Keratosis Pilaris: 10 Steps to a Cure
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition, also (unfortunately) known as "chicken skin," that is caused by a buildup of keratin. Keratin is the primary structural fibrous protein that makes up the outermost layer of skin. When excess keratin builds up it plugs the hair follicle and creates a bump. When multiple follicles become blocked, it creates rough skin that is covered in pink, brown, or white bumps. Keratosis Pilaris is most commonly found on the backs of the arms and legs, but can also be found on the face or back.
Like all chronic skin conditions, the root cause of Keratosis Pilaris is the result of a internal imbalance. All chronic skin conditions indicate that the internal digestive and elimination organs (gut, gallbladder, liver) are not properly processing nutrients and/or toxins. Any toxins that build up in excess are pushed outward to the skin as a last resort for elimination, because the other elimination organs are not able to process the toxic load or are creating excess inflammation in the body. Some skin conditions can also be caused by a lack of essential nutrients (Vitamin A, for example, in the case of KP).
To truly heal means to rectify the imbalance that is the root cause of the condition, which is internal - and to use topical treatments in conjunction with the internal treatments.
How to Cure Keratosis Pilaris
Here are 10 steps to help you move towards healing Keratosis Pilaris:
1) Try a temporary food elimination diet
Remove any foods from your diet that worsen your condition. Keratosis Pilaris can be caused by food intolerances or food allergies.
One cause of Keratosis Pilaris is the inability to process the Casein (dairy protein) found in all dairy products. Casein is a very common allergen and is particularly hard on people who have chronic health conditions. So, the first thing to do is to remove all dairy products from your diet right away. I have seen first-hand Keratosis Pilaris go away completely when dairy was removed from the diet and come right back, as soon as it was added to the diet again.
You will also want to eliminate:
Alcohol
All processed foods
Any foods or ingredients that are synthetic or not whole, real foods
Gluten
Soy
Corn
Refined Sugar or sweeteners
Peanuts
Nuts (cashews and any nuts known to contain mycotoxins)
Nightshades
Remove all of these foods for at least 4 -6 weeks. Then, re-introduce the foods one at a time in order to determine which foods are not tolerated. I do not suggest reintroducing refined sugar or sweeteners, alcohol, processed foods, gluten, soy, or any artificial foods or ingredients. Keep those out of your body and you’ll be grateful you did. Peanuts usually contain aflatoxins, so leaving those out would be best too. See below for more.
2) Eat a whole-food, real-food, gluten-free, low-glycemic diet
Eat real foods. Always. Whole, real foods.
For treating Keratosis Pilaris (and for health in general) it is important to eliminate: sugar, processed foods, fried foods, hydrogenated oils, and artificial ingredients. Allergy to gluten can also contribute to Keratosis Pilaris. In my opinion, gluten is not helpful for anyone, it is just hard for the body to process, even with no specific allergy present. As a final step, eat a low-glycemic diet. There are reports that a healthy Keto diet (search for Keto Pilaris ) has cured cases of Keratosis Pilaris.
3) Internal Cleansing
Flush out the toxins that are causing irritations in your system. The best way to remove congestion in the body is to cleanse.
Ideally, I recommend completing the entire CellCore Foundational Protocol or the CellCore Comprehensive Protocol in order to fully open up your drainage pathways and treat any infections. You will feel and look like a new person!
Particularly with Keratosis Pilaris, you will also want to address your gallbladder health and your ability to process and absorb fats. CellCore has powerful formulas for gallbladder health and drainage.
I’m a CellCore Practitioner, if you have questions about getting started on a protocol, contact me. You will need my practitioner code LxgHzGOs to purchase any CellCore Products.
4) External Cleansing
Other ways to deepen the cleansing process include sweating and light therapy. I highly recommend using an Infrared Sauna to clear toxins that can only be released through this process.
It cleanses the body of toxins while simultaneously boosting the immune system. My favorite sauna has full-spectrum near-, mid-, and far-infrared, all with ultra-low EMFs. It also comes with its own ozone generator. It is also eco-friendly and is made from organic bamboo.
Save 20% on my favorite sauna through this link.
A sluggish or burdened liver can cause all kinds of skin conditions, including KP.
Castor oil packs have been shown to help detoxify the liver, reduce inflammation, support uterine and ovarian health, and improve lymphatic drainage.
Apply a few layers of wool flannel over liver. Open the top like a pouch and pour in the Castor Oil.
