What is Keratosis Pilaris?

At griffin+row, we believe in education and embracing our natural beauty. We hate to see women struggle with their own esteem simply because of their skin. Instead, we want to help create an open discussion about our skin and what some people deem to be ‘normal’. We want women to understand that they are not alone in their experiences and that they are beautiful beings – no matter what! In the coming weeks, we are going to be looking at skin conditions which many people experience yet can be a source of discomfort or embarrassment. Understanding and educating yourself is the first step towards better skin health and self-love. First up, we are looking at Keratosis Pilaris. Keratosis Pilaris is a common chronic skin condition. In fact, it is believed to affect up to 80% of adolescents and approximately 40% of adults. It characteristically manifests itself as small bumps, often white or light in colour but occasionally red, which tend to appear on the upper arm and thighs. Despite it having no cure, the condition is not contagious and doesn’t pose any health concerns or issues on its own. However, it does sometimes appear alongside other skin conditions such as eczema and can, therefore, be associated with itchiness. At this point in time, professionals have not yet determined the causal factor in Keratosis Pilaris or a common trigger. They do believe that the condition develops as a result of an overproduction of keratin in the opening of the follicle. This leads to a build-up of keratin which develops a plug, thus creating the characteristic ‘bump’ on the surface of the skin. As mentioned above, there is not yet a cure for Keratosis Pilaris, but there are certain measures one can take to minimise its effects and keep the condition under control. A lack of moisture has been found to exacerbate the condition so a heavy moisturiser is recommended daily. The griffin+row Enrich cream is highly effective in providing deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. This is particularly important during the winter months as, with the drop in humidity, the air is drier and skin lacks hydration. Keep up a solid and consistent moisturising routine when it’s cool to help decrease your symptoms. Furthermore, keeping your time in the shower to a minimum can lessen the effects of Keratosis Pilaris. By spending too long under hot water, we actually dehydrate our skin further leading to a worsening of the condition. Be mindful of the time you spend under the water and try to turn down the heat a little. This is not a condition that should cause worry or concern. It does, unfortunately, lead to some embarrassment, particularly in severe cases. You may be able to aid cell turnover by regular dry brushing and exfoliation, but do not scrub excessively at the skin as this will only lead to damage. Most importantly, remember to love the skin you’re in!