Bumpy upper arms? Exfoliating can make the condition even WORSE

If you suffer from bumpy upper arms and calves, it's more than likely you tend to tackle the condition with an industrial-sized loofah.

Many of those who live with keratosis pilaris – as it is known among experts in the field of dermatology – are under the assumption that exfoliating the area will help to rid skin of patchy bumps, but it sounds like we're way off the mark here.

Commenting on the skin condition, dermatologist, Doris Day, explained that keratosis pilaris is not something you can simply erase with the help of some study exfoliating gloves.

"You can't eradicate keratosis pilaris," she says. "It's a genetic condition where, for some reason, the follicles on the outer arms and thighs get clogged and don't naturally exfoliate."

"We used to think if you exfoliated enough, you'd be able to undo KP," she continued. "But exfoliating can actually irritate the bumps and make them much worse."

So, what are we ladies of the bumpy upper arms meant to do now?

Well, according to Allure, we need to invest in cleansers which contain salicylic acid and moisturisers which contain lactic acid.

"Lactic acid is great for KP because it loosens cells over time to gently exfoliate skin," Dr. Day explained. "It's also a humectant, which means it will add moisture and minimize irritation."

Good to know!