Cover with an eco-friendly plastic wrap. Place hot water bottle over the plastic wrap.
Lie on back with feet elevated, if possible, and relax for 30-90 minutes.
Remove the pack and place the flannel to a glass mason jar. Store in the fridge. You can re-use it 3-4 times.
Remove the castor oil left on the skin.
Drink plenty of water
Here are the best castor oil pack supplies.
5) Use a Dry Skin Brush
If used regularly, a dry skin brush can have a transformative affect on Keratosis Pilaris. Dry Skin Brushing can help prevent the hair follicles from becoming clogged. Dry skin brushing also has many other benefits such as increasing circulation, treating cellulite, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and improving skin health and appearance.
Dry skin brush daily. Start at your feet and brush briskly in small, circular patterns toward your heart. Next, brush your hands, arms, torso, and neck.
6) Restore your Intestinal Flora
When you have Keratosis Pilaris, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your intestinal flora is healthy. After cleansing, it’s important to repopulate your body with probiotics. Cleanse and flush out first! Using probiotics if you have active infections in your gut or a lot of toxicity can sometimes cause more harm than good. Do not take grocery or drug store probiotics. They have no viability as far as living, quality probiotics.
These are the probiotics I personally take and have healed my gut and many of my patient’s as well:
I’m a Microbiome Labs practitioner. You can try their products here.
You can also make fermented foods at home for daily doses of Probiotics - make your own coconut water kefir, fully cultured kombucha, or sauerkraut and pickles. Do NOT eat fermented foods if you have Candida overgrowth, Histamine Intolerance, or MCAS.
7) Aid your Digestion with Enzymes
Lack of nutrient absorption can cause malnourished and dry skin and can contribute to Keratosis Pilaris. Enzymes can help improve nutrient absorption and increase digestive fire.
Here are wonderful, clean enzymes.
8) Get plenty of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin A
One possible nutrient deficiency that is a cause for Keratosis Pilaris, is Vitamin A. Without enough Vitamin A, the skin cells manufacture excess keratin. Keratosis Pilaris, again, is caused by the build up of excess keratin. The best sources of vitamin A are animal sources like Liver and Cod Liver Oil. You can also take vegan vitamin A supplements made from betacarotene. Do not take synthetic vitamin A, as it can get toxic if you have excess in the body.
Here are my recommendations for Vitamin A supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C reduces inflammation and is required for collagen formation, so it helps to keep the skin healthy. The best sources of Vitamin C are Amla Berry, Kakadu Plum, Indian Gooseberry, Camu Camu Berry, and Acerola Cherry.
Here are the best Liposomal Vitamin C’s available:
LIPOSOMAL VITAMIN C & ORGANIC ZINC TONIC
A variety of great Liposomal Vitamin C to choose from.
Natural, vitamin C from fruit.
Some great Omega-3 supplements:
9) Exfoliate
Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids are the best topical treatment for Keratosis Pilaris. For Keratosis Pilaris, you'll want to exfoliate in two ways for best results, first by using Glow - Exfoliating Fruit AHA Dew, then by using a "mechanical" exfoliant - Pineapple Illumination. The two types of exfoliants work together to most effectively renew skin and remove and prevent the hair follicles from getting clogged.
Prime the skin with Glow - Exfoliating Fruit AHA Dew, a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid fruit and flower treatment that helps the skin turn over properly and treats Keratosis Pilaris. Glow - Exfoliating Fruit AHA Dew also helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, and Milia.
Next, use a scrub over the areas of Keratosis Pilaris. Pineapple Illumination is formulated to be gentle enough for face, so it is perfect for using over Keratosis Pilaris, without irritating it and revealing smoother, healthier skin. Leave it on as a mask for as long as possible prior to scrubbing, for best results in dissolving Keratosis Pilaris..
Practice this exfoliation routine daily, or at least 4 days per week until you see and feel an improvement in your Keratosis Pilaris.
Glow AHA Dew Exfoliating Serum is a burst of fresh fruit acids for a radiant glow and a brighter, more youthful complexion. A juicy fruit and flower treatment for removing dead skin cells, treating acne, diminishing hyperpigmentation or age spots, reducing Milia or Keratosis Pilaris, improving wrinkles and fine lines, or simply creating a gorgeous, healthy glow.
