Things that go bump in the night....

So as you loyal BGND readers know, this blog is mostly devoted to skin and cosmetics for the face. However, not all BGND -related issues fall into the facial category. And other "all-over" skin issues in some ways can be even more frustrating than the common zit or dark eye circle. My biggest personal all-over skin foe?

The dreaded "bumps". Now perhaps you are a lucky individual and you have no idea what I am talking about. But for those of you that do, you are part of the 50% of adults who have "the bumps" and know how annoying the condition can be.

The technical term? Keratosis Pilaris. A simple, harmless skin condition. In basic terms, your skin is not turning over like it naturally should. You are building new epidermis but not effectively getting rid of the old. The result? What looks like dozens of little bumps (some look like pimples) on certain areas of the body (most likely to occur on the upper arms, backside or thighs.) This condition is genetic and there is no cure. It doesn't hurt or cause discomfort (at least most cases do not) but boy is it annoying!

Here is an image for those of you who need one:
http://www.visualdxhealth.com/images/dx/webChild/keratosisPilaris_22404_med.jpg
(I have pasted the link and not the image for those who are a bit squeamish.)

The best way to treat KP is NOT over exfoliation as one might think. People who have KP often go for a harsh loofah and scrub away. This will not help and will probably hurt. What is effective and affordable?
AHAs - (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
If you can find a good lotion that contains them, consistent use will lessen the appearance and the texture of the bumps. Painless and easy. I used a great drugstore lotion in the past but sadly, it went off the market.

BUT....hooray! There is a new product out there for all of us with KP!

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Lotion - $8.29 (Drugstores nationwide)
This baby is my new best friend. Specially formulated to help "the bumps", this lotion gently exfoliates with AHAs while giving your skin the moisture it needs in a way that only Lubriderm can provide.
YES!

A word to this wise, if you do have KP, it will take a bit for any noticeable "smoothing" to occur of your rough spots. As you know, creams do not work over night. Give this some time to work and you will love the results!

As a final parting note, if you are interested in learning more about KP and other treatment options here is a great article:

http://www.dermstore.com/features/KP/kpinfo.php

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND