Do you have little bumps on your skin that look like tiny pinpricks or goosebumps? Do they appear dry, flaky, and rough-to-the-touch? If your bumpy skin generally does not appear inflamed or sensitive, then you may suffer from a case of keratosis pilaris. Fortunately, keratosis pilaris is a non-life-threatening condition that typically resolves itself by age 30, and seldom inconveniences one’s daily life (American Osteopathic College of Dermatology). But what causes bumpy skin, and how can ViaBuff help?
What Causes Bumpy Skin?
The bumpy skin that characterizes keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of dry, dead skin cells that accumulate on one’s thighs, upper arms, and buttocks, although it theoretically can appear almost anywhere on the body. Typically, dead skin cells will begin to flake and fall from the body, but in some cases, it can clog hair follicles and result in coarse, bumpy skin (a.k.a., keratosis pilaris) (American Osteopathic College of Dermatology). Dried keratin proteins similarly can clog the pore and result in bumpy skin (Mayo Clinic) Although the condition usually disappears by age 30, some people report that their keratosis pilaris can disappear during the summer and reappear during the wintertime (American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, MayoClinic).
Although it occurs in 50-80% of children and 40% of adults of virtually all skin types, dermatologists are still unsure of what causes keratosis pilaris to develop. Those with bumpy skin are typically healthy individuals who are otherwise asymptomatic and unaware that they suffer from keratosis pilaris. It is not uncommon for keratosis pilaris to occur alongside Down’s syndrome, scarring alopecia, ichthyosis vulgaris, and obesity, among other conditions. However, if you have chronically bumpy skin, you should consult with your dermatologist, as this may be indicative of a more severe condition such as follicular eczema, scurvy, hair cysts, acne vulgaris, or acneiform drug eruption, among other conditions (International Journal of Trichology).
How can ViaBuff Help?
If you believe that you suffer from keratosis pilaris, then we suggest that you first consult with your dermatologist to make sure that your bumpy skin is indeed due to keratosis pilaris, and not a more serious or life-threatening condition. Your treatment will likely include an exfoliating serum containing urea or salicylic acid and some sort of exfoliating tool. The ViaBuff Level 3 Exfoliating Buff was designed specifically to exfoliate keratosis pilaris, in addition to freshly waxed skin, skin with ingrown hairs, and dry skin. Our open-cell polyurethane design was constructed in such a way that it easily scrapes away flakes of dry skin while leaving healthy skin cells intact. Our design also limits water and skin care production retention so that more of your exfoliating serum can be massaged into your face, not the crevices of the buff. Being dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free, our ultra-affordable buffs are a perfect addition to your skin care routine if you are trying to kick the effects of keratosis pilaris to the curb.
Bottom Line
Your bumpy skin is likely due to a case of keratosis pilaris, a non-threatening condition caused by a buildup of dead skin cells and keratin within one’s pores. If you suffer from chronically bumpy skin, then you should consult with your dermatologist immediately, as this may be indicative of a more serious condition. If you want to alleviate your keratosis pilaris, then you may want to use our ViaBuff Level 3 Exfoliating Buff, which was designed specifically to remove hardened and flaky skin cells that can contribute to bumpy skin. For a complete list of ingredients that treat keratosis pilaris, click here for our ViaBuff Guide to Keratosis Pilaris.