Why your skin feels rough
Keratosis Pilaris is not caused by a lack of hygiene, but by a natural process in your skin that is out of balance. It is a sequence of small reactions beneath the surface:
Keratin buildup:
Your skin naturally produces keratin to protect itself, but with KP, too much of this protein is produced. This accumulates in the opening of the hair follicle, creating a hard 'plug'.
Blockage by dead skin cells:
When old skin cells are not effectively removed, they combine with the keratin to form a 'cap' on top of your pores. This creates the characteristic grainy texture you feel.
Care pitfalls:
Thick, greasy creams or scrubs with coarse grains can often worsen the blockage or irritate the skin around the bumps. Product residues get trapped under the layer of dead skin, which intensifies the uneven complexion.
Friction and irritation:
Tight clothing or the use of aggressive cleansers can cause the bumps to flare up, making redness and irritation more visible.