How to Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

September 09, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Discover how to get rid of keratosis pilaris and why you're getting those tiny, dry bumps in the first place.

Keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin) looks like small red or skin-colored bumps on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. It makes your skin feel dry and rough like sandpaper. 

While it’s incredibly stubborn and frustrating, you can reduce the appearance of KP with the right products and care. Below, we show you what KP is, why you might be getting it, and the skincare products that treat it. 

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that happens when your skin produces too much keratin. There’s nothing wrong with keratin itself. It’s naturally produced by your skin as a protective barrier against harmful UV rays and bacteria. 

The problem is when your skin produces too much of it. This excess keratin hardens and clogs the hair follicles, leading to the formation of those signature tiny rough bumps. 

Signs and Symptoms: 

On fair skin, KP bumps may look red, white, or skin-colored. On dark skin, they may appear brownish black. Keratosis pilaris bumps usually appear on the upper arms, legs, and cheeks. 

KP isn’t painful, dangerous, or contagious. It’s incredibly common, affecting around 40% of people.  

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

The main cause of KP is a buildup of keratin that clogs hair follicles. This blockage traps dead skin cells, giving the skin a rough, bumpy look and uneven texture. Some people describe it as looking like goosebumps or sandpaper. Here’s why you might have KP. 

Genetics is a common culprit. If your parents had KP, you might get it too. Some research suggests that vitamin A deficiency can both trigger and worsen the rough, bumpy texture associated with keratosis pilaris. Since vitamin A controls how fast skin cells shed, low levels can cause dead cell buildup and blocked hair follicles.

Keratosis pilaris gets worse in cold or dry climates. Those with dry or sensitive skin may experience more flare ups during the winter months. 

Low levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids have also been linked to keratosis pilaris flares. 

KP vs. Strawberry Legs

If you’re noticing small bumps or dark spots on your legs, you may be wondering whether you have keratosis pilaris or strawberry legs. While the two can look similar, they’re caused by different things. KP is caused by excess keratin clogging the hair follicles, while strawberry legs typically appear as dark or red dots around the hair follicles, often after shaving or hair removal.

KP is more commonly associated with rough, sandpaper-like bumps and can appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Strawberry legs are most noticeable on the legs and can be linked to clogged pores, ingrown hairs, shaving irritation, or other forms of follicle inflammation.

How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris at Home

Since the cause of KP is keratin buildup, the treatment for it lies in targeting that buildup and keeping it at bay. While there’s no permanent cure for KP, you can smooth its appearance with a good routine and the right products for KP. Here’s an effective keratosis pilaris treatment plan you can do at home: 

Step 1. Exfoliate

To clear away those keratin plugs, exfoliate 1-3 times per week. Use an exfoliator with AHAs or PHAs to chemically shed dead skin cells and build up without irritating your skin. A clinical study from 2021 concluded that glycolic acid effectively treats keratosis pilaris by clearing follicular keratin blockages and accelerating skin turnover. 

Step 2. Moisturize

Dry skin makes your skin feel rougher. Plus, moisturizing keeps your protective barrier strong for smoother, softer skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend using a moisturizer with ingredients like urea and lactic acid to help smooth bumps and support your barrier.

Step 3. Cool Down Your Showers

Stop taking hot showers. Switch to showering in lukewarm water to avoid stripping and drying out your skin which can exacerbate rough bumps.

Clinical research on the Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function proves that hot water literally evaporates your skin's moisture and disrupts its delicate pH balance, leaving your body parched and irritated.

Truly Beauty Top Picks for Keratosis Pilaris

We know how annoying KP is. Here are our favorite products for getting smooth:

• Strawberry Blossoms Smoothing Body Scrub with 10% PHA + AHA: Gentle, super-fine scrub buffs away dead skin and dry bumps for a smoother surface layer. A base of mineral-rich sea salt promotes cell turnover while vitamin C and AHAs brighten and renew.
• Strawberry Blossoms Exfoliating Face + Body Pads: Resurfacing, textured pads with 5.5% AHAs plus 2% niacinamide for gentle yet powerful smoothing you can do outside the shower. 
• Soft Serve Hydrating Cream: The final step. A rich, cushiony body cream with hyaluronic acid and shea butter delivers deep, long lasting hydration. It leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. 

Is There an Effective Routine for Keratosis Pilaris?

Exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep hair follicles clear and KP under control. However, you need to be careful not to overdo it so your skin doesn’t get irritated which can actually worsen KP. 

A skin cycling exfoliation routine can be helpful. Three times a week, exfoliate areas with rough bumps and always follow up with moisturizer. 

Strawberry Blossoms Complete Collection features a KP scrub, resurfacing pads, and body peel spray with AHA + PHA that you can rotate throughout the week. 

SAVE 10%

Strawberry Blossoms Complete Collection

Keratosis Pilaris + Uneven Texture

Add to Bag

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

How to Prevent Keratosis Pilaris Bumps

Some helpful habits for managing KP: Skin hot showers, swap drying soaps for hydrating body washes, stick to your KP routine, and moisturize daily straight after showering while your skin’s a little damp for maximum absorption. 

You don’t need a complicated or harsh routine to keep KP under control. A few good products and consistency go a long way in preventing KP flareups. Regularly exfoliating can also help keep your skin clear and buildup at bay. Learn how to exfoliate like a pro without irritating your skin in our expert guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My KP Get Worse in Winter?

Cold, dry weather can strip moisture from the skin, making KP feel rougher and look more noticeable. Keeping your skin moisturized can help reduce dryness and irritation.

Can I Get KP on My Face?

Yes. KP can appear on the cheeks and sometimes other areas of the face. Facial skin can be more sensitive, so gentle products are usually best.

Why Does KP Sometimes Look Red? 

The bumps can become red when the hair follicles are irritated or inflamed. Friction, dryness, and aggressive exfoliation may make redness more noticeable.

How Long Does it Take to Improve KP? 

Improvement takes time and varies from person to person. With consistent skincare, you may notice smoother, softer skin over several weeks rather than overnight.

What are the Best Skincare Ingredients for Keratosis Pilaris?

Look for products with lactic acid and glycolic acid (aka, AHAs) and urea, ceramides, squalane, and shea butter. They exfoliate and soften bumps for a smoother appearance. 

When to Consider Professional Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris should resolve on its own over time and can usually be easily managed with the right skincare products. That said, if your keratosis pilaris is severe and won’t go away with topical treatments, your dermatologist may recommend a prescription topical product or laser therapy.

IPL laser treatment typically costs around $150-$700 per session and requires 3-6 sessions, so it can be an expensive option. We recommend starting with over-the-counter keratosis pilaris skincare products, consistently using them, and giving them time to work (at least six weeks). If you’re seeing no improvement, consult with your dermatologist for help.

Share