What is KP?
— Soft Services newsletter
keratosis pilaris (more inside)
Soft Services keratosis pilaris (more inside) KERATOSIS PILARIS [ker-a-tos-is -pi-ˈler-əs] KP (some call it “chicken skin”) is the name for areas of small, hard bumps that result from a build-up of dead skin cells around hair follicles on the body. It usually appears on the backs of arms and thighs during childhood, and for many is a lifelong (albeit harmless) frustration.
On darker skin, the bumps can appear a few shades darker than your skin tone, and lighter skin they can be pink or red. Upper Arms Upper Legs Upper Arms Lower Legs Upper Arms Upper Legs KP and dry skin are related—when skin is dry, dead skin cells (keratin) harden and create the goosebumpy texture. Ingrown hairs can sometimes result, as the keratin build-up can create a blockage which traps the hair beneath the surface of skin.
The resulting itchiness leads many to scratch and pick at their bumps, which is when inflammation and scarring occur. KP QUICK FACTS VARIETY BAG KP tends to be genetic , though because it’s a cosmetic concern and not a medical issue, scientific studies are lacking. It’s common —40% of adult Americans have it. It’s not contagious . Treat KP as you would dry skin, but look for lotions with keratolytic agents like urea and lactic acid.
Avoid pore-clogging coconut oil , which is comedogenic and can create more build-up at the hair follicle. Friction from tight clothing doesn’t help. If you’re partial to tights or rough fabrics, consider swapping to looser, softer clothing . Soft Services exists to serve KP, dry skin, and ingrown hair sufferers alike. See our deep-dive into potential causes, treatments, and more expert body skin advice on Mass Index .
To work your way to clearing your bumps once and for all, consider the Smoothing Set —our three-step routine made specifically to address KP. The Buffing Bar is the jumpstart that sands away the toughest keratin layer, allowing the keratolytics in the Smoothing Solution to more effectively soften the build-up closest to your hair follicle. The Carea Cream moisturizes while exfoliating, so even on days when you only have time for one step, you’re maintaining bump-free skin.
Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant $28 Smoothing Solution Calming Gel Exfoliant $34 Carea Cream Daily Toning Lotion $40 Smoothing Set Three-step routine $102 "I'm a guy that has KP on my arms and the backs of my legs . I basically got used to the idea that it was there to stay. I saw the ad on Instagram, and thought I would try it out. i have only used it for less than a week, and the improvements are amazing...
" Darryn, 59, after 1 week with Smoothing Set "After using the regimen regularly I started to notice a HUGE improvement on my arms and am so happy with the products!! My arms are smooth again . " Leiya, 29, after 6 months with Smoothing Set "The smoothing set has made the KP on my arms so much better . I’ve tried many products including a prescription by my dermatologist gave me to clear it up. Within one week I noticed a HUGE difference.
Within less than a month I only had a few bumps on my arms. " Patricia, 67, after 3 months with Smoothing Set
Tags: Deep Dives, Dry Skin, Ingrown Hair, Keratosis Pilaris, Buffing Bar — Original, Smoothing Solution, Carea Cream