Keratosis pilaris also known as KP or follicular keratosis is a skin disease manifested by rough bumps on the skin. KP usually appears on the upper arms and on the back although it can also appear on the hands, the legs and thighs and even the buttocks. It doesn’t usually appear on the face but when it does it is usually mistaken for acne.

KP is harmless but it is unsightly and can contribute to anxiety, loss of confidence and depression.

Although skin ailments are not that bad since they can be treated, those with KP usually do not interact with many people since they have no confidence to do so. It also limits one from wearing certain types of clothes.

According to statistics KP affects 50% to 80% adolescents allover the world and approximately 40% adults. It is also interesting to note that the skin ailment is more common among the female population.

Keratosis pilaris is caused by too much keratin produced by the body. The natural protein when made in excess causes hyperkeratinization or the development of hard plugs. As mentioned before, the disease only results to a cosmetic consequence but never really harmful. It usually happens during the colder times of the year when moisture in the air is considerably lower. During these times, the bumps are more pronounced and their color more unsightly.

Usually, these bumps contain ingrown hair preventing the hair itself from exiting the keratin cover i.e. the bumps.

If you think you or a family member is suffering from KP, it would be best to consult with a dermatologist immediately.

KP is also known as the chicken skin condition because it makes one’s skin look like a chicken’s. This common skin ailment has no cure, much to the dismay of many but consulting with a physician and getting keratosis pilaris treatment is a good idea.

AHA is said to be a good treatment for KP and those who has KP are also advised to take vitamin A more regularly.

Having dry skin is truly annoying but there are ways to be rid of dry skin and finally get glowing, well-moisturized skin. No you do not have to bathe in oil to do that but you can use some oil. Applying olive oil, baby oil, or virgin coconut oil before you take a bath or a shower is a good idea. After taking your bath or shower, you should pat your skin dry without letting all of the water evaporate and then you should apply lotion allover your body. Doing this routine everyday is a wonderful and affordable way of getting rid of dry skin.

Many would not agree that hydrating is the best way to keep the skin moisturized but really, the body works in wondrous ways and ways that science cannot even explain. Let’s just say you are what you eat and drink which means that your nourishment or lack thereof will show on your skin so we advise that you hydrate. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea according to dermatologist and if you really have very dry skin, you can purchase one of those water mists that you can spray on to freshen up. These mists are not advisable if you are in a very cold place though because the mist will just disappear in the air since there is not enough water. If you are in a place with high humidity however, mists prove to be very useful.

Another thing you should keep in mind especially during seasons of low humidity i.e. wintertime is to stop exfoliating. Well, you do not have to stop altogether, you just have to do that once a month and not daily. While exfoliation can help those with dry skin, overdoing it will only make your skin drier than before.

Ah..it’s that time of the year when it’s snowing and windy and you can wear all your fashionable winter clothes again. For those who have dry skin however, wintertime is hell. Here are a few tips for you to survive winter looking fabulous because of your glowing skin and nope, we aren’t talking about skin products.

According to skin experts, you should use a humidifier at home so that there is moisture in the air. During winter, humidity dips to 40% which is bad for your skin. Did you ever wonder why people from the tropics usually have glowing skin? The reason is the humidity.

Another advise from dermatologists is for you to take shorter showers during wintertime and not because it is cold, your showers should be hot. The hotter the water you use for your showers or baths, the drier your skin will be. Reduce the water temperature to the lowest possible, well as cold as you can stand that is and limit shower time to less than 10 minutes.

You should pay attention to the soap you are using during this time of year. A milk-based soap is a good choice. You may be a fan of soap that gets rid of bacteria and all that but soap such as these usually make your skin dry. Limiting your soap use is also a good idea. Dr. Obagi said that water on its own can already cleanse the face and other parts of the body and that you only have to use soap on your armpit and the groin.

Using a gentle daily cleanser is also advisable during winter. A water-based one is the best of course.  There are a number of cleansers out there that make the cut and they are relatively cheap too.

Do not forget to apply lotion after your daily shower to lock in the moisture.

Photo via Sheknows.com

 It’s cold outside –a sign that there will be a windy winter weather yet again. Aside from worrying about what clothes to wear, many worry about their skin, hair and nails. Weather changes can make our skin dry and for those who haven’t decided which moisturizer is good for them, experimenting with moisturizer during wintertime can be quite a hassle.

Here are a few favorites for winter that you might find useful:

Bert’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion

This can be found online or in your local department store. This is deemed as a 24 hour moisturizer that will of course last for a day. This is a good product if your skin losses moisture pretty easily.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil preferably virgin coconut oil applied on your skin is also a good idea. It is relatively cheap and apart from applying it on your skin, you should take at least 2 tablespoons of it a day so that you will have a glow from the inside. It also strengthens the immune system so basically, buying virgin coconut oil is a win-win.

Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil

Alright, this isn’t for your skin but your scalp and your hair need some attention during wintertime too.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

This is another favorite not only because it is light and does not make your skin, nails or hair look oily like virgin coconut oil. This can be used on all parts of the body and can function as a daily moisturizer too.

Nivea Cream

Everyone loves Nivea. If you are a fan of their thick cream and already have this at home, you can use it as a moisturizer during the winter. For those who have very dry skin, it would be best to apply three times or more daily to make sure that your skin does not flake. 

Photo via thedailygreen.com

If you have dry skin, you have probably tried everything in the market. Well not everything but certain moisturizers that are deemed to be effective based on ads and the number of people using them. However, as we always say in Talkskincare.com, the best moisturizer for dry skin for one person will not necessarily work for everyone else so it is best for you to try out a few and determine which one is the best dry skin moisturizer for you.

When looking for such a product, dermatologists advise that you buy non-scented ones. Those in thick cream that do not leave oily residue on the skin are a good choice too. Those who have oily skin also need moisturizers and if you are one of these people, you would have to use a water-based one.

The best moisturizer according to experts must be able to prevent moisture loss on the surface of the skin which means it will not flake or dry out the skin. It should be able to confine water in the outer part of the skin too. What’s great about such moisturizers is that they give your skin a healthy glow and if you have clear skin, you won’t even have to wear makeup anymore.

If you experience skin flaking however, it might be time to bring in the big guns i.e. powerful skin treatments. Moisturizers that have EFA (essential fatty acids) and those with skin lipid treatment are a fine choice. EFA are needed by every human being but since they are not produced by the body, it would be best to have them applied on the skin. Dermasil Dry Skin Treatment is one example of a product that has EFA. It can be bought online or in brick and mortar stores.

For those with moderately dry skin, it’s not only your moisturizer that you should take a look at. You should pay attention to the soap you are using as well. Using a milk based soap is advised for such a situation.