If you suffer from bumps on the backs of your arms called keratosis pilaris, you're not alone. Keratosis pilaris affects nearly half of adults and occurs when excess keratin plugs the skin by trapping hair follicles. You might experience pesky bumps or thickening of the skin. If you do, don't turn to acne creams to solve the problem. Acne is a completely different skin issue.
If you talk to your dermatologist, she will likely recommend starting with a topical treatment. These can be very effective. But you need to look for one specifically designed to treat keratosis pilaris, especially a moisturizer with lactic acid or urea. Use it twice a day to help break down the thickened skin. Try AmLactin 12% Moisturizing Cream or ask your dermatologist what she recommends.
While you're helping your skin improve, make sure you don't make the condition worse by taking hot showers or using abrasive scrubs. Treat your skin gently so you don't exacerbate the issue.
If an over-the-counter moisturizer doesn't help, your dermatologist may give you a prescription for Carmol 10 or Lac-Hydrin. Topical retinol products, such as Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Evita, or Adapalene may help as well, but you should discuss using them with your doctor. Since retinols increase cell turnover, they can help your pores unclog. But they also can have side effects.
Before going to your dermatologist, though, there might be another way to treat the problem. It's important that you treat the cause of the problem. And it's possible that keratosis pilaris is a symptom of a vitamin deficiency and essential fatty-acid imbalance. Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally anti-inflammatory. While there isn't any research on their effectiveness at resolving keratosis pilaris, some people have had good results. However, there's something you can take with an omega-3 essential fatty-acid product that can make it work even better.
I suggest you start by taking an omega-3 fatty-acid product like
Complete Daily Oils . If that doesn't work by itself within a few weeks, then combine it with a digestive enzyme. A formula like
Integrative Digestive Formula has enzymes that work very well with the fatty acids to help clear up skin. A common issue for individuals with keratosis pilaris is poor fat digestion. Using a digestive enzyme can often make a significant difference not only on the back of your arms, but your entire body's skin, as well as your hair and nails. This usually takes a couple of months to begin to notice a difference.
You don't have to let keratosis pilaris bother you. Add one of these solutions to your skin-care routine now, and you'll be ready to show off your arms by summer!
To your health, naturally,

Janet Zand