Guide to Keratosis Pillaris: What Is It & How to Treat It

Keratosis pilaris is a very common and harmless skin texture concern that shows up as tiny rough bumps, most often on the backs of the arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the cheeks. While there is no permanent cure, a smart skincare routine can dramatically smooth texture, calm redness, and keep skin soft and comfortable. Below you will find a friendly, step by step guide to what Keratosis Pilaris is, why it happens, and exactly how to care for it with expert loved options from Environ, CeraVe and Advanced Nutrition.

What is Keratosis Pilaris? 

Keratosis pilaris happens when excess keratin collects around the opening of a hair follicle. This creates a tiny plug that feels like sandpapery dots and can look pink or red on lighter tones and slightly darker or shadowed on deeper tones. It is most noticeable on dry skin or in colder months. The goal is not to scrub it away but to help skin shed smoothly while keeping the barrier well hydrated.

How Keratosis Pilaris Forms

In healthy turnover, old cells loosen and lift off the surface. With Keratosis Pilaris, those cells cling and gather around follicles instead. Contributing factors include dehydrated skin, low humidity, and friction from tight clothing. The most helpful ingredients are gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to loosen buildup, urea to soften and hydrate, and retinoids to support steady cell renewal. When you pair these with daily moisturising and consistent use, bumps become much less noticeable.

What is the Best Skincare Routine to Treat Keratosis Pilaris?

Think steady and gentle. The best keratosis pilaris treatment is a routine you can follow consistently, with simple steps to repeat every day and a couple of targeted boosters a few times a week. Here is a plan using the same brands you know and love.

Daily cleanse and condition

Start with a body cleanser that will not strip or tighten the skin, then follow with a leave on lotion containing lactic or glycolic acid while skin is still slightly damp. Environ’s Derma Lac Lotion layered with the A C and E Body Oil is a long standing favourite for keeping skin smooth, while CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cream with salicylic acid and ceramides offers an accessible option that restores moisture and softens rough patches. This routine is ideal for sensitive skin that still needs gentle exfoliation.

Targeted smoothing two to four times weekly

On alternate days, add a gentle boost with exfoliating formulas. CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cleanser works well in the shower, while Environ’s range of vitamin A based moisturisers can be paired with their body treatments to support cell turnover. For stubborn areas, a leave on exfoliant with glycolic or lactic acid helps refine texture over time.

Support from the inside out 

Topical care works best when supported by internal nourishment. Advanced Nutrition Programme supplements, such as Skin Omegas or Skin Accumax, provide essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help strengthen the skin barrier from within. Pairing topical products from Environ or CeraVe with nutritional support makes keratosis pilaris treatment more comprehensive, no matter your skin type.

Post workout or body acne prone areas

When keratosis pilaris overlaps with body breakouts, particularly on the back or shoulders after exercise, gentle cleansing and lightweight hydration are key. CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cleanser can be used post workout to keep pores clear, while layering with Environ’s A C and E Body Oil helps calm and condition the skin. This balance is especially helpful for those managing both KP and oily skin concerns.

Daytime protection

Exfoliation makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, so finishing with a broad spectrum SPF on exposed areas is essential. Both Environ RAD SPF 15 and CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30 are lightweight, body friendly formulas that protect without leaving residue, helping to maintain smooth results and prevent redness.

Tips to Prevent Keratosis Pilaris Flare-Ups 

Keratosis pilaris responds best to consistency and gentle care. A few smart lifestyle tweaks will help keep bumps under control and your skin feeling comfortable.

• Choose breathable fabrics to minimise friction, especially on arms and thighs, and avoid tight sleeves or leggings that rub.

• Keep showers warm, not hot, as very hot water can strip moisture and make bumps more noticeable.

• Pat skin dry with a soft towel and apply your lotion or oil within a few minutes while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

• Skip harsh scrubs and loofahs, which can irritate follicles and worsen redness — chemical exfoliants do the work more gently and effectively.

• Adjust with the seasons, increasing hydration in colder months when air is dry and scaling back exfoliation if skin feels tight.

• Stay consistent, as regular care delivers better results than intense routines used only once in a while.

Keratosis Pilaris FAQs

Is Keratosis a Form of Eczema?

Keratosis pilaris is not a form of eczema, though the two can sometimes appear together. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition linked to barrier dysfunction, sensitivity, and flare ups of itching and redness. KP, on the other hand, is caused by a buildup of keratin in the hair follicle. People with dry or sensitive skin, including those who have eczema, may notice keratosis pilaris more often, but the conditions are distinct.

What Can Be Mistaken For Keratosis Pilaris?

Several other skin conditions can look similar at first glance. Folliculitis, which is inflammation or infection of the hair follicle, can create red bumps that mimic KP but are usually more tender or pus filled. Acne on the arms or back can also be confused with keratosis, though acne typically includes blackheads or whiteheads. Sometimes simple dryness can create a rough texture that resembles KP. If bumps are painful, spreading, or changing quickly, it is best to get a professional opinion.

Can I Remove Keratosis Myself?

Keratosis pilaris cannot be permanently removed, but you can absolutely manage it yourself at home with the right routine. Gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid lotions help clear the bumps, while daily moisturising keeps skin comfortable. Harsh scrubbing, picking, or trying to squeeze the bumps will not help and can actually make them worse. With consistency, you will notice smoother skin within a few weeks.

What Causes Keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris is caused by an overproduction of keratin, a natural protein that protects skin. Instead of shedding smoothly, keratin collects around the follicle opening, creating a plug that feels like a tiny bump. Genetics play a strong role,  if a parent has KP, their children are more likely to have it too. Dry climates, low humidity, and skin conditions that affect the barrier, like eczema, can make keratosis more noticeable. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is very common in both children and adults.

Find Your Keratosis Pilaris Treatment at Millies 

Finding the right keratosis pilaris treatment is all about consistency and choosing products you genuinely enjoy using every day. At Millies, you’ll find expert approved skincare options that work together to smooth texture, calm redness, and keep your skin feeling soft and confident all year round.