What is Keratosis Pilaris?
This is a common condition in which there is too much of the protein keratin blocking the hair follicles with a scaly plug. It is harmless and seen most commonly in young adults. The condition presents as rough patches of small, white or red keratinised bumps, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. The bumps generally do not hurt or itch.
Treatment of the condition usually includes the use of keratolytics and emollients. Various over the counter products may have been tried without success.
In white/pink skin the appearance looks like ‘chicken skin’. In skin of colour the lesions are less red and the darkness in the follicles is more prominent.
Results can take a long time, but specialist skin care products and chemical peels can help. Maintenance peels are recommended with this condition
Chemical Skin Peels - without downtime
NeoStrata® ProSystem peels can be used to exfoliate and normalise keratinisation to smooth the skin because they contain Alpha-Hydroxy acids. A period of acclimatisation with product from the Neostrata Skin care range will help to prepare the skin for the peel and make the process more comfotable
Peels can be performed at 3-4 week intervals, as long as the skin has fully healed and there were no complications. If the skin is not fully healed, increase the interval to 4-6 weeks or longer as needed
A series of 4-6 peels is recommended; some patients may require additional peels to achieve optimal results. Each peel is treated as a 2 area peel because the surface area is much greater than on the face.
After the initial series, maintenance peels can be conducted seasonally (4 times per year) or more as desired
The body is often less sensitive than the face. When peeling this condition on the body, the glycolic acid peel strength may be increased more quickly as tolerated.
However a more aggressive option is available which should produce results more quickly.
More aggressive peels with downtime
The pictures show the type of impact of peeling the skin with the Vi Peel range
A different peel is used for lighter and darker skin types (Vi Peel advanced for lighter skins and VI Peel Precision Plus for darker skins). The simple Vi Peel may be considered for those new to peels
The condition may require 1-3 peels for the optimal outcome.
It is really important to follow the aftercare instructions (which are also available on an iphone App)
- Results can be maintained with ViDerm Retinoic Serum to help loosen and remove dead skin cells before moisturiser
- For people with darker skin a pigment suppressing agent should also be included in the home treatment regimen
- You may also wish to buy a humidifier because low humidity dries out the skin.
- Loose clothes will need to be worn after the peel.
Are packages of treatments offered?
The more peels booked together, the more complementary products are packaged in e.g 2 peels booked at the same time attracts 1 free product
What is the long term outlook?
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, however, it often clears up during adult life. This is because adults tend to be better at managing the skin condition with the measures discussed above.
For maintenance this clinic recommends Zo Skin Health Body Emulsion which is a multi-action body treatment that improves quality, smoothness and overall appearance of healthy skin.
Benefits
- Exfoliates dead skin cells to soften and smooth skin texture.
- Restores hydration and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
- Exclusive 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex to protect the skin.
- Reduces the appearance of brown spots and helps even skin tone.
Information
- Retinol: Stimulates epidermal renewal and collagen production, and helps even skin tone.
- Papain and saccharomyces cerevisiae extract: Provide enzymatic exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough skin texture.
- Diacetyl boldine: Inhibit melanin production to even skin tone.
- Glycerin, glucosamine HCL, phospholipids, urea and algae extract: Replenish hydration and lipids to restore skin barrier function.
- Beta-glucan and avena sativa (oat) kernel flour: Calm and soothe irritated skin.
- Encapsulated vitamins E, C and A: 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex combats the appearance of free radical damage
- Acetyl tyrosine, proline and tocopherol: Cellular protection complex