Keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin,” is a common, harmless condition that causes tiny bumps on the arms, thighs, and sometimes the cheeks. While it’s not dangerous, it can be frustrating and affect how your skin looks and feels.
Tips to Improve Keratosis Pilaris:
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Exfoliate Gently: Use a mild chemical exfoliant with lactic acid or salicylic acid to smooth bumps. (Link to Recommended Products)
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Moisturize Daily: Thick, fragrance-free creams or lotions with urea or ceramides help soften the skin.
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Avoid Harsh Scrubs: Physical scrubbing can irritate the skin and make bumps worse.
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Consistency is Key: Results take weeks—daily care is more effective than occasional treatments.
With the right routine, you can significantly improve the texture and appearance of chicken skin, leaving your skin softer and smoother.
Why does it happen? KP develops when the small hair follicles on your skin become clogged with keratin, a natural protein in the skin.
- Some people are more likely to develop it due to genetics, including certain inherited changes that affect the skin’s natural proteins.
- Other factors, like less oil production in the skin or a weakened skin barrier, can make the bumps more noticeable.
- In addition, subtle changes in the skin’s immune system and signaling pathways may contribute to how the condition develops.
In short: it’s mostly about clogged follicles, genetics, and dry or sensitive skin, and it’s very common and harmless.
3 comments
Are there any specific products you would recommend?
Ive had this my whole life and now i know it has a name. Thank you for the information.
This is very helpful. I will definitely try this.
Thank you!