Keratosis Pilaris 101: Can You Get Rid of It?

Small bumps on your arms that just won’t go away? You’re not alone: keratosis pilaris affects millions of people, and there’s no magic overnight fix. But there is a clear, science-backed path to smoother skin. This guide breaks down exactly what’s proven to help, from your bathroom cabinet to the dermatologist’s office.

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (often called “chicken skin”) is a common skin condition that causes tiny rough bumps to appear around hair follicles. It happens when keratin (a protein naturally found in the skin) builds up and blocks hair follicles, creating an uneven texture.

It usually appears on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the cheeks. These bumps can look skin-colored, red, or slightly darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. Some people also notice mild itching or dryness, but for most, keratosis pilaris is harmless and mainly affects appearance.

How to Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris

The first thing to know is that those small bumps aren’t caused by anything you’re doing wrong. Keratosis pilaris often runs in families, so genetics may be one of the reasons why some people develop it. It also usually shows up during childhood or the teenage years, becoming less noticeable as you get older.

Since keratosis pilaris is linked to the way keratin builds up around hair follicles, there’s no quick keratosis pilaris treatment that makes it disappear overnight. The good news is that the right skincare routine can smooth roughness, reduce the appearance of bumps, and keep your skin looking softer and more even over time.

How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Right

There are several evidence-based ways to manage keratosis pilaris, from simple at-home remedies to treatments your dermatologist might suggest. Explore the options below to see what may work best for your skin.

1. Start with Moisturizing

Moisturizing is where every dermatology guide on keratosis pilaris starts, and for good reason. It won’t erase the bumps, but it softens roughness enough that everything else you try works better.

2. Remember to Exfoliate

Keratosis pilaris bumps are caused by dead skin cells getting trapped in hair follicles, and that’s where exfoliating acids come in. These are the main active ingredients worth choosing from:

• Urea (20%) helps gently shed the dead skin cells clogging up hair follicles. In a 2024 study, a 20% urea cream noticeably improved skin texture in just 4 weeks, with minimal irritation.
• Azelaic acid (10-20%) is another gentle option that can help improve rough skin and redness, but in some studies it performed about the same as a plain moisturizer.
• Lactic acid is a good option for your at-home routine. A 12-week study found it (along with salicylic acid) significantly reduced bumps, especially when paired with a moisturizer.

3. Go for Retinoids and Other Prescription Options

If moisturizing and exfoliating haven’t gotten you far enough, retinoids are the next step. They work by helping normalize how skin cells form in hair follicles.

These come in prescription strength, so check with a doctor first. A dermatologist can help you pick the right concentration and make sure it’s a good fit for your skin. You may be prescribed:

• Tazarotene cream. It has the most convincing research behind it: a placebo-controlled study found it improved itching, roughness, and redness compared to a plain vehicle cream. It can be irritating, though, so it’s worth easing into it slowly, especially if your bumps are more red or inflamed.
• Tretinoin. It has helped some people with texture and pigmentation, based on individual case reports, but it tends to be more irritating and can make redness worse before it gets better.

If your case is more severe or stubborn, your doctor may suggest something even stronger, like an oral medication, which should only be used under medical supervision.

4. Think of Laser and Light Treatments

When topical treatments only get you so far, in-office laser or light therapy is where a dermatologist can offer more than the drugstore aisle. According to current research, these treatments are the most effective route when topicals haven’t done the job.

For example, the QS:Nd YAG laser currently has the best overall track record: multiple studies, including placebo-controlled ones, back it up. It tends to be safe across skin tones and can improve roughness, redness, and pigmentation. Side effects are usually mild and temporary (think redness, stinging, or small bruising).

Your dermatologist can walk you through the other options and help match one to your skin type, budget, and how much downtime you’re comfortable with.

How to Address Different Keratosis Pilaris Concerns

The best approach depends on what bothers you most.

Keratosis pilaris сoncern	Recommended treatment approach
Uneven texture	Moisturizers, gentle exfoliation, retinoids
Redness and irritation	Anti-inflammatory care, laser treatments if needed
Dark spots and discoloration	Chemical exfoliation, targeted laser treatments
Scars and skin indentations	Personalized treatment plan with a dermatologist