Keeping the red rash under control

An angry red rash takes over my body - a bumpy sometimes itchy infliction that is commonly known as ‘chicken skin.’ I didn’t think other people had it too, I thought it was just my skin, my horrible lumpy bumpy unsightly rough skin.

Keratosis pilaris - is a common and harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. Keratosis pilaris occurs when too much keratin builds up in the skin's hair follicles. Keratin is a protein found in the tough outer layer of skin, which causes the surface of the skin to thicken (hence the name "keratosis"). and if you are of Celtic origin you are likely to inherit this beautiful skin from your parents.

My upper arm

I never spoke about it to a doctor because I thought they would say what my mother told me “must be just pigmentation!” I have Keratosis Pilaris from the top of my shoulders to my elbows and also on my upper legs. The pimples on my upper legs never really bothered me to be honest as in Ireland we don’t get much opportunities for wearing bare legs with short dresses or skirts and if we do - it is probably still a bit cold, so everyone has goose pimples! 

But the ugly red and sometimes aggravated bumps of my upper arms did and still do annoy me. I hate showing off my arms and try to wear a cardigan or long sleeved top as much as I can. 

Obviously the solution to anything these days is to take to the internet - so I did. I googled it over and over again, I tried several treatments but the sad fact is, there is no cure. 

All you can do it treat it and try to keep it under control. Something that might work for a week can wear off as skin constantly renews itself. Even laser is pointless because when your skin renews it undoes any good work.

Body from from The Body Shop for exfoliation

The only ‘temporary cure’ that worked for me was pregnancy - but that is expensive and has other long term consequences!

If you live in a warm climate that too helps, My KP is much better in Summer compared to the harsh cold winter. But although hot weather helps - hot showers and baths do not. They aggravate my skin and leave me looking diseased. 

Exfoliation and hydration are key, but don’t scrub too hard as it could set off the angry look.

Lactic acid and Salicylic acid are recommended, but to be honest I am not a big fan of chemicals on my skin, so I try to steer towards more natural products. Moisture is important and although I may not always have time to lather my whole body in cream, my arms and legs always get priority. Coconut oil has been flagged by many as the 'cure' for chicken skin. I have tried it, in several ways and I can attest it does help to moisturise, sometimes it has helped to keep the red rash look away, but the lumps and bumps remain.

Diet wise I’m unsure what can help, but I have been trying to incorporate some flaxseed in my smoothies and it seems to be helping a little ... well it hasn't made it worse.

Flaxseeds

If you have KP, what works for you? do you have any tips or advice?

Lianne's post on Keratosis Pilaris

Lianne from The Brunette Says

I am linking up with Lianne from The Brunette Says - a fellow sufferer. Lianne is looking to compile some tips and advise for KP sufferers. She is also trailing some products which are marketed at the skin condition.


So pop over and see how she is getting on - lets hope she make a break through!

Escape to the 'Spathroom' this Winter

My snapchat to my hubby

I admit it, I love Winter. 

I love the long dark nights, the howling wind and the bitter cold because it means layers of clothes, socks, cosy fires and baths.

Baths really come into their own during the Winter (forget about Autumn in Ireland we have two seasons Winter and Spring!), slipping into a hot bath of bubbles and scents, surrounded by flickering candles and a basket of pampering goodies is hard to justify in the bright Summer evenings.

But after battling, wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow to get home, a hot bath is not only justified, it is deserved. You deserve a little pampering.

Turn your drab bathroom into a 'Spathroom', escape and experience beauty rituals from around the globe.

A bath can be a lot of effort and many I know just don't feel it is worth the time and preparation. But take my advice it is, you need this time, the effort the relaxation.

Fill the bath with lots of bubbles!

Tips for the perfect Spa home experience:

1. Hand over the baby monitor and any other responsibilities to your other half. You need to lock that bathroom door for at least 40 mins UNINTERRUPTED.

2. Set the scene - Have your robe and towel warming on the radiator, light some scented candles, get some relaxing music on your phone/ music player.

3. Have a basket/ box armful of goodies to use for your bath - bubble bath, salts, essential oils, facial mask, hail oils etc find those Christmas gift sets from last year!

4. If you don't like a hot bath use a water temperature - those with babies should have one to hand - so useful. Don't forget a glass of water (or wine) - a warm bath can make you thirsty!

5. Submerge, breathe, clear your mind, relax. (I like to add some classical music too)

My Favourite Bath products:

Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream

The Body Shop - no longer the cheap and cheerful option, their new  Spa of the World range really is exquisite. The Dead Sea Salt Scrub (€34) gently exfoliates my skin without being too coarse or harsh, this big tub should last you a lifetime of baths. Likewise the large Japanese Camellia Cream (€39) smells divine and feels velvet smooth on my skin. It is pure luxury - just buy it.

Yankee Candles - I know there are a million different candle products, but for me the price, quality and scent of Yankee Candles are hard bet. My current love is for: A Child's Wish

Spa Sanctuary 5 minute Thermal Detox Mask - it warms and then cools on the skin (thanks how I know it is working) before you rinse it off.

Kerastase Age Recharge Mask (€36)

Kerastase Age Recharge Hair Mask - smells good, easy to use and leaves my hair smooth and silky. For a red head with course hair this is no easy feat - so this comes highly recommended.

Johnsons Bedtime Baby Bath - yes the lavender smelling bath lotion to help babies (and adults) go sleepy sleepy. You are probably not going to rave or tackle any chores after your bath so why not slip under the duvet and into a deep slumber.