Body care
Something not quite right? Don’t panic, here’s what you need to know
BUTT BUMPS
Please explain?
Folliculitis –a fancy name for inflamed hair follicles. These pimple-like bumps are fuelled by sweat, friction and tight clothes that seal in bacteria or cause irritation. Make ’em mad enough and they can even turn into cysts. Fun!
Cool, now what?
Once a day, hop in the shower and give your bum a rub-down with a cleanser spiked with probiotics and a little tea tree (try ZitSticka Silkshake Probiotic Cleanser For Barrier Balance, £23) to neutralise bump-causing bacteria. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing it off, then spot-treat painful areas with a targeted benzoyl peroxide gel (such as Acnecide 5% w/w Gel, £10.49).
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Please explain?
Sometimes referred to as ‘chicken skin’, a condition caused by keratin (one of the main proteins in your skin) building up in your hair follicles. These rough little bumps are very common.
Cool, now what?
KP is genetic and there’s no cure (ugh), but you can help dissolve bumps by massaging your arms with a lactic-or glycolicacid-based lotion three times a week (we love Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion, £21), then slathering on a rich moisturiser such as Dizziak Body Conditioner, £20, whenever you get out of the shower. Oh, and please stop picking – it’ll only make things worse.
BACNE Please explain?
Basically, classic blemishes, often from hormones or hair products. Or if you live in moisturetrapping athleisure wear, it could be fungal acne – itchy, red or pus-filled bumps caused by an overgrowth of yeast in your hair follicles (don’t freak, everyone’s skin has yeast – sweaty environments just cause more of it to grow).
Cool, now what?
Because hormonal and f