These natural fruit and sugar acids help to promote ATP production, stimulating collagen production, repairing and regenerating skin cells. The AHAs also improve the texture of skin, minimizing pores, and reducing fine line and wrinkles. White and Green Teas provide powerful antioxidants that protect skin from UV radiation, repair damage skin damage, promote elasticity, and tone the epidermis. The fresh and vibrant oil blend encourages the formation of new skin cells, balances and tones all skin types, including acne, oily skin, dry, and aging skin increases in blood flow rejuvenates the skin and gives it a revitalized, smooth, radiant glow.
Luminescence in a jar. Reveal your radiant essence with this gentle, but highly active enzyme polish and mask. Pineapple enzymes naturally purify and resurface skin. Velvet De Guérande tenderly buffs away dead skin cells and infuses it with rich minerals. Chamomile, Yarrow, Linden, and Fennel calm, reduce inflammation, and cleanse the skin. Vitamins, bioflavonoids, and antioxidants revive dull and aging skin. Pineapple Illumination also diminishes hyperpigmentation or age spots, reduces Milia or Keratosis Pilaris, improves wrinkles and fine lines, and reduces blemishes. This juicy resurfacing gelée will have you gleaming and glimmering with Illumination!
For face, neck, décolletage, and lips.
Essential Oil Free
Refrigerate if you would like to retain the bright yellow, natural pineapple color.
10) Moisturize & heal
Dry Skin can worsen Keratosis Pilaris, so it's important to moisturize as much as you can. Apply a 100% natural, nourishing moisturizer directly after bathing. Massage a body oil over the areas of Keratosis Pilaris. Warming Oils like the oils in Beach Sunrise Restoring Body Oil stimulate circulation and help prevent or nourish dry skin, so they are beneficial for Keratosis Pilaris.
For a calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory healing treatment for Keratosis Pilaris, try After the Rain - Activated Oxygen Miracle Balm. A super healing treatment for Keratosis Pilaris is Ozone! It's activated Oxygen, and yes the same element found in the atmosphere. It's miraculously healing.
A miraculously powerful and effective fully ozonated treatment balm for face and body. Highly concentrated, it regenerates skin and tissues with fully ozonated oil and generous concentrations of the most highly therapeutic oils to create healing and renewal for any skin troubles. We use medical oxygen, only glass, and no heat to produce the highest quality ozonated oils.Full ozonation means there are no waxes and no fillers. It is a thick gel at room temperature and cooler… all due to the ozonation process. It takes long periods of time to achieve this full ozonation. The oils work synergistically to soothe, reduce signs of aging, reduce inflammation, rejuvenate, calm all kinds of skin conditions, improve circulation, clear toxins, ease pain, revitalize cells, reduce scar tissue, and stimulate the growth of new, healthy, properly structured collagen.
A little goes a very long way! Just a tiny dab is enough to cover the entire face.
Strength - Choose Full Strength for most cases and for the best results. Full Strength is the original After the Rain formula. If you have been using After the Rain, this is the option to choose. Choose Ultra Sensitive for babies, pets, or for skin conditions that are highly active and reactive to everything. The difference in the two versions is that Ultra Sensitive contains no essential oils. If you have any question at all, choose Ultra Sensitive, as it is always best to start slow if you are sensitive.
Scent - Ozone has a unique and distinctive scent - expect the scent of medical ozone when experiencing your ozonated products. That unique ozone scent means you have a powerfully healing product completely saturated with ozone. It can take some getting used to for some people.
Heat Sensitive - This product will become liquid if warm. If it is over 65 degrees F where you live, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours prior to opening the jar so it can return to its solid form. Keep it in the refrigerator during warm weather to keep it solid and also to maintain the best potency over the long-term.
Use- Please note that this is a highly concentrated balm. It works best as a spot treatment or you can dilute it with Moonlight Mist or water if you wish to cover your entire face. Always, patch test first and gradually get your skin used to it if you are sensitive. Ozone is a powerful detoxifier, and if you are very sensitive or dealing with health or skin conditions, a detox response is possible. See The Elaa Ritual below for how to use it.
Keratosis Pilaris is not a permanent condition you have to live with. By removing allergenic foods, eating a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients, removing built up toxins, and using the proper skin care techniques and products, you can be free of Keratosis Pilaris for good.
Disclaimer: elaaskincare.com makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice, information, or product(s). Any health related information on this site is for educational purposes only. None of the information should be misconstrued as medical advice. This site has not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration or any other administration. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect(s) on your health are yours. No statements on the website have been evaluated by the FDA. No products are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
