Bumps on arms? It might be Keratosis pilaris

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a harmless skin condition where the body produces extra keratin, which is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and your skin's outer layer.  While Keratin is super helpful in maintaining healthy skin, when it becomes mixed with dead skin cells, it can form hard, scaly plugs that block the openings of hair follicles and pores. This blockage traps emerging hairs and creates the rough, bumpy texture, sometimes referred to as "chicken skin".

What does keratosis pilaris look like?

If you’re wondering whether you have it, Keratosis pilaris typically appears as tiny textured bumps, often red or skin-colored. It often shows up on your upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or forearms, and these may be more visible in dry weather or if you have eczema. 

Causes of keratosis pilaris

There are several causes for Keratosis pilaris, such as:

1. Genetics: KP often runs in families.
2. Dry skin and environmental factors: Low humidity or harsh soaps make bumps more visible.
3. Associated skin conditions: People with eczema or very dry skin are more prone to Keratosis pilaris.
4. Age and hormones: It’s more common in childhood and adolescence and often improves with age.

[PLACEHOLDER FOR PULL-OUT DERMATOLOGIST QUOTE] 

Eczema vs keratosis pilaris 

As we touched on earlier, people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) are more likely to develop KP. But they are different conditions. Both of these conditions impact your epithelial cells (the ones that sit on your skin’s surface). However, eczema is more of an inflammatory condition, meaning flare-ups of dry, cracked skin, whereas KP is often present for longer periods.

How to care for keratosis pilaris 

While it’s usually non-painful,  it can be itchy or feel dry. Aim for gentle exfoliation, hydration, and routine care. Here are our top tips for managing KP.

1. Use a gentle Body Scrub like our Serum + Bump Dual Action Body Scrub. Made with an elevated formula, this keratosis pilaris body scrub was co-created with dermatologists and beauty experts to deliver two kinds of exfoliation – physical, with naturally derived exfoliants, and chemical. Not only is it made with glycerin to retain moisture and support your skin’s barrier, our 10% AHA + BHA serum with lactic and salicylic acid is also perfect for chemical exfoliation, revealing newer, smoother skin underneath. Plus, it’s clinically proven to reduce skin roughness and improve skin smoothness after one use. 
2. Use a moisturizing body wash like Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash to lock in moisture for up to 24-hours, 
3. Apply a caring cream serum with glycerin, or ceramides like Dove Prebiotic + Protection Cream Serum (with Prebiotic Glycerin, Pro-Vitamin B5, Stearic Acid and Peptides) and Dove Pro-Ceramide + Repair