Keratosis Pilaris (KP), while a source of cosmetic annoyance for some, is such a common skin condition that it’s sometimes considered just as a common variant of skin. In fact, it’s so common that the Mayo Clinic reports that “about 50% to 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults will develop these bumps at some point during their lives.” It is a condition that will often resolve on its own without treatment.
Common nicknames for Keratosis Pilaris include “chicken skin” and “strawberry skin”. Keratosis Pilaris is characterized by small, painless bumps and dry patches that can appear on upper arms, cheeks, thighs, and/or glutes. The bumps can vary in color from brown, red, white, or match existing skin tone. The epithelial cells in our skin regularly produce keratin, a hard protein that helps protect our skin, supports wound healing, and maintains hair and nails health. Keratosis pilaris bumps are caused when, rather than sloughing off, keratin blocks pores where hairs come through skin.
Because of the close relationship between hair and keratin in the case of Keratosis Pilaris, people commonly ask about whether laser hair reduction is an effective treatment to resolve Keratosis Pilaris and their associated texture concerns.
Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light to target the pigment in the follicle at the base of the hairs being treated. Because the target is the hair within the follicle and not keratin specifically, the answer about the efficacy of laser hair removal to improve Keratosis Pilaris is maybe.
Laser hair removal services may help mitigate Keratosis Pilaris for some people, but it is worth considering the factors to assess possible efficacy. It is common that KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that gets stuck with the keratin under the surface.
Laser hair removal is frequently effective in helping draw out and prevent ingrown hairs so there may be some benefit to addressing keratosis pilaris with laser services. Laser hair removal technology is pretty impressive, but it is important to note that the lasers used can only target hairs with some pigment at the root of the follicle.
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At Mill City Laser in Minneapolis, MN, we have seen some success for clients in reducing the texture annoyances of Keratosis Pilaris and would be glad to connect with you if you’d like to talk further about whether laser hair removal services would be a fit for your goals.