How I healed Keratosis Pilaris (Small Bumps on the Arms)

I started noticing small bumps on my arms; initially, they didn’t bother me.

However, my skin soon became rough, dry and itchy.

I consulted a dermatologist who diagnosed the condition as keratosis pilaris and recommended a medicated cream.

Worryingly, the cream seemed to thin my skin; frustrated, I started to explore natural alternatives.

These are the solutions that helped heal my keratosis pilaris.

How I healed my keratosis pilaris

As time passed, my skin condition seemed to get worse. The drier my skin, the more pronounced the bumps became, creating a relentless cycle.

Despite trying various lotions, my condition persisted, so I reached out to the Naked Chemist team, who proved instrumental in helping me gain control over the small bumps on the arms.

Body brushing

This step proved pivotal in my treatment journey.

Despite experimenting with various scrubs, I found that they were just too harsh on my skin, and even the sugar scrubs were irritating.

I had initially read about body brushing on the Naked Chemist website after purchasing one and using it three times a week before my shower.

I found it helped eliminate the rough texture and smooth my skin. This is a great article that will answer all your body brushing questions.

Naturally treating small bumps on the arms

In addition to these recommendations, the home remedies I detail below proved beneficial in combating my condition.

Moisturising coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient due to its lauric acid content.

I found that coconut oil really did help relieve my skin’s dryness.

Nourishing shea butter

Apple cider vinegar to minimise the bumps.

The Naked Chemist team also recommended I create a tonic with cider vinegar, and I found this extremely helpful. I diluted it with water and applied it with a cotton pad to the affected areas daily.

However, it is important to note that monitoring how your skin reacts to this tonic is important, especially if you have inflammation or sensitive skin, as cider vinegar can be acidic.

Tips for treating KP

These are my most essential takeaway tips that helped me get my condition under control, smooth my skin, and eliminate the small bumps on the arms.

1. Limit your time in the water.
2. Take cool or lukewarm showers and baths.
3. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it after washing.
4. Seal your skin with an occlusive like shea butter.
5. Keep your skin well moisturised with virgin coconut oil.
6. Use a soft-bristled body brush 2 to 3 times a week before you shower.
7. Spray your affected areas with a tonic containing cider vinegar.
8. Use moisturisers containing skin identical ingredients like ceramides, lipids and vitamin A.
9. Use a gel-based formula counting humectants, especially urea, a natural exfoliant.
10. Avoid using soaps or bathing products that can alter your skin’s pH or dry out your skin.
11. Don’t use harsh scrubs on your skin – they are drying and will make your condition worse.
12. Don’t be tempted to scratch or pick your skin, which can cause scarring and infection.

This article is also worth a read if you want to learn more about the causes and symptoms of keratosis pilaris.

My skincare routine

Below, I share the key components of my routine:

1. Lipid-rich moisturiser with Ceramides, Lipids, and Cholesterol:
   • Using a lipid-rich moisturiser helped to restore and maintain my skin barrier. The team at the Naked Chemist explained that ceramides, lipids, and cholesterol are crucial components that support the skin’s protective barrier function. They help to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin supple and nourished. I found both Xcell skin shot and Fortify barrier cream, which contains these essential lipids, to be incredibly healing.
2. Hydrating Gel
   • Using a gel-based product that hydrates the skin, especially one containing urea, a keratolytic ingredient that naturally exfoliates the skin by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. The Quench plumping gel containing urea and other humectants was extremely beneficial in addressing my rough, dry skin.
3. Skin Renewing Vitamin A (Retinol):
   • Vitamin A, especially in the form of retinol, is known for its skin-renewing properties. Like urea, it helps promote cellular turnover, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. I applied the Naked Chemist’s vitamin A cream, Reset Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with 1% retinol, on my arms every other night. I found this really contributed to improving my skin’s texture.

To conclude

Today, I’m delighted to share that I am no longer grappling with those embarrassing small bumps on the arms.

I found that effectively treating this condition demands persistence and dedication towards a consistent, holistic skincare routine with gentle ingredients that won’t strip your skin, as highlighted in the abovementioned steps.

But creating a skincare routine to treat your skin need not break the bank; I used body brushing and a homemade coconut oil and shea bar, which I created from this recipe, which was generously shared by the Naked Chemist team. I found it a real game-changer for treating the bumps on the arms.

I hope my journey shows that healing your skin naturally with these steps is possible.

I want to emphasise that I am not claiming to be a Keratosis pilaris expert. I strongly recommend seeking professional advice from your doctor or dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin.

Nor have I been compensated for sharing my story, and there are no affiliate sales links here. This is not medical advice but an honest account of my skincare journey.