Chicken skin (Keratosis Pilaris) is a very common but harmless and non-contagious skin condition, which causes the skin to become rough and bumpy, looking rather like it is permanently covered in goose bumps. This is due to an excess build-up of keratin in the hair follicles, a naturally occurring substance within the skin. This excess build-up of Keratin causes the skin to look bumpy in appearance and to feel rough, like sandpaper to the touch. In some cases, the bumps can become red, inflamed and sometimes, sore or itchy.
Keratosis Pilaris or Chicken Skin tends to appear on the back of the upper arms, the front of the thighs, buttocks and sometimes the forearms and upper back. There are some rare cases where keratosis pilaris can affect the eyebrows, face and scalp and in some extreme cases, the entire body. The condition can be commonly found in children and young adults, those who suffer with eczema and ichthyosis and those of Celtic origin. The condition tends to improve in the summer months and get worse in winter time.
Chicken skin (Keratosis Pilaris) though not curable, will usually improve in adulthood. In some cases, it can disappear altogether, naturally. However, for some people, keratosis pilaris can cause self-consciousness or even embarrassment. In these cases, at Skin Perfection, London, we offer two suitable and effective treatments for the symptoms of keratosis pilaris.
As Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin within the hair follicle, the first treatment we would recommend is that of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is an extremely effective, safe and simple way to remove excess hair without pain or unpleasant side effects. As a commonly recommended treatment by the NHS for the symptoms of hirsutism (excess hair growth in women), a course of six sessions can reduce or even permanently remove up to 95% of the targeted hair. At Skin Perfection, we offer lasers by Cynosure, an award-winning manufacturer of medical-grade laser devices. Our lasers offer the most innovative and up-to-date technologies on the market and we are proud to have upgraded to the ‘gold standard’ Cynosure Elite+ and Apogee+ class 4 laser platforms, for superb, long-lasting results.
Another treatment we recommend for Keratosis Pilaris, here at Skin Perfection, is medical microdermabrasion combined with Epionce Lite Refresh peel. This is an excellent skin resurfacing treatment which uses aluminium oxide crystals and a special hand-held device to intensely exfoliate, decongest and resurface the skin. In a course of 6 treatments, significant improvements can be made to the surface of the skin and how Keratosis Pilaris appears. As blood flow is increased within the layers of the skin, this encourages the elimination of toxins, dead skin cells and surface debris. This is a lunch time treatment with no downtime, discomfort or side-effects. Medical microdermabrasion can be used in conjunction with laser hair removal as well as a preparation for treatments such as peels, to effectively reduce the appearance of conditions such as Keratosis Pilaris.
As we believe that treatments for conditions such as keratosis pilaris should continue at home, we also offer a range of skincare, so that you can carry on the good work that our specialist practitioners offer you, in the comfort of your own home. Epionce is a world-recognised, cosmeceutical range of specialist skincare that we recommend for many skin conditions. The Epionce Lytic range is superb for treating the symptoms of keratosis pilaris and we especially recommend the Lytic cleanser, Lytic TX lotion and the Epionce Renewal Body Cream.
Taking a holistic approach to combatting the symptoms of keratosis pilaris with the help of us here at Skin Perfection, London, will ensure that you see the best results possible and can enjoy beautifully smooth, healthy looking skin, all-year-round.
For more information on Keratosis Pilaris, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable team on 0207 629 4116.
