Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): What It Is & How to Treat It Naturally

If you've ever run your hand over the back of your arms and felt a rough, bumpy texture — almost like permanent goosebumps — you've likely experienced keratosis pilaris. It's one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting up to 40% of adults, yet most people have never heard its name. They just know it as "chicken skin on arms" or those tiny bumps that won't go away no matter what they try. The good news? With the right keratosis pilaris treatment, you can dramatically improve the texture and appearance of your skin. Let's break it all down.

What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris — often shortened to KP — is a harmless skin condition caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein that protects the skin. When excess keratin accumulates around hair follicles, it forms small, hard plugs that block the follicle opening. The result is clusters of tiny, rough bumps on the skin's surface.

KP is not an infection. It's not contagious. And it's not caused by poor hygiene. It's simply a genetic tendency for your skin to overproduce keratin in certain areas. It's extremely common, tends to run in families, and often appears during childhood or adolescence — though it can develop or persist well into adulthood.

What does keratosis pilaris look like?

KP typically appears as small, rough, raised bumps clustered together — giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture. On lighter skin tones, these bumps are often flesh-coloured or slightly red. But on medium and deeper skin tones, KP can present quite differently:

• Bumps may appear as dark brown or black dots rather than red ones.
• KP on darker skin is frequently mistaken for acne, folliculitis or hyperpigmentation.
• The surrounding skin may show post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark marks left behind by the inflammation around each bump.
• The texture remains rough and sandpaper-like regardless of skin tone.

If you've been looking at skincare articles about KP and the photos don't match what you see on your own skin, this is likely why. Chicken skin on arms and legs looks different on different skin tones, and most mainstream content only shows one version. On deeper skin, the bumps can be darker, the surrounding discolouration more persistent, and the overall appearance quite different from the textbook photos.

What causes keratosis pilaris?

KP is caused by a combination of factors:

Excess keratin production. This is the primary cause. Your skin produces too much keratin, which plugs the hair follicle openings and creates the characteristic bumps.

Genetics. KP runs strongly in families. If one or both of your parents have it, you're much more likely to develop it.

Dry skin. KP is almost always worse in cold, dry weather and on dehydrated skin. When the moisture barrier is compromised, keratin plugs become more prominent and the skin feels rougher.

Associated conditions. KP is more common in people with eczema, asthma or hay fever — all conditions linked to an overactive immune response and dry, sensitive skin.

Is keratosis pilaris permanent?

KP is a chronic condition, which means it doesn't have a permanent cure. However — and this is the important part — it can be very effectively managed. Many people see dramatic improvement with a consistent routine, and for some, KP naturally improves with age (it's often most noticeable during teenage years and early adulthood).

The goal of keratosis pilaris treatment isn't to "cure" it — it's to keep the keratin plugs clear, the skin smooth and hydrated, and any dark marks fading. With the right approach, most people can get their KP to a point where it's barely noticeable.

How to treat keratosis pilaris naturally

The most effective keratosis pilaris natural treatment focuses on three things: exfoliation (to clear keratin plugs), gentle cleansing (to prevent further build-up) and consistent moisturising (to keep the skin smooth and hydrated).

Step 1: Exfoliate two to three times per week. Regular exfoliation is the single most effective thing you can do for KP. Use a natural body scrub with physical exfoliants like demerara sugar or cane sugar to buff away the keratin plugs and dead skin cells blocking your follicles. Work the scrub into affected areas using gentle, circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds. Pair with an exfoliating glove for a deeper, more even exfoliation.

Step 2: Cleanse with a gentle, natural body bar or wash. After exfoliating, wash the area with a natural cleansing bar that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients. Turmeric-based cleansing bars are ideal — they clean without stripping, calm any inflammation around the bumps, and help fade the dark marks that KP often leaves on deeper skin tones.

Step 3: Moisturise immediately after washing. While your skin is still slightly damp, apply a rich, natural body oil or moisturiser. This is critical — KP thrives on dry skin. Locking in hydration after exfoliation keeps the follicles soft and makes it harder for keratin to re-plug. Look for nourishing plant oils like avocado, jojoba or sweet almond oil.

Step 4: Don't pick or scratch. Picking at KP bumps can cause scarring, infection and — on deeper skin tones — dark marks that last far longer than the bumps themselves. Let your exfoliation routine do the work.

Best ingredients for KP skin

• Turmeric (curcumin) — reduces inflammation around keratin plugs and helps fade the dark marks that KP leaves on deeper skin tones.
• Demerara sugar / cane sugar — effective physical exfoliants that dissolve as you scrub, clearing keratin plugs without causing micro-tears.
• Avocado oil — deeply penetrating and rich in vitamins A, D and E. Nourishes dry, KP-prone skin and supports barrier repair.
• Olive oil — softens keratin plugs and helps loosen trapped material in the follicles.
• Vitamin E — an antioxidant that supports skin repair and helps fade post-inflammatory dark marks.
• Glycerin — a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated between exfoliation sessions.

What to avoid with keratosis pilaris

Harsh soaps and sulphate body washes. SLS strips the skin's natural oils, worsening the dryness that makes KP more prominent. Always use sulphate-free, gentle cleansers.

Over-exfoliating. Exfoliating every day is too much for KP-prone skin. It causes irritation, micro-tears and inflammation — which on deeper skin tones leads to more dark marks. Two to three times per week is the sweet spot.

Hot showers and baths. Very hot water strips the moisture barrier and dries out the skin. Use lukewarm water, especially on KP-affected areas.

Scratchy loofahs or rough cloths. These can be too abrasive for KP skin. Use a purpose-made exfoliating glove or your hands with a body scrub for a controlled, gentler exfoliation.

Tight, synthetic clothing. Friction from tight sleeves and leggings can irritate KP bumps. Wear loose, breathable natural fabrics where possible.

Managing KP on the arms vs legs vs other areas

KP most commonly appears on the upper arms (the back and outer sides), thighs, buttocks and sometimes the cheeks (particularly in children). The approach is the same regardless of location — exfoliate, cleanse, moisturise — but there are a few area-specific notes:

Arms: Chicken skin on arms is the most common presentation. The skin here is relatively resilient, so it responds well to regular scrubbing with a body scrub and exfoliating glove.

Thighs and buttocks: These areas are more prone to friction from clothing, which can worsen KP. Focus on wearing breathable fabrics and moisturising consistently.

Face (cheeks): If KP appears on the face, do not use body scrubs — they're too harsh for facial skin. Use a gentle facial cleanser and a lightweight facial oil instead.

Start treating your KP naturally

Ready to smooth out those bumps? Start with Polish (body scrub protection) — a turmeric and demerara sugar body scrub that clears keratin plugs, exfoliates dead skin and helps fade dark marks. Pair it with Raw (body bar cleansing protection) — a natural turmeric cleansing bar that soothes inflammation and evens skin tone. Add the Exfoliating Bath Glove for a thorough, even exfoliation across arms and legs. All products are handmade, natural and vegan.