15 Best Products To Fix Chicken Skin AKA Keratosis Pilaris
Say hello to smooth skin!
getty Chicken skin bumps, also known as keratosis pilaris or "KP," go by a few names. But, believe it or not, it’s a pretty common sight. Keratosis pilaris is those tiny reddish, rough bumps with harsh texture that are often seen along upper arms and thighs.
They are annoying and embarrassing, but are also incredibly common; in fact, 40 percent of adults have it! Though it's unknown how to get rid of keratosis pilaris completely, there's a lot we can do to make it feel and look better.
Whether it's genetics, dry skin, or eczema beyond your own, keratosis pilaris treatment often comes in the form of lotions, scrubs, and creams, and here are some of our favorites to get you started.
1. AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Cream
AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Cream contains lactic acid, a powerful yet gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to gently exfoliate and soften rough, bumpy areas of dry skin. This patented formula, which includes ULTRAPLEX, is clinically proven to deeply hydrate, non-greasy and fragrance-free.
(Amazon)
2. AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Body Mud
This treatment relieves painfully dry, rough, cracked or coarse skin, and locks in moistures to help protect and heal skin. Made with patented "leave-on," mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, it's formulated for daily use.
(Ahava, $17.50)
3. Skinfix Renewing Scrub and Renewing Cream
A unique all-over body polish duo that helps smooth and hydrate rough and dry skin, Renewing Scrub is a pre-shower body treatment that provides both chemical and physical exfoliation, performing like a peel and polish in one. Use the whipped scrub before you turn on the shower to help retexturize and smooth the look of your skin.
(QVC, $45)
4. Osmosis Skincare for Keratosis Pilaris
While scrubbing the arms can make it smoother, Osmosis prefers to address the source of this common condition. Using quantum biology, founder Dr. Johnson has discovered how to control yeast populations, which allows the skin to clear itself. With this three-piece kit, this process is easy and safe for all ages.
(Osmosis Skincare, $40)
5. Elina Organics Oil Control Formula
This organic, handmade and cruelty-free formula has willow bark extract, which is very rich in natural salicylic acid as well as other organic healing botanicals. This will help to gently shrink the bumps, reduce redness, and calm down the area.
(Elina Organics Skincare, $48)
6. Cortizone-10 Max Strength Cream
Cortisone cream gives comfort for dry skin, skin irritation, inflammation, redness, rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and can help temporarily reduce the redness that can come with KP.
(Amazon)
7. MicrodermaMitt Exfoliating Body Mitt
This product helps smooth keratosis pilaris bumps by unplugging hair follicles to remove the buildup of keratin, which causes the red bumps. It also helps reduce and prevent razor bumps and ingrown hair.
(Amazon)
8. CeraVe Renewing SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin
Formulated with with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that help restore and maintain skin’s natural protective barrier, this makes it ideal for extremely dry, rough, bumpy, and Psoriasis-prone skin.
(Amazon)
9. Dermadoctor KP Duty Kit
A cult classic that contains a patented blend of glycolic acid, green tea extract and urea to help exfoliate, calm and hydrate, this product helps improve the appearance of parched skin and rough chicken skin bumps.
(Amazon)
10. Restorsea Revitalizing Scalp Treatment
An exfoliating scalp treatment, this will help any chicken skin that makes it to the scalp. But it’s also safe to use on any skin areas having a KP outbeak.
(Ava MD, $150)
11. Udderly Smooth Extra Care Cream
Developed by a pharmacist and recommended by oncology professionals and diabetic care professionals, this body cream formulated with 20 percent urea softens, smooths and moisturizes extremely dry and rough skin.
(Amazon)
12. Cane and Austin Retexturizing Body Pads
Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation and age spots, while firming skin and improving tone and texture. They exfoliate and retexture skin while helping to rebuild collagen.
(Ulta, $70)
13. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream’s whipped texture is instantly absorbed, and leaves your skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after just a single use. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramide 3, and the First Aid Beauty Antioxidant Booster, it provides immediate relief and visible improvement for parched skin.
(Sephora, $32)
14. Glytone Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15
A product that exfoliates and provides SPF protection, this body lotion also helps minimize red bumps and other blemishes that appear on the arms and stomach.
(Amazon)
15. Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap
Keratoplast is a natural, botanical ingredient that reduces redness associated with extreme sensitivity. This gentle cleanser will remove light makeup while soothing irritation, leaving skin soft and smooth.
(Amazon)
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.
YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.