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Keratosis Pilaris:

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 or 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. This build up on the surface of the skin clogs the hair follicles resulting in 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 inflammed, 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 Keratosis Pilaris

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)

A Body Facial is a great option to treat skin concerns on the body such as KP. Designed to target concerns like congestion, dullness, and texture, this customisable treatment is available in two options:

• 30 Minute Express Body Facial:
  A results-driven express treatment focused on exfoliation and hydration. Ideal for maintenance or those new to body treatments.
  
• 60 Minute  Advanced Body Facial:
  A more advanced, indulgent experience, combining professional exfoliation, extractions (if required), advanced modalities (like Microdermabrasion, LED or massage-based techniques), and finishing hydrators. 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.

Ingredients That Help Keratosis Pilaris

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

• Exfoliate (without irritating)
  
• Hydrate
• 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 your treatments, follow these tips to 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. Body exfoliation mitts are also a great way to remove dead skin without the use of irritating and stripping ingredients.

✅ 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.