An Estheticans Guide to Treating Keratosis Pilaris Under Eyes

Keratosis’ is the Latin word for too much keratin, and ‘pilaris’ means hair.

Are you worried about those small bumps under your eyes?

Bumps that look like pimples but are slightly different?

Chances are they could be keratosis pilaris.

Despite being harmless, these tiny bumps can make you feel self-conscious.

So join us as we go deep on keratosis pilaris under eyes treatment.

Understanding keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris arises from an abnormal, heightened keratin production within the hair follicle.

This protein is essential for hair, nails, and the skin, but occasionally, it can accumulate in the follicles, forming plugs that cause bumps.

The primary cause of keratosis pilaris is the slow turnover of skin cells, which obstructs the hair follicles.

It is typically found in areas of the body with the most hair follicles, such as the upper arms, legs, or buttocks.

Whilst keratosis under eyes is less common, it can be challenging to treat because the skin is so thin and delicate in this area.

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that often presents with the following symptoms:

1. Bumps: Small raised spots that resemble goosebumps or chicken skin. They are flesh-coloured, white, red, or brown,
2. Texture: The affected skin may feel rough and dry, like sandpaper. It is often mistaken for acne but doesn’t have the characteristic inflammation or pus-filled heads.
3. Redness: In some cases, the affected area might appear red, particularly if the skin has been irritated.
4. Itching: Your skin may be itchy, especially if it is dry. This can lead to scratching, which will only make your condition worse.
5. Worsening in certain conditions: You may also have noticed that your symptoms get worse in colder, drier weather conditions.

Although these conditions are characteristic of keratosis pilaris, it’s important to note that psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections can manifest as similar symptoms.

There are also certain health conditions like asthma, Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, and ichthyosis vulgaris that can increase the risk of developing keratosis pilaris. This is why a correct diagnosis is essential to ensure you get the right treatment.

Keratosis pilaris under eyes treatment

As estheticians, we use gentle lactic acid and urea-rich gel moisturisers to treat this delicate area.

These formulas are called keratolytic products, as they have mild exfoliating properties.

These should be combined with humectant-rich water-based serums and low-percentage vitamin A products.

The following skincare routine is what, as estheticians, we recommend to treat keratosis under your eyes, taking your skin from dry and bumpy to smooth and dewy.

1. Gentle Exfoliation: The skin in this area is the thinnest on the face, making it extremely fragile, so avoid using harsh exfoliants. Instead, opt for a low percentage of lactic acid; this ingredient is also very hydrating, which will help target the tiny bumps under your eyes without irritating them.
2. Black clay bar: Whilst many soaps are not recommended for the face as they can alter the skin’s pH, some have been specifically formulated for the face, like our Clear Complexion Bar, which has keratolytic properties and helps to gently remove those stubborn keratin plugs, making it especially useful as a cleanser when treating keratosis pilaris under eyes.
3. Vitamin A (Retinol): Retinol-based products are recommended because they help speed up cell turnover and prevent the formation of keratin plugs. Opt for facial products with a low percentage of vitamin A at 1% that won’t be too harsh for the delicate areas under your eyes. Our Reset anti-ageing moisturiser, rich in retinol, is an ideal choice.
4. Eye cream: Regularly moisturise the affected area with an eye cream like Revital Eye, which has a low vitamin A percentage. Not only will it strengthen the delicate skin and help to prevent premature ageing, but it will also gently encourage cellular turnover and help smoothen the skin around your eyes.
5. Serum: Incorporate a water-based serum containing ample humectants like hyaluronic acid. H20 hydrating skin shot helps to boost hydration levels around the delicate eye area, enhancing your skin’s texture over time.
6. Gel moisturiser: Urea is an essential keratolytic ingredient that gently exfoliates without compromising your skin’s protective barrier. Consider introducing a hydrating, anti-ageing gel like Quench Plumping Peptide Gel into your routine to help diminish roughness around your eyes and ward off premature ageing.

In this article, we delve into the essential ingredients crucial for effectively treating keratosis pilaris.

Consistency is key in controlling your condition, as any deviation from a well-established skincare routine may lead to the re-emergence of symptoms.

Keratosis pilaris often presents in other areas of your body. In that case, we would recommend stronger alpha hydroxy acids like malic and glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

What type and strength will all depend on your skin’s health, as you don’t want to knock the delicate microflora that make up your acid mantle out of balance.

To conclude. The naked truth