A Few More Tools in My Battle Against KP, aka Chicken Skin

Dove's CreamOil Body Wash in Ultra Rich is exactly what I've been searching for in my quest for the ultimate body wash. Well, until the next fabulous thing comes along!

I love that it's super-moisturizing; my skin is so disgustingly dry and flaky that you can practically hear me molting. This stuff is really thick and you don't need a lot of it if you're using a shower pouf or loofah. It does have a fairly strong scent, which is a turn-off for me, but not enough of one to keep me from using it. I really wish it was unscented or at least not so strongly fragranced.

Because I have KP, I need extra help scrubbing those stubborn flakes off. So I turned to an exfoliating sponge, similar to the one made by Buf-Puf.

The Buf-Puf Double-Sided Body Sponge is available at Harmon Discount Health & Beauty Store for $4.49 , and also at other drugstores. Harmon has its own similar and cheaper version for around $3 or so for a pack of six. The Harmon version is NOT a double-sided product like the Buf-Puf sponge, which accounts for its superb price point. It does come in a texture more suitable for sensitive skin and is labeled with the word "Gentle". I'm pretty hardcore so I use the Regular body sponge. Both are meant to exfoliate your body, and are very rough. They're fabulous for sloughing off dry, scaly skin like mine, and are perfect for prepping your body for even self-tanning.

I cannot stress enough that these sponges are meant for your body, not your face.

Used with a nickel-sized dab of the Dove CreamOil Body Wash, move the body sponge in a circular motion applying as much pressure as you want. After you've scrubbed yourself down, pat yourself lightly with a towel, only drying your skin enough to avoid dripping water everywhere. Apply the Eucerin lotion I talked about a couple of posts ago, and make sure you get your arms and legs first, where chicken skin tends to be most prevalent. Just a reminder: Eucerin lotion can be a little heavy for daytime in the summer.

While I can't guarantee soft skin for everyone because KP is not the same from person to person and can be quite stubborn, it worked for me within a week. I finally got smooth arms for less than $20 for the body sponge, shower cream, and lotion! The KP on my legs is still there but improving more and more every day.

P.S. Harmon Discount Health & Beauty stores can also be found inside your local Bed, Bath & Beyond!