I’ve always wanted soft, glowing skin. But for years, I struggled with tiny bumps on my arms and legs. No matter what I tried, they didn’t go away.
You might know this as chicken skin. Technically, it’s called keratosis pilaris. It’s a common skin condition that causes red or rough bumps. These usually show up on your upper arms, thighs, butt, or even your back.
For me, it showed up mostly as red bumpy skin on my arms and legs. It made me feel self-conscious, especially in sleeveless tops or shorts.
And even though I fully believe in body love and embracing yourself as you are, I also believe you can love yourself and still want to glow up.
So that’s where I’m at: I’m in my glow-up era, and one of my biggest goals is finally getting the smooth skin I’ve always wanted, without spending a fortune or booking fancy treatments.
After doing a deep dive into TikTok skincare tips, dermatologist blogs, and trusted advice, I’ve put together a simple, step-by-step plan that’s realistic, affordable, and actually doable. This guide is personal—I’m sharing exactly what I’m learning and the products I’m using to treat keratosis pilaris at home.
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris happens when your skin makes too much keratin. Keratin is a natural protein that protects your skin. But when it builds up, it blocks hair follicles and creates bumps.
The bumps may look like chicken skin—dry, red, or skin-colored. They can also feel rough or itchy.
Triggers include:
- Dry skin (especially in the winter)
- Genetics (yup, thanks Mom/Dad)
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of exfoliation or buildup of dead skin cells
- Wearing tight clothing that causes friction
- Hot showers that strip moisture from the skin
Keratosis Pilaris vs. Strawberry Skin — What’s the Difference?
Before I really understood my skin, I used to lump all those tiny bumps and dots into one category. But after researching, I learned there’s a big difference between keratosis pilaris and strawberry skin—even though they can look super similar.
| Feature | Keratosis Pilaris | Strawberry Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Rough, dry bumps | Dark dots in pores |
| Cause | Keratin clogs follicles | Shaving or clogged pores |
| Feel | Rough and bumpy | Smooth to the touch |
| Area | Arms, thighs, butt, back | Arms, thighs, butt, and back |
Quick tip:
If your skin feels rough, it’s probably KP.
If it looks dotted but feels smooth, it’s likely strawberry skin.
My 5-Step Keratosis Pilaris Routine (With Products That Help)
This routine helped clear the chicken skin on my arms and legs. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and beginner-approved.
Step 1: Exfoliate Gently (No Harsh Scrubs)
Exfoliating removes dead skin and built-up keratin. But don’t scrub too hard—it can make KP worse.
Here are three of my favorite products for exfoliation. You don’t need all three of them. Just pick one.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% – gentle chemical exfoliant
- Smoothes rough patches, brightens skin tone
- Use 3x per week with a cotton pad
- Don’t use after shaving
- Use it in the evening
AmLactin Lactic Acid Lotion – exfoliates and hydrates
- Exfoliates and hydrates in one step
- Allure Best of Beauty 2024
You can use AmLactin Daily Nourish once per day, ideally after your shower, on clean, slightly damp skin.
- For sensitive skin: start with 3–4 times per week
- For normal/resilient skin: you can build up to daily use
- Don’t use it with Glycolic Acid
OUKEYA Urea Cream – hydrates and exfoliates
Step 2: Moisturize Every Day
Dry skin makes KP more visible. Moisturizing softens bumps and protects your skin barrier.
Best moisturizers. Choose one:
CeraVe SA Lotion – has ceramides and salicylic acid
Eucerin Roughness Relief – good for sensitive skin and budget-friendly
Apply lotion right after your shower while your skin is still damp.
Step 3: Add Retinol at Night
Retinol speeds up cell turnover. It helps prevent keratin from clogging your pores.
Use 2–3 nights per week:
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Lotion – softens KP and hydrates
- Always moisturize after retinol
- Don’t mix retinol with acids on the same night
Step 4: Shave Carefully
Shaving can make bumps on arms and legs worse—especially with dry skin or a dull razor.
Tips:
- Use a fresh, clean razor
- Shave in the direction of hair growth
- Exfoliate the day before, not the same day
- Always use shaving cream
Try EOS Shea Better Shave Cream – Vanilla Bliss
It’s creamy, smells amazing, and hydrates while you shave.
Want smoother results?
Try an at-home laser device like Ulike Air 10 IPL. It helps reduce hair growth and keratin buildup. It’s painless, safe, and works on arms, legs, underarms, and bikini area.
Step 5: Try At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Switching to IPL laser hair removal helped reduce friction and bumps.
🛒 My favorite device:
Ulike Air 10 IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
🌟 Painless, beginner-friendly, and cooling
⚡ Shows results in 2–4 weeks
✅ Works on arms, legs, underarms, bikini areaIt’s a one-time investment that helped reduce chicken skin on legs and made my skin feel smoother overall.
What Not to Do If You Have Keratosis Pilaris
Avoiding these mistakes can help you see faster results:
❌ Don’t scrub too hard — it causes irritation
❌ Don’t skip moisturizer — dry skin makes bumps worse
❌ Don’t pick or squeeze the bumps — this leads to scarring
❌ Don’t dry shave or use dull razors — it worsens chicken skin on arms and legs
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If your keratosis pilaris is painful, itchy, or inflamed—and you’ve tried consistent treatment for 6+ weeks—it might be time to see a pro.
A dermatologist can suggest:
- Stronger retinoids (like tretinoin)
- Prescription creams
- In-office treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Ask for help if you need it.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone (And You’re Already Glowing)
Keratosis pilaris is super common. So many people deal with chicken skin—you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with you.
But if these bumps make you feel uncomfortable or less confident, it’s okay to want smoother skin. You deserve to feel good in your body.
You don’t need fancy tools or 20 products. All you need is:
- A gentle, consistent routine
- Products that actually work for KP
- Time, patience, and self-kindness
Your glow-up is already happening. Keep going. 💖
You’ve got this, babe. ✨