Keratosis pilaris is an extremely common Skin condition. It is characterized by the appearance of minute bumps on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks and even on the face. This is why it is also referred to as chicken skin or goose skin.

Even though the name may suggest otherwise, it is fairly harmless skin condition. However, the appearance of the tiny rashes is definitely not pleasant, which is why people seek for treatment by all means. Here is all you need to know about the skin condition and how Essential Oils can help alleviate it.

What Causes Keratosis pilaris?

The condition is caused by overproduction of keratin, which is a hard protein that normally protects the skin. When keratin is produced in excess, it blocks the opening of hair follicles and can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs. This can be both painful and cause extreme skin irritation. The symptoms of the condition include the following:

• Patches of dry skin
• Tiny white or red bumps on the affected skin
• Irritation
• Sand-paper texture of the areas that are affected

Usually, keratosis pilaris affects children, and is often at its worst during puberty. However, it can continue to dog some people even in their adult years. There is no known cure for the condition although it eventually heals by itself. Most people will be free from chicken skin by the time they are 30.

Genetics play an important role in determining whether or not you will suffer from the condition. Keratosis pilaris is known to run in families. This means that if a member of your family suffers from the condition, chances are rather high that you will get it too.

Additionally, the condition appears to be more common in women than men. Other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis seem to aggravate chicken skin. The condition is also more conspicuous when there is little humidity in the atmosphere.

Even though there is not a single known cure for the condition, essential oils can go a long way in improving and containing it. Here are some of the best essential oils for the condition and how to use them for the best results.

The Benefits of using Essential Oils for Keratosis pilaris

Essential oils have been proven to be invaluable in containing keratosis pilaris. They do this by:

• Moisturizing the skin
• Killing germs that cause skin infections
• Drying out the tiny bumps
• Softening the skin
• Relieving inflammation

The best essential oils for the condition are:

1. Lavender oil

This sweet smelling essential oil is good for the treatment of a vast number of skin conditions, and keratosis pilaris is no exception. The oil is a potent moisturizer which helps to minimize the appearance of dry patches of skin that is synonymous with chicken skin.

The oil also has strong anti-septic properties. This helps to protect your skin against infections. In cases of keratosis pilaris where there are some ingrown hairs, there will almost always be pus-filled lesions that point to an underlying infection. Lavender oil can come in handy in fighting them. 

Additionally, the oil helps to soothe the skin. This is particularly helpful if you have suffered from inflammation because of the skin condition. The oil also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It helps wounded skin to regrow much faster, so that you heal quickly and nicely.

2. Tea Tree Oil

This oil may not be as aromatic as lavender oil, but it is also immensely helpful when it comes to fighting chicken skin. It has very strong anti-bacterial properties. This can come in real handy if you have suffered from infections because of keratosis pilaris.

Additionally, the oil can grant you instant relief from inflammation and itchiness. This will help contain skin agitation and can help reduce the size and number of bumps on your skin.

3. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils. It is present in many beauty products owing to the countless benefits it brings the skin. In relation to keratosis pilaris, essential lemon oil helps to soothe the skin thereby offering relief from inflammation. It is also a strong moisturizer which helps to combat the dryness associated with the condition.

4. Frankincense Oil

You can also opt to use essential frankincense oil to alleviate keratosis pilaris. The aromatic oil is best known for its strong moisturizing properties. This can help prevent the drying out of your skin and therefore minimize the appearance of the patches of dry, rough skin. The oil also helps to soften the skin and can also help to fight infections that result from excessive scratching of the skin.

How to Use Essential Oils for Keratosis Pilaris

Essential oils are extremely strong, and can even irritate sensitive skin. This is why it is important that you mix them with carrier oils before applying them on your body. Carrier oils help to minimize the harshness of essential oils, while at the same time improving their performance. Some of the best carrier oils include the following:

1. Olive Oil

The benefits of olive oil on the skin are numerous, which is why it is also a great carrier oil for essential oils. Olive oil is rich in Omega-3 fats. This gives it strong anti-inflammatory properties, which helps soothe irate skin. The oil is also a strong anti-oxidant. It inhibits the activities of free radicals and this can work wonders for the overall appearance of your skin. The oil is mild enough to be used even on the face without causing any irritation.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a favorite for many beauticians, and it is also a key component in most skin care products. This is really no surprise given how rich in nutrients the oil is. It is an ideal carrier oil as it promotes the absorption of essential oils into the skin.

It is also particularly helpful when it comes to fighting Keratosis pilaris. This is because it contains Lauric acid which helps to dissolve the excess keratin that causes the skin condition. However, the oil may be too strong to use on delicate skin. You are specifically advised not to use it on the face as it can do you more harm than good.

Conclusion

Although there is no known cure for keratosis pilaris, essential oils can go a long way in minimizing the condition. For the best results, add a few drops of lavender, lemon, frankincense to carrier oils, and then apply it to your skin twice a day. This will help alleviate the condition significantly.

Recommended sources:

https://beautymunsta.com/how-to-get-rid-of-keratosis-pilaris-on-arms/

https://www.essentialbazaar.com/best-essential-oils-for-keratosis-pilaris-and-recipes/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/101061-benefits-lemon-oil-skin/

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