Ask Beaut: How to get rid of those rough little bumps on your arm

It's hard to believe we are over half way through August and winter is fast approaching. The thoughts of a repeat of last year's horrendous weather is getting more realistic.

But let's keep things on a light note with this week's Ask Beaut until the cold hard reality of winter actually hits us.

This week, Leanne asks:

"Hi Aisling, 

I keep getting these little red bumps on the back of my arms that feel rough and bumpy. I have had them for years and I have tried exfoliation and moisturising but nothing seems to work. Is there anything I can do to stop it happening? Thanks."

Hi Leanne,

What you are referring to is extremely common, so don't worry. Nearly half of the population suffer from this skin issue, keratosis pilaris, which occurs when dead skin cells accumulate and clog up your hair follicles.

There is a great little DIY trick that works a treat. What you will need is sour cream, a face cloth and a clean bowl.

Soak your face cloth in warm water and squeeze. Add a couple of spoons of sour cream to your bowl. Dip the face cloth in the sour cream and massage it in circular motions onto the affected area. Then apply it like you would a mask, and leave it for ten minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and seal it in with E45 cream or any unperfumed moisturiser.

Repeat this process nightly until the bumps disappear.

Here comes the science bit! The reason why sour cream works is that the lactic acid in it helps to break down keratin buildup on the skin, and the face cloth helps to remove dead skin cells on the surface.

Hope that helps you Leeane let me know how you get on.

Ais x