Notice those bumps and uneven skin on your cheeks, thighs, legs, and even buttocks? It is called Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin. This skin problem often occurs in women during puberty and pregnancy and will eventually disappear as she ages. Keratosis Pilaris isn’t contagious but its presence can make a person self-conscious of her uneven skin. Although there is no cure for KP, there are ways to lessen its appearance.
Home Remedies to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
1. Baking Soda. Baking soda can be used as a homemade exfoliant. To do this, simply add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda to water. Mix the ingredients well until you create a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is handy in unclogging clogged skin pores. What you need to do is to mix together equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar then apply on the Keratosis Pilaris. Repeat as often as necessary within the day to lessen their visibility. What’s great about using apple cider vinegar is that, aside from helping alleviate Keratosis Pilaris, it is also good for your health.
3. Vitamin A Capsules. Retinol, which is found in vitamin A capsules, can help boost cell turnover and at the same time prevent clogged pores from occurring. This is a good remedy for Keratosis Pilaris. Get 1 or 2 capsules of vitamin A and open them so you can squeeze the oil contained in the capsules and apply them directly on the chicken skin. Massage the oil onto the affected area for a few minutes before letting it set for 10 to 20 minutes. You can also add foods that are high on vitamin A to your diet such as carrots, strawberries, and tomatoes.
4. Coconut Oil. Another home remedy that is perfect for Keratosis Pilaris, coconut oil contains moisturizing properties that can help lessen the appearance of chicken skin. It also boosts glowing skin not to mention has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You simply apply coconut oil on to the affected skin several times in a day particularly after you bathe so your skin will be able to retain the moisture.
5. Yogurt. The lactic acid found in yogurt can help reduce dry skin while at the same time provide relief from keratin caused by Keratosis Pilaris. What you need to do is to get 3 to 4 tablespoons of yogurt and apply on the affected area 15 minutes before your bath time. Wash with lukewarm water then wipe gently with soft towel.
6. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is another home remedy that is good for your skin. It can help soothe dry and itchy skin. You should grind 1/3 cup of oatmeal using a coffee grinder or food processor until it turns into fine powder. Add the powder to your bath and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. You can opt for making a paste by adding 1 tablespoon of oatmeal to water then apply the paste on the chicken skin and leave it for 15 minutes or so. Wash it off then apply moisturizer.
7. Moisturize. Applying moisturizer to the affected area can help soften the skin to lessen the bumps associated with Keratosis Pilaris. You can use lemon oil to exfoliate your skin or go for green tea oil which contains high amounts of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Sour Cream. Sour cream, just like yogurt, contains lactic acid that is useful when it comes to exfoliating the skin and can help get rid of keratin build up minus skin dryness. If you combine it with sugar, it will make a great scrub. Just mix one teaspoon of either white or brown sugar with two teaspoons of sour cream. Apply it on the affected area then massage in a circular motion. Leave it for a few minutes before washing.
9. Cold Water Fish. Eating cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel can help boost the healing process to alleviate Keratosis Pilaris. This is due to the fact that these cold water fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your health. You should eat any cold water fish at least three times in a week.
10. Olive Oil. Olive oil is known for its ability to heal different types of skin problems including Keratosis Pilaris. What you need to do is to apply olive oil to the affected skin area regularly to speed up the healing process. You can add sugar to the oil if you want to make a skin scrub if you like.
