So, I reached out to a handful of dermatologists about the underlying cause of these pesky red bumps and how to eliminate them in the most natural way possible. Typically, KP appears on the backs of the arms, the fronts of the thighs, and sometimes on your butt, but it can also occur on your face (your cheeks in particular). And loads of people are affected—an estimated 50 to 80 percent of all adolescents and approximately 40 percent of adults. “Anyone can get it, but children and adolescents have a higher incidence of KP than adults: It’s extremely common in people under 50, and less common in the elderly. KP is more common in women than men and often occurs in people with a history of asthma or eczema,” says Villafranco. But more surprisingly, your diet may also exacerbate symptoms. “What I’m beginning to suspect is that this is a low-grade inflammation in the body that’s showing up in the hair follicle,” says holistic dermatologist Alan Dattner, M.D., adding that increasing your intake of certain nutrients and eliminating certain foods that contribute to inflammation and leaky gut (like gluten, for some) may help eliminate or reduce KP. Another possible culprit is your clothing: “My theory is that these areas are the places where your clothing tends to rub back and forth on your skin the most, and it stimulates dysfunctional keratin production in the hair follicles,” says Villafranco. “But my theory on why it occurs in these areas is as unproven as the few others out there—we don’t have any actual data to explain why it occurs in some areas and not others.” While his treatment approach varies slightly from patient to patient, Dattner says he often recommends increasing intake of vitamin A and vitamin D, both of which encourage healthy skin cell production. Additionally, he recommends supporting the health of the microbiome and improving digestion with probiotics and digestive enzymes, since a damaged or leaky gut can contribute to chronic inflammation by allowing substances into the body that shouldn’t be there. And, of course, if you think you may be sensitive to certain foods like dairy or gluten, you’ll want to stop eating them too. Because, again, inflammation. If you’re going the chemical exfoliator route, gentle acids are fan favorites. You can find them infused in body washes or treatments. “An acne body wash containing AHAs or BHAs would be helpful for managing KP,” says Airan, who says that a mild 2 percent salicylic acid cleanser can help gently remove buildup and excess skin cells. Try the Alba Botanica Acnedote Maximum Strength Face & Body Scrub ($8) featuring salicylic acid and finely ground walnut shells to clear clogged follicles. We’re also partial to lactic or glycolic acid. Or stick to physical, like these DIY scrubs, just be sure to use a gentle pressure, as over-exfoliating can increase inflammation. Finally, you can even use common household items: “You can do this with a washcloth in the shower,” says Villafranco.
