Have pesky bumps on the back of your arms or legs? Though this “chicken skin” is far from harmful, it can make anyone feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or wary of sleeveless tops – and that’s no fun for anyone! Keratosis pilaris legs, keratosis pilaris arms, and in some cases, strawberry legs are a source of frustration for many people.

What’s worse, these bumps can often be hard to get rid of, and a standard body care regimen may not seem to get the job done.

Here’s how to treat keratosis pilaris - and even better, how to get rid of keratosis pilaris so it's no longer an issue for you.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign issue with hair follicles that leads to small, goosebump-like red bumps on the backs of the arms, upper thighs, buttocks, or cheeks.

The most common of the keratosis pilaris causes is a buildup of keratin – the primary protein that makes up hair – that can block hair follicle openings, leading to the tiny bumps. There is also a genetic component to keratosis pilaris. Some people are simply predisposed to developing these bumps, which makes them somewhat difficult to address completely.

How to Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris

Though you may not be able to get rid of these skin bumps entirely, there are certain methods and products you can apply that will make them less noticeable.

Wondering how to treat keratosis pilaris? The best way is with a combination of hydration and exfoliation. Here are some of the best skincare ingredients for this issue and why they work to reduce keratosis pilaris symptoms.

AHAs and BHAs

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid dissolve the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface of the skin. This ultimately:

• Encourages cell turnover
• Balances skin tone
• Evenly exfoliates the skin
• Reduces signs of sun damage
• Improves skin texture

Vitamin A Derivatives

Creams with vitamin A derivatives, or topical retinoids promote cell turnover. They can be applied sparingly to treat keratosis pilaris.

Be aware that vitamin A derivatives are also known to dry and irritate the skin, so we recommend that you test to see how your skin reacts and you don’t apply too frequently.

Physical Exfoliants

Physically exfoliating your skin is also helpful. Don't be too rough, as irritating your skin with harsh scrubbing can make keratosis pilaris worse. Instead, use a gentle product like our Welcome to the Scrub Body Scrub made with cane sugar. It helps alleviate keratosis pilaris symptoms like bothersome bumps by getting rid of excess dead skin cells and locking in moisture.

Moisturizers

Using physical and chemical exfoliants will always dry the skin to some extent. Applying a moisturizer afterwards with humectant and emollient ingredients will help prevent excessive dryness and protect your skin’s natural barrier.

We carefully chose the ingredients in our Coco Cocoa Creme Body Butter to be hydrating, moisturizing, calming, and reparative. It's made with:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Glycerine or petroleum jelly
• Shea butter
• Vitamin E

This combination of ingredients will moisturize, nourish, protect, and hydrate the skin. But it’s important to understand that keratosis pilaris symptoms are partially genetic. It can't be cured completely, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this condition. You will have to pay attention to the way your body reacts to different methods and products as you determine how to get rid of keratosis pilaris the best you can.

Here’s to happy, healthy skin days ahead!