If you’ve noticed small rough bumps on the back of your arms or upper thighs, it could be keratosis pilaris. It’s not serious, but it can leave you dreaming of smooth, healthy skin.
The good news is that consistent, targeted skincare can help improve keratosis pilaris and prevent seasonal flares. This article covers all the details. Continue reading as we explore:
- What is keratosis pilaris?
- What causes keratosis pilaris?
- How to get rid of keratosis pilaris with daily skincare
- How to treat keratosis pilaris with active ingredients and NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare
- Keratosis pilaris on the face vs. body
- A daily body care routine to support keratosis pilaris treatment
- Keratosis pilaris FAQs
What is Keratosis Pilaris, and Why Does It Cause Bumpy Skin?
Keratosis pilaris is bumpy skin, primarily on the arms and legs, caused by excess keratin production around hair follicles.
It is a common dermatological condition that occurs when hair follicles in the skin develop white or skin-colored papules (made of excess keratin protein, dead skin, and debris) that prevent hair from reaching the skin’s surface. Clusters of papules create the characteristic bumpy skin, sometimes described as “gooseflesh” or “chicken skin.”
Although keratosis pilaris most often occurs on the backs of the arms, upper thighs, and buttocks, it can occur anywhere there are hair follicles. A less common variant includes papules on the cheeks.
Keratosis pilaris symptoms include:
- Small, rough bumps
- Redness and inflammation
- Itching and irritation
- Skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation
- Seasonal variation – tends to worsen in winter
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris on Arms, Legs, and Face?
Although the exact cause of keratosis pilaris is unknown, it seems to be influenced by various genetic and environmental factors.
Keratosis pilaris has a genetic component and tends to run in families. Other keratosis pilaris causes, contributors, and triggers may include:
- Loss of epithelial barrier function – Anything that damages the skin barrier, such as harsh skincare products that strip the skin of natural oils
- Dry skin – Explains why Keratosis pilaris is worse in the winter
- Hormonal factors – Keratosis pilaris may increase in pregnancy or during other times of hormonal change
While you can’t change your genetics and family history, you can influence many of the other contributors.
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris with Exfoliation and Hydration
Treating and preventing keratosis pilaris involves consistent exfoliation, moisturization, and skin barrier support.
Regular exfoliation with an exfoliating body scrub or body exfoliator with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, can loosen the keratin buildup that creates the follicular plugs and rough bumps associated with keratosis pilaris.
Start with gentle exfoliation a couple of times weekly and adjust frequency according to product directions and your skin’s response. Avoid exfoliating irritated or broken skin.
Choose exfoliants appropriate for each area. For the face and neck, we suggest NassifMD® Glycolic Microdermabrasion Skin Perfecting Polish. Explore the NassifMD® Scrub Collection and follow each product’s directions before body use.
After exfoliating, use hydrating, barrier-supportive products to increase skin hydration and seal it in with emollient oils. These NassifMD® Neck & Body Care products help hydrate dry skin and soften the feel of rough bumps:
The Best Ingredients and Body Scrubs for Smoothing Rough Skin
Each NassifMD® Skincare product provides a synergy of active ingredients. Let’s look at the products for smoothing rough texture and supporting hydration, and the active ingredients they contain:
NassifMD® Crepe Inhibitor Triple Action Body Butter
- Shea butter – skin emollient, rich in fatty acids to hydrate dry skin
- Renovage™ (teprenone) – reduces inflammation and redness while restoring moisture
- Aquaxyl – plant-derived humectants that act like an anti-dehydration shield
NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Soufflé
- Ceramosides – ceramide lipids rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
- Hyaluronic acid – a deeply hydrating molecule
- Sytenol® A – bakuchiol derived from the babchi plant, a retinol alternative to support skin health and renewal
NassifMD® Glycolic Microdermabrasion Skin Perfecting Polish – Use as directed on the face and neck. For an exfoliating body wash, choose a formula directed for body use.
