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Keratosis Pilaris:

The Bumpy Skin Condition You’ve Probably Never Heard Of (But Might Have)

At Complete Skin and Beauty, we’re all about helping you feel confident in your skin — and that includes those hard-to-manage, often misunderstood skin conditions like Keratosis Pilaris (KP). You might not know the name, but chances are you’ve seen or felt it: small, rough bumps that pop up on the upper arms, thighs, or even the cheeks.

The good news? KP is completely treatable with the right knowledge, professional support, and at-home care. Let’s break it down.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin — a protein that protects the skin — that clogs the hair follicles. The result is those tiny, goosebump-like bumps that often feel rough, dry, or even a little itchy.

While it’s medically harmless, it can be frustrating and persistent, especially when it affects your confidence.

Where Does It Appear?

KP most commonly shows up on:

• Upper arms (especially the backs)
  
• Thighs
  
• Buttocks
  
• Cheeks (particularly in younger individuals)
  

The texture can range from slightly rough to visibly inflamed, and in some cases, it may appear red or pink, especially on fair skin.

What Causes It?

Keratosis Pilaris tends to be genetic and more common in people with dry skin or a history of eczema. While there’s no “cure,” it often improves with age — but flare-ups can happen due to:

• Cooler weather (hello winter skin!)
  
• Lack of exfoliation
  
• Dehydrated skin
  
• Using the wrong body products
  

How We Treat KP at Complete Skin and Beauty

The key to treating KP is a gentle but consistent approach. At our salon, we combine professional expertise with high-performance skincare to help smooth, hydrate, and restore the skin barrier.

💆‍♀️ Body Facial (30 or 60 Minutes)

Our Body Facial is a client favourite for tackling KP. Designed to target concerns like congestion, dullness, and texture, this customisable treatment is available in two options:

• 30-Minute Body Facial:
  A results-driven express treatment focused on exfoliation and hydration. Ideal for maintenance or those new to body treatments.
  
• 60-Minute Body Facial:
  A more advanced, indulgent experience, combining professional exfoliation, targeted ingredients, advanced modalities (like LED or massage-based techniques), and a relaxing finish. Perfect for deeper results and calming flare-ups.
  

We use professional-grade exfoliants and hydrating masks that work to loosen keratin plugs, refine the skin, and nourish the barrier.

Top Ingredients That Help Keratosis Pilaris

In both our in-salon treatments and home care recommendations, we look for ingredients that:

• Exfoliate gently (without irritating)
  
• Hydrate deeply
  
• Soothe and calm inflammation
  

Look for:

• Lactic Acid – A gentle AHA that breaks down keratin buildup and improves texture.
  
• Urea – Both exfoliating and hydrating, ideal for smoothing rough patches.
  
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Helps reduce inflammation and supports the skin barrier.
  
• Ceramides – Reinforce hydration and barrier repair.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts and retains moisture, essential for dry skin types.
  
• Vitamin E – An antioxidant that soothes and protects.
  

We recommend a combination of these in your routine, and our team can guide you toward professional-strength products tailored to your skin.

Home Care Tips for Managing KP

In between treatments, these tips can help keep flare-ups under control:

✅ Gently exfoliate 2–3 times per week
Use a lactic acid-based body exfoliant or a physical scrub formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can worsen KP.

✅ Moisturise daily
Hydration is crucial. Choose body lotions with urea, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid to soften the bumps and improve the skin barrier.

✅ Avoid harsh soaps or drying body washes
Opt for pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleansers.

✅ Use lukewarm water in the shower
Hot water can strip your skin and exacerbate dryness.

✅ Book regular professional treatments
Your skin therapist will assess your condition and build a treatment plan with the right combination of exfoliation, hydration, and calming support.

Let Us Help You Feel Confident in Your Skin

Keratosis Pilaris may be stubborn, but with expert care, professional treatments, and the right home routine, it can absolutely be managed. Our therapists are trained in skin health and can tailor a plan specifically for you — because every body is different.

✨ Book your 30 or 60-minute Body Facial today, or pop in for a consultation so we can guide you toward smoother, healthier skin — from head to toe.