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| Keratosis pilaris (also known as follicular keratosis, “chicken skin”, or simply KP) is a common cosmetic skin condition that affects 50% of adults and 80% of adolescents, both male and female. It is a benign condition that presents as numerous small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes cheeks. KP creates a "goose bumps", "gooseflesh", or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin. A majority of people with KP may be unaware that the skin condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In general, KP is often cosmetically displeasing but medically completely harmless. |
Common Symptoms of KP:
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Typically, people with KP have a scattered, patchy rash made of very small red or tan bumps. Often, 10-100 very small slightly rough bumps are scattered in an area. The affected area may have a fine, sandpaper-like texture, and some of the bumps may be red or have accompanying inflammation. 
Some KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair can be removed, much like an ingrown hair, though removal can lead to scarring.
KP appears most often on the back and outside of the upper arms and thighs, although certain types of KP can occur on the buttocks, the back and the face and cheeks.
| Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (a process known as hyperkeratinization). Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-'round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.
Keratosis pilaris is not contagious, is not an infection, and is not caused by a fungus, bacterium, or virus. People cannot give it to someone else through skin contact and do not catch it from anyone else. KP is a genetic condition – some people are more prone to developing it due to skin type and family history. If your parents have KP, you are more likely to develop symptoms.
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KP is Not:
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KP Elements is specifically formulated to treat your KP in a number of different ways:
KP Elements contains two types of natural alpha-hydroxy acids – lactic acid and glycolic acid. These acids are natural products of milk and sugarcane, respectively, and dissolve the excess keratin that is blocking your pores and causing the bumps, rough texture and irritation on your skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate your skin and encourage the healthy and rapid turnover of skin cells – dead, hard cells and excess keratin are swept away and replaced by new cells that are smooth, soft and evenly colored.
KP Elements is fortified with naturally occurring vitamins, including Niacin and Vitamin E.
Niacin is a member of the B vitamin family, and is a naturally powerful antioxidant. Niacin bonds with your skin cells, healing them and reducing the inflammation and redness caused by KP. Niacin also locks in moisture, and tightens and tones your skin.
Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, moisturizes and helps to protect your skin from further dehydration and irritation. After the alpha-hydroxy acids have reduced your KP, Vitamin E helps to make sure it doesn’t come back.
Avocado oil is one of the most beneficial natural oils, and the most easily absorbed by the skin and transported deep into the tissue. Although it is classed as a vegetable oil, the avocado is really a fruit, since it has a pit in the center. The rich and nourishing oil from the avocado deeply penetrates deep into skin tissue. It is rich in Vitamins A, B, D, and E, lecithin, amino acids and potassium. Its wonderful hydrating properties make it ideal for revitalizing dry, damaged or irritated skin. The sterolins in the oil help to soften the skin and impart the superior moisturizing effect. The avocado oil ensures that KP Elements not only treats your KP, but also leaves your skin soft and smooth.