Blackheads are a bummer, but you know what? Those little bumps on your T-zone may not be blackheads at all. They may be keratosis pilaris.

What can you do about this?

For starters, it's worth familiarizing yourself with what blackheads and KP are and identifying their key differences. Doing this will provide you with a guiding point from which you can create a targeted skincare routine to finally banish those blemishes.

Need some help navigating the world of blackheads and keratosis pilaris? That's what we're here for!

WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS?

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin ailment that affects around 40% of adults. Usually it manifests as small, hard bumps encompassed by red patches that appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes even the face area.

Essentially, KP is really a blockage of the hair follicles. This occurs once the follicles become clogged with a buildup of keratin, a protein found in skin, nails, and hair.

According to New York City dermatologist Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology, “The plug can also trigger inflammation in the skin, that is what causes the redness around each hair follicle.”

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN A BLACKHEAD AND KERATOSIS PILARIS

For starters, blackheads and KP look different. Blackheads actually undertake a dark appearance, appearing as little dark dots, while KP appears as small, hard bumps surrounded by reddish skin.

They're also both caused by different things.

Acne vulgaris and its variations like blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples are caused by a buildup of dead skin cells and oil, which caused breakouts to occur.

Unlike KP, acne worsens in the summer months because excess oil production and heat create an ideal environment for bacteria, clogging the pores and resulting in blemishes.

If you think you have blackheads, the most effective treatment methods are a topical AHA, like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or BHA like salicylic acid. Retinoids also work well to get rid of blackheads, as these vitamin A derivatives stimulate cell turnover, exfoliating the skin and clarifying clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide is another great over-the-counter treatment for clearing out impurities. However, it's not advisable for sensitive skin types as it's way too harsh.

If you think you've keratosis pilaris, continue reading to find out the best way to best treat it.

HOW TO ALLEVIATE KP

Protect The skin From Sunlight

Invest in a quality sunscreen with an SPF of a minimum of 30 to defend your skin from harmful Ultra violet rays that dry up your skin, cause harm, and worsen KP symptoms.

If you've got acne-prone skin, search for an oil-free sunscreen that contains zinc as this is perfect for preventing pimples.

FOLLOW A KP SKINCARE ROUTINE

Certain skincare products can treat keratosis pilaris making symptoms look less visible. netgamesparadise's KP Treatment Kit offers all you need to control keratosis pilaris quickly and easily. The kit includes:

A Soothing Scrub

Using a gentle exfoliant can dislodge keratin plugs and dissolve excess sebum, preventing clogged follicles from occurring to begin with. Avoid rough exfoliation or scrubbing because this may cause skin irritation and worsen the appearance of KP.

netgamesparadise's Moon Rocks Scrub uses basics of sugar with a blend of blue tansy, lavender, and jojoba oil for any soothing, hydrating exfoliation.

A Retinol Serum

Retinol speeds cell turnover and unclogs pores, making it an ideal choice for handling KP. Apply a few drops every night to affected areas.

“Retinol-based products smooth the skin by gently exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and imperfections,” says Jessica Weiser of the New York Dermatology Group, in New York City.

netgamesparadise's Purple Rain Glow Serum is formulated with retinol and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate away clogging and keep skin clear and even.

A Moisturizing Body Butter

KP affects gets worse when you have dry skin. This is exactly why you have to replenish moisture inside your skin if you wish to alleviate KP. Try using a lightweight moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin or a nourishing body butter for those who have normal skin.

“Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, petrolatum, dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid,” says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose.

netgamesparadise's Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter depends on its combination of shea butter, acai, rosewater, and collagen to replenish lost moisture, exfoliate dead skin cells, and repair damaged skin.

A Retexturizing Face Mask

Renew your skin as you sleep by applying a retinol and vitamin C-formulated face mask. Retinol speeds up cell turnover and help skin shed faster, which makes it harder for keratin plugs to create and clog the pores.

Vitamin C plays a huge role in collagen production. When ascorbic acid levels are too low, KP can quickly develop.

netgamesparadise's Starface Jelly Sleep Mask is made with retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and fervour fruit to plump, resurface, and renew your complexion. For best results, put it on overnight therefore it can actively the surface from the skin and beneath to target KP.

Opt for a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels performed in-office monthly or bi-weekly can offer more dramatic results. That's because they will use high levels of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells and unplug follicles.

See a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation along with a customized KP plan for treatment, including topical therapies and in-office chemical peels that can help improve the rough texture and discoloration from KP.

It's simple to confuse blackheads with keratosis pilaris. They're both little bumps that can appear practically everywhere. However, as you've seen in this article, you will find key differences forwards and backwards which are worth taking care of.

If you are always unsure whether or not they're blackheads or something else, book a scheduled appointment with a dermatologist for clarification and treatment options.

In the meantime, good luck with your brand-new KP routine. We hope you'll be bump-free asap!