What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Last Updated: 11/11/2026
Keratosis pilaris (KP), often called chicken skin, is a common skin condition that causes rough, bumpy skin, often on the upper arms and thighs. It is caused by a build-up of keratin in the hair follicles. Keratin is a protein that normally protects your skin. In KP, it plugs the opening of the follicle instead of shedding, which creates a small, rough bump. KP often runs in families and tends to flare up in winter.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
KP shows up as clusters of small, rough bumps that can look skin-coloured, white, pink, red or brown, depending on your skin tone. It’s most common on the upper arms, thighs and bottom, and can also appear on the cheeks. It’s harmless and not contagious. It’s also very common, affecting 50 to 70% of teenagers and around 40% of adults. If you’re living with it, there’s no shame, only support.
What causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Your skin makes keratin to protect itself. With KP, keratin builds up at the opening of the hair follicle instead of shedding with dead skin cells. That plug forms the rough, raised bump you can feel, and sometimes there’s redness around it. It’s a dry-skin condition, and it’s more common in people with eczema.
Is Keratosis Pilaris genetic?
Yes, KP often runs in families. Dermatologists think it’s passed down in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one parent with KP can pass on the tendency. So if your parent, brother or sister has bumpy arms, you’re more likely to have them too. It usually starts in childhood, becomes more noticeable in the teenage years, and often becomes milder in adulthood.
We know this first-hand. Our founder, Annette Luck, has KP, and when her three children developed it too, she set out to create AMELIORATE. Transforming Body Lotion is suitable from age 3, so the whole family can use the same routine.
What makes Keratosis Pilaris flare up?
KP tends to come and go. Most people find it improves in summer and gets worse in winter. Common triggers:
- Cold, dry air and central heating. Low humidity dries the skin, so bumps feel rougher.
- Long, hot showers and baths. Hot water strips natural oils.
- Harsh scrubs. Abrasive scrubbing irritates skin and can make redness worse.
- Perfumed soaps and bath products. These can dry the skin out.
- Dry skin or an eczema flare. KP is often more noticeable when the skin barrier is dry.
To calm a flare-up:
- Keep showers short and warm, not hot.
- Exfoliate gently 2 to 3 times a week with Transforming Body Exfoliant, which pairs AHAs with biodegradable bamboo particles.
- Apply Transforming Body Lotion twice daily for 4 weeks, then once a day to maintain.
- Wear SPF on exposed areas, because AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
How to manage Keratosis Pilaris
Although there is no known cure for KP, there are ways to manage the condition. The best way to control the symptoms is with a regular skincare routine that keeps skin healthy and moisturised. Explore our keratosis pilaris creams or follow the three steps below.
1. Cleanse
A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser won’t disturb your skin’s delicate balance. AMELIORATE Transforming Body Wash is soap-free and enriched with Omega oils, so it cleanses without causing dryness. Keep showers quick and warm so you don’t strip natural oils from the skin.
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2. Exfoliate
Steer clear of abrasive scrubs, which irritate the skin and won’t get rid of the bumps. Choose an exfoliant with a dual action that works on both a physical and chemical level.
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3. Moisturise
Follow with a daily moisturiser that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids to encourage cell turnover, plus ingredients that draw water into the skin and stop it evaporating. AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion is proven to improve rough, dry and bumpy skin, including KP.
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As soon as you stop caring for KP-prone skin, symptoms tend to return, so regular maintenance is essential. For a full routine, read our guide on how to reduce keratosis pilaris on your arms and legs.
The AMELIORATE Smooth Skin Hero’s Bundle is clinically proven and designed to provide a complete routine for the maintenance of KP. Each step enhances the next to leave skin soft, smoothed, and renewed.
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