- Glycolic acid – a natural alpha hydroxy acid exfoliator
- Phytelephas aequatorialis seed powder – natural exfoliant from ground seeds of the Ecuadorian ivory palm
- Ectoin – an extremolyte molecule that hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier
- Luremin – a gentle retinol alternative
Keratosis Pilaris on the Face Vs. the Body: How Treatment Differs
You can support keratosis pilaris on the face and body in many of the same ways. However, facial skin may be more sensitive. Additionally, you may have other skincare goals that require additional support in your skincare routine, including serums and SPF protection.
Keratosis pilaris support for the face and body:
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Keratosis Pilaris Product |
Keratosis pilaris face |
Keratosis pilaris arms & legs |
Additional Options |
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NassifMD® Crepe Inhibitor Triple Action Body Butter |
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For the face, try: NassifMD® Soft Focus Hydrating Day Cream NassifMD® Pure Hydration Night Cream NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream For the body, consider: |
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For the face, try: NassifMD® Soft Focus Hydrating Day Cream NassifMD® Pure Hydration Night Cream NassifMD® Skin Barrier Protection Cream For the body, consider: |
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Alternative exfoliation options; follow each product’s directions: |
*Hydro-Screen Soufflé: use sparingly on the face, if desired and tolerated. Choose one exfoliant per area and routine, rather than layering Polish and Detox Facial Pads.
A Daily Body Care Routine to Keep Bumpy Skin Smooth
A daily body care routine for keratosis pilaris includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing treatments.
Keratosis pilaris is most common on the backs of the arms, but may also affect the upper thighs and buttocks. Focus on rough areas, and moisturize the rest of the body as needed. Use exfoliants only on the areas specified in their directions.
Cleanse and moisturize daily; exfoliate only as directed:
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In the shower or bath, cleanse with NassifMD® Pure Hydration Facial Cleanser and rinse off. On exfoliation days, use a product directed for the area being treated. Start with 1 or 2 days per week and adjust frequency according to product directions and your skin’s response.
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Gently pat-dry the skin with a towel
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Apply NassifMD® Crepe Inhibitor Triple Action Body Butter, NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Soufflé or both
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Allow the keratosis pilaris cream to dry before getting dressed
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Protect exposed skin with sunscreen
Smoothing bumpy skin on the arms, legs, and cheeks can be as simple as gentle exfoliation plus hydration in the affected areas. Let NassifMD® Skincare help you get started.
Keratosis Pilaris FAQs
What is keratosis pilaris, and what causes it?
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition caused by keratin buildup in hair follicles that produces small bumps on the skin, particularly the backs of the arms. Genetics and dry skin are contributors.
Can keratosis pilaris be cured permanently?
There isn’t a cure for keratosis pilaris, but the appearance can greatly improve with simple skin treatments, including exfoliating and moisturizing to protect the skin barrier.
How often should you exfoliate skin with keratosis pilaris?
Start with gentle exfoliation 1 or 2 times per week and adjust frequency according to product directions and your skin’s response. Avoid excessive scrubbing, harsh products, and exfoliating when the skin is irritated or broken.
Does moisturizing help keratosis pilaris on the arms?
Yes. Dry skin can make keratosis pilaris worse, so frequent moisturizing supports skin hydration, skin barrier health, and helps soften bumpy skin. Apply moisturizers after bathing and as needed.
Why does keratosis pilaris get worse in cold weather?
Cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can contribute to dry skin and make keratosis pilaris more pronounced.
References
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Pennycook, K. B., & McCready, T. A. (2023). Keratosis Pilaris. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
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Kaur, K., Kaur, A., Kalsi, V., & Kasav, S. (2025). Keratosis Pilaris Unveiled: Insights into its Origin, Management Strategies and Research Frontiers. Indian journal of dermatology, 70(5), 267–274.
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Motamedi, M., Chehade, A., Sanghera, R., & Grewal, P. (2022). A Clinician's Guide to Topical Retinoids. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 26(1), 71–78.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association. Keratosis pilaris: Self-care.
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Croda Beauty. Renovage™. Ingredient information and INCI.