Keratosis pilaris is one of those common skin disorders that may affect the skin of your face and body. This skin disorder is also called chicken skin, as it manifests as small bumps on your skin surface, resembling acne. The affected area is seen as goose bumps-like skin. The bumps can be red or inflamed, but may also on the color of your skin. Keratosis pilaris is very common on face and often mistaken as small pimples or acne.

How keratosis pilaris occurs

Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough, red little skin conditions around hair follicles on your face, arms, legs, or buttocks. The skin affected with these bumps can feel rough like a sandpaper. It is not contagious, but is genetic and hence, hereditary. You are likely to have keratosis pilaris issue if one or both of your parents are suffering from this condition. This condition is harmless, but some people are suffering from itching and burning sensation on the bumpy skin area. Keratosis pilaris on face may affect everyone, from children to adults, and commonly improves after puberty. People with dry skin or other skin conditions, such as eczema are more susceptible to this skin issue.

Best treatment for keratosis pilaris on face

Treating keratosis pilaris properly is essential as this does not only help get rid of the small red bumps, but also minimize the risk of recurrence in the future. In fact, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris on face. Each bump caused by this condition is a hair follicle that got clogged by dead skin cells, so that minimizing these clogs will improve the entire conditions, although do not eliminate the problem completely.

Keratosis pilaris is commonly considered as a cosmetic problem rather than a serious health disruption that requires medical attention. Despite this, rough skin area affected by keratosis pilaris, especially on face may cause extreme discomfort. Some treatments can be done to significantly reduce the caused effects.

1. Regular exfoliation

Keratosis pilaris occurs when your hair follicle is clogged by dead skin cells. The best method of minimizing this possibility is by getting rid of the potential dead skin cells. Exfoliating facial skin regularly will remove dead cells on skin surface, reduce extra pile over the follicles, and open up the follicles itself, so that follicle clogs leading to tiny bumps can be eliminated.

Chemical peeling can be performed for this purpose, although it may still possibly irritate sensitive skin. Home remedies, such as sugar and honey facial scrub can be an alternative to costly treatments, especially for those with sensitive skin.

2. Adequate moisturizing

People with very dry skin and other skin disorders can be more susceptible to keratosis pilaris breakout. Therefore, it is really important to keep your facial skin well-hydrated. Moisturizing creams containing lactic acid are beneficial for improving skin with keratosis pilaris issue. Choose creams that are unscented and not too thick in texture to prevent irritation. Regularly dab the creams or lotions onto the affected area until the bumps or itching subside.

3. Proper face washing

Washing your face properly also helps improve the area affected by keratosis pilaris. If you have sensitive skin, it is better to use non-soap cleansers, as soap may irritate the skin and clog the pores and hair follicles, which worsens the issue. Dabbing natural toner made of diluted apple cider vinegar and water onto the affected area will also help cleansing the hair follicles and facial pores naturally. If you prefer over-the-counter facial cleansers, choose ones with natural tea tree oil that works as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent to the skin.

4. Bathing right

Your baths also affects your skin health. Try to reduce frequent hot baths and replace it with lukewarm bath. Water with high temperature may open up your facial skin pores, making them more prone to pathogen infestation. Lukewarm baths, on the other hand, helps your body pump sufficient blood flow to the infection site and stimulate skin cell regeneration, which is important for the healing process. Always rinse your face with cold water after either lukewarm or hot baths to close the pores. This will reduce inflammation and bacterial infestation that may lead to clogged follicles.

5. Avoid popping and scratching

Bumps caused by keratosis pilaris can be itchy and stinging, so that you may be tempted to pop and scratch them. This should really be avoided, as scratching and popping the bumps does not only tear the skin surface, but may also transmit the bacteria from your hands to the skin of the face. This will aggravate the affected area, causing worsened breakout. When washing and scrubbing your affected facial skin, be sure to do it as gentle as possible, since harsh rubbing may irritate the bumps and worsen the whole problem.