AMPERNA® is here to help you
Have you noticed small, rough bumps on your skin that feel like tiny goosebumps?
Perhaps they appear on your upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks and feel rough or uneven to touch.
You may be experiencing keratosis pilaris (KP) - a very common skin concern often referred to as “chicken skin”.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless and extremely common, but for some people the appearance of the small bumps, redness and rough texture can be frustrating and impact confidence.
The good news is that while keratosis pilaris cannot always be permanently eliminated, a consistent skincare routine focused on gentle exfoliation, hydration and supporting the skin barrier can help improve the appearance and feel of affected areas.
At AMPERNA®, we believe healthy-looking skin starts with understanding what your skin needs - and avoiding harsh approaches that may leave skin feeling irritated.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What keratosis pilaris is
- What causes keratosis pilaris
- Common areas affected by KP
- How to improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris
- The best skincare routine for keratosis pilaris-prone skin
- AMPERNA® product recommendations
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin concern that appears as small, rough bumps on the skin.
These bumps are caused by a build-up of keratin - a protein naturally found in the skin, hair and nails.
When excess keratin builds up around hair follicles, it can create small plugs that result in the characteristic rough, bumpy texture associated with KP.
Keratosis pilaris is sometimes called “chicken skin” because of its appearance.
It commonly appears on:
- Upper arms
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Cheeks
- Upper back
Some people experience only mild texture changes, while others may notice redness, dryness or irritation around the bumps.
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
The exact reason why some people develop keratosis pilaris is not fully understood.
However, genetics appears to play an important role, and KP is often seen in families.
It is also more commonly associated with people who experience:
- Dry skin
- Eczema-prone skin
- Sensitive skin
- Hormonal changes
Keratosis pilaris may also become more noticeable during times when skin becomes drier, such as colder months or changes in environment.
The key factor behind KP is the accumulation of dead skin cells and keratin around the hair follicle, which creates the appearance of small bumps.
How to treat Keratosis Pilaris
There’s no quick fix when it comes to treating keratosis pilaris. As this condition is anchored around trapped scaly skin you will need to focus on gently removing the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and pollutants that accumulate during the day.
Here are a few tips you can try at reducing your symptoms:
- Avoid scratching or picking the bumps. You will find keratosis pilaris patches may become itchier during the winter months when your skin becomes drier. Meaning an increased temptation to scratch and damage the surface of your skin. Instead, use a light moisturizing cream that contains urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. Regularly moisturising your affected skin throughout the day as needed will help soften the bumps and relieve dry and itchy symptoms.
For best results apply your moisturiser after showering and on damp skin.
- Use mild gentle cleansers for your face and your body. Harsh heavily fragranced cleansers and body wash can cause further irritation and dryness to the skin.
- Cool water is best to use on sensitive skin concerns like keratosis pilaris as hot water aggravates the skin.
- Gently pat your skin dry, avoid roughly rubbing your skin with a towel.
- Gentle exfoliation is key. Chemical exfoliants like AMPERNA®'s 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion is your best friend when it comes to supporting keratosis pilaris affected skin. Glycolic Acid (AHA) helps breakdown the top layer of skin, dissolving oils and sloughing away dead skin cells. This product can be used on both your face and body, wherever you have patches of keratosis pilaris. Use up to a couple of times a week for optimal results at diminishing the bumpy appearance.
- Never use harsh physical exfoliating scrubs or coarse exfoliating mitts. Just don’t.
- Avoid tight/restrictive clothing. The friction of tight fighting clothes may increase symptoms. Looser styles and natural fibres where possible are best.
- Review your diet. The foods we eat play a major role in the health of our skin. And although research is scarce in proving that food actually causes keratosis pilaris, there are certainly key nutrients and minerals you should incorporate in your diet to better help the overall health of your skin.
Diet and Keratosis Pilaris
Nutrients important for healthy skin include:
Vitamin A
Found in:
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Kale
Vitamin C
Found in:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
Vitamin E
Found in:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Green vegetables
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Chia seeds
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports overall wellbeing and healthy-looking skin.
How to keep support your Keratosis Pilaris skin with AMPERNA®
Clearing will take time. For some people the bumps eventually go away on their own. But for others it can take years and years and their symptoms may become worse. Be patient and practice the above tips to help minimise the appearance of keratosis pilaris.
Recommended products for Keratosis Pilaris prone skin
ACNE TRIO BUNDLE (for your face)
- Ultra-Gentle Soothing Cleanser this gel cleanser contains sage and cucumber extracts to help cool and nourish the skin. It rinses clean without leaving any irritating residue or stripping the skins natural pH levels. This can be used morning and night.
- Lightweight Soothing Emulsion this light but hard-working moisturiser contains ceramides, emollients, and hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage. This can be applied morning and night and throughout the day as required.
- 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion the hero product when supporting keratosis pilaris skin. This gentle chemical exfoliant helps remove excess debris from the outer layer of the skin, working hard at help the appearance of your keratosis pilaris bumps. The 10% glycolic acid (AHA) combined with antioxidants and AMPERNA®'s probiotic complex help deliver good bacteria to your skin gently but effectively. NOTE: This can also be used on your body as required.
WASH AND LOTION DUO (for your body)
- Hydrating Gentle Wash with Ceramides our soap-free body wash contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, colloidal oatmeal and silverion which has antibacterial properties. These ingredients are vital in helping clean the skin on your body without aggravating your keratosis pilaris patches.
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Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides 72 hours of hydrated skin... Yes, you read that right. This incredible fragrance-free, fast-absorbing body lotion contains pentavitin which offers 72 hours of heavenly hydration for your skin. It’s the perfect body lotion for people with keratosis pilaris prone skin. It’s non-greasy and wont clog your pores.
Final Thoughts
Keratosis pilaris is incredibly common, and while it can be frustrating, it is also something that can often be improved with the right skincare approach.
The key is consistency.
Rather than harshly scrubbing away bumps, focus on:
- Gentle exfoliation
- Regular hydration
- Supporting the skin barrier
- Using products consistently
At AMPERNA®, we believe skincare should work with your skin - not against it.
With patience and the right routine, skin can feel smoother, softer and more comfortable.
References
Keratosis Pilaris: What is it, and can it be Treated? - Dr Nathan Holt (cambridgelaserclinic.com)
Keratosis pilaris - treatment, causes and symptoms | healthdirect
