Do you have small, white bumps on your upper arms or legs? If so, then chances are you have a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (or KP, for short). Keratosis pilaris is a very common problem skin problem that poses no real threat other than the fact that it is unattractive and bothersome.

This skin condition is simply a buildup of keratin in the hair follicles. Keratin combines with dead skin cells and results in the characteristic skin bumps. And some people may even be affected by red bumps on their face.

Fortunately, the appearance of keratosis pilaris will subside with age, but you don't have to wait a lifetime to see the end of your KP condition. In all honesty, this common skin condition reacts very well to both chemical and mechanical exfoliants.

Treating KP Bumps on Arms and Legs with Mechanical Exfoliants

The use of scrubs is a great option for two main reasons:

*KP affects large areas of skin

*The skin on the body is thicker than the skin on your face

Commercial scrubs are also a great option because they are effective, cheap and relatively easy to clean up. You can even choose from a variety of different styles.

Homemade scrubs are just as effective and cheaper. However, they can be messy. Although, if you prefer to use natural scrubs then try using these in the shower to minimize any mess.

Some common homemade scrubs include:

*coffee grinds

*granulated sugar or sea salt

*sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

*oatmeal

Using Chemical Exfoliants to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

You can find keratosis pilaris lotions that contain AHAs, salicylic acid or vitamin A. These types of products are best used on your face, however, keep in mind that they can cause irritation, so proceed with caution especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are a type of scrub that is derived from different types of foods. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and mandelic acid.

AHAs help moderate the formation of the outer most layer of the skin, or stratum corneum, by reducing the cohesion of the skin cells. This means that the stratum corneum can slough off at a higher rate than before which also means that it becomes less difficult for keratin and dead cells to clog the hair follicles.

Salicylic acid is an excellent keratosis pilaris treatment, because it has a double effect on KP. It acts on the surface of the skin, but can also penetrate the hair follicle and help regulate the rate of shedding from within.

Vitamin A (retinol or retinoids) can help treat keratosis pilaris, because it makes the outer layer of the skin grow more rapidly. Therefore, it decreases the amount of keratin in the skin. As a result, the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner and pores are less likely to get clogged.