Keratosis pilaris is a frustrating skin problem because it causes annoying bumps on the arms, and there is currently no known cure for the condition. The bumps form when dead skin clogs up the hair follicles instead of shedding freely. Although keratosis pilaris cannot be cured, KP treatments can alleviate symptoms. Read on to learn how to get rid of bumps on arms.



Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been touted as a natural remedy for all sorts of beauty woes, and the small bumps on your arms are no exception. Coconut oil can help calm inflammation, hydrate the skin, and provide relief (if you experience itching along with your KP). Lauric acid-rich coconut oil can help break down keratin buildup that causes chicken skin bumps. This isn't a strong enough treatment for severe cases, but if your KP is mild, it could be an all-natural way to treat keratosis pilaris. Find Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $12.99, on your grocer's shelf.

Salicylic Acid
Those pesky KP bumps on back of arms may respond well to treatment with salicylic acid, which works as an exfoliant and also soothes inflammation. Salicylic acid works its way down into the follicles to help unclog pores and encourage skin cell turnover. This beta hydroxy acid is found in products like Yes to Tomatoes Acne Fighting Body Wash, $8.99, and is typically gentle enough for daily use. Keep in mind that chemical treatments like this are the best way to exfoliate KP skin. Rough physical exfoliation, like with a loofah, may only further irritate the bumps on your arms.

Lactic Acid
KP symptoms are often worse when your skin is dry, so it's important to keep your body hydrated inside and out. A lotion that contains lactic acid, such as Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, $16.99, will not only nourish your skin with the moisture it needs, but it will also help treat keratosis pilaris bumps on arms, legs or anywhere else you get them. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can exfoliate skin to help remove the clogs that make your arms bumpy. (See more lactic acid treatments for keratosis pilaris here.)

Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the gold standard in treating keratosis pilaris. Like lactic acid, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help clear small bumps on arms. Glycolic acid is generally a more powerful exfoliator than lactic acid, but it's still gentle enough that most people can tolerate using a 10-percent concentration of it twice a day. Specially formulated for tackling keratosis pilaris, DermaDoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub, $38, contains not only glycolic acid but urea, which hydrates and soothes KP bumps on arms.

Retinol
Products containing retinol can help to control symptoms even before those little white or red bumps on arms appear. Retinol promotes healthy cell turnover, thereby reducing the amount of follicle-clogging that can take place. Try applying Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment $27, overnight for treatment while you snooze. If you don't see results within about six months, it's time to visit a dermatologist, who may prescribe a prescription-strength retinol or recommend other professional treatments like laser hair removal.

MORE LIKE THIS