Some of you may have small, raised bumps on your outer arms and backs of your legs which can be unsightly and difficult to treat. This condition, known as keratosis pilaris (KP), is caused by a buildup of keratin in hair follicles, resulting in these bumps. Regular moisturizers do little to correct this stubborn condition, and dry weather will aggravate it. This is a relatively common condition and one which I have treated frequently over the years, usually by recommending a moisturizer called KP Duty by DermaDoctor. KP Duty is quite effective in treating most cases of KP, but it is also pretty expensive at $36 for 4 ounces.

Luckily, there is a substance which is much cheaper and in many cases more effective than KP Duty in treating keratosis pilaris. What is this magic substance? Coconut oil. If you have never used coconut oil, you may be surprised to discover that it is solid at room temperature. When using it to treat the bumps on your skin, simply scoop up a solid chunk and it will liquefy once it is in the palm of your hand. You can then apply a thin layer to affected areas and allow to soak in for a couple of minutes. Apply one to two times per day until the condition resolves.

If you like using oil on your skin and hair and you don’t mind smelling a bit food-like, you can keep a container of coconut oil in your bathroom and use it both as a general skin moisturizer and as a moisturizing hair mask. One caveat: using coconut oil in the hair can get a bit messy, so be prepared to cover your hair with a shower cap and towel and allow to sit for 20 minutes for an intense moisture boost.