recommend not washing that area every day with soap,” says Papantoniou.
“Just use water and your hands on the problem areas.”
That way you’re removing any dead flakes while replenishing moisture.
“Any time you abrasively scrub the skin, it can become darker, rougher, and thicker.
And the last thing to remember when treating KP is that it’s important to be patient.
“It’s not like your face where the skin heals quickly,” says Papantoniou.
It’s important to keep at it, and be consistent.
Papantoniou says, “Let the creams do the work.”
Keep reading for five of our favorite products that will help you gently treat KP.
A body wash that nixes dead skin with salicylic acid and soothes with aloe vera.
Emmaus Smiling Beads Body Wash, $60;emmausbeauty.com.
A healing lotion with 10% urea that won’t leave your skin greasy.
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Kit, $63;sephora.com.
A moisturizer with 12% lactic acid that’s pH balanced for the skin.
“Has lactic acid”
AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion, $14;target.com.
A body peel that encourages cell turnover and is safe for sensitive skin.
Stacked Skincare TCA Multi Acid Body Peel, $175;stackedskincare.com.
