If you’ve noticed tiny, rough bumps on your arms, thighs, or cheeks that won’t go away, you might have (or be familiar with) keratosis pilaris (KP). Due to its appearance, this condition is sometimes referred to as “chicken skin.” While completely harmless, it can leave your skin looking and feeling rougher or more uneven than you’d like.
Moisturizers, exfoliating scrubs, and gentle acids sometimes help, but your skin may require something a little different. That’s why many people turn to laser hair removal for keratosis pilaris to get smoother, more refined skin.
So, does laser hair removal help with keratosis pilaris? Let’s break it down.
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is a common skin condition in which keratin, a skin-protecting protein, builds up and clogs hair follicles. This keratin accumulation creates small, hard bumps on the skin’s surface, which you might mistake for tiny pimples or dry patches. It’s completely harmless, but it can make the skin feel coarse and bumpy to the touch.
How Keratosis Pilaris Appears
Keratosis pilaris usually shows up on your upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks. You may notice red, white, or skin-colored bumps, and the texture feels a bit like fine sandpaper or chicken skin.
No one knows its exact cause, but a few factors can contribute to its appearance on your skin:
- Genetics: KP often runs in families.
- Dry skin: When your skin lacks moisture, the bumps tend to stand out more.
- Excess keratin: Your body might naturally produce more keratin, of which the excess can block hair follicles.
- Other skin conditions: People with eczema or sensitive skin are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.
Can Laser Hair Removal Help Keratosis Pilaris?
Yes, laser hair removal can help keratosis pilaris. That is, a completed laser hair removal treatment plan can help improve the look and feel of skin affected by KP.
There are a few reasons why keratosis pilaris and laser hair removal might go hand in hand. The energy in laser treatments targets the pigment in your hair follicles, gently heating and damaging them to reduce hair growth over time. With fewer active follicles, you’ll have fewer keratin plugs, which are the main culprits behind those bumpy patches.
A recent study found noticeable improvements in skin roughness and redness in 22 patients with KP after four treatment sessions with a long-pulsed 755-nanometer Alexandrite laser. Keratosis pilaris often improves after a series of laser treatments, leaving your skin noticeably smoother with fewer visible bumps.
What To Consider Before Laser Treatment
In many cases, laser hair removal does help make keratosis pilaris less noticeable. However, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations, as it’s not a cure.
Keratosis pilaris is a chronic, or long-term, skin condition. So, while laser treatments can reduce the bumpiness, they won’t permanently eliminate the underlying follicle or keratin buildup. Temporarily, though, you should notice a significant improvement in texture and overall appearance.
Additionally, results may vary depending on factors such as your skin tone, hair color, hair coarseness, and whether your skin is inflamed. You may need three to six sessions to see a visible difference, and consistency in treatment is key.
You’ll get the best results when combining laser treatment with good skincare habits. Recommended habits include regular moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and avoiding harsh hair removal methods (like frequent shaving) that can worsen irritation.
Finally, always choose a skilled laser treatment provider. The correct laser settings, tailored to your skin tone and hair type, make all the difference, reducing risks such as pigmentation changes or unnecessary irritation.
Improve Skin Texture With Laser by Monica
At Laser by Monica in New York City, we tailor every treatment for your skin to provide the best possible outcome. We offer a one-on-one consultation to assess your skin tone, hair texture, and severity of keratosis pilaris. From there, we select the ideal laser settings to help refine your skin with minimal downtime.
During your sessions, laser energy gently targets the hair follicles responsible for bumps, helping to reduce roughness and improve overall texture. You’ll also receive a personalized treatment plan and detailed after-care guidance, including skincare tips to help maintain your results.
So, if those rough, bumpy patches are bothering you, Laser by Monica has you covered. We combine advanced laser technology with a no-nonsense, results-driven approach to help you achieve smoother skin. Our expert team ensures that every session is safe, precise, and tailored to your individual needs.
Ready to smooth things out? Book a consultation for laser hair removal in Manhattan, New York City, to experience flawless skin texture and tone.