The Skinny on Skin
Dear Rayda,
How do I get rid of the red bumps on the back of my arms?
Monica, Costa Mesa
Dear Monica,
The red bumps on the back of your arms are a common skin condition seen on the upper arms in women and men. The medical term for your red bumps is Keratosis Polaris also known as KP (a.k.a. chicken bumps).
KP develops during our skins natural exfoliation process. Skin cells naturally flake off and can form plugs in the hair follicle. These plugs appear as small pimples that have a dry “sand paper” feeling; they usually don’t itch or hurt. The bumps are usually white but sometimes rather red and the skin around the bumps is extremely dry.
If this description describes the red bumps on the back of your arms, you are suffering from Keratosis Polaris. However, don’t be alarmed, you can get rid of the red dry bumps before your summer vacation. To reduce the appearance of KP or get rid of it entirely, exfoliate and moisturize the affected area twice a day. I recommend to many of my clients several different ways to treat at home depending on the severity of KP. Follow the steps below to see results within two weeks.
To treat this condition at home:
Use a cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid and a wash cloth or buff-puff to cleanse and exfoliate the affected area.
Apply serums that contain acids such as Alhpa Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acids, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acids and Urea morning and night or Retin-A ( if & as your doctor prescribe that to you). These ingredients will exfoliate the outer layer of the skin decreasing the amount of keratin and blockage for smoother surface.
After the serums apply oil free hydrating moisturizers with SPF 30 and cover to hydrate and protect the affected area. Keep in mind to treat the area at night as well with moisturizers. Remember to stay away from body lotions containing mineral oil and lanolin since both these ingredients will clog your pores and are commonly found in many of our body lotions.
Product Pick
Jan Marini’s Resurfacing Body Scrub
The Resurfacing Body scrub has retexturizing benefits for all skin types. The scrub combines glycolic acid and polished granules to help promote aggressive exfoliation. Overall your skin will appear smoother and softer in appearance. Ideal to use to lessen the appearance of the redness on the back of arms before the summer begins.
Rayda Ireifej is a clinical aesthetician with a CIDESCO diploma and a master eyebrow shaper. She owns The Brow and Skin Studio in Huntington Beach.
Comments
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I've had KP on my arms, and on my legs for my whole entire life. It was something that I had just gotten used to, and dealt with. In the summer the sun somewhat would dry it out, and it would look better. However, during the winter it just looks awful.
I just received the Made from Earth "Pure Aloe Skin Treatment" in the mail 2 days ago, and using it first thing in the morning, and right before bed has already improved the condition, and made the bumps on my legs almost disappear. When i wanted to purchase this product I read reviews from people and how it worked for some. The point of the matter is, that this product does have the ability to work. My arms and legs, FEEL and LOOK smoother. Smooth skin is something I never thought I would be able to achieve in these places. Also, the bottle is a generous size I dont think I'll be reordering for another two months. Well worth it.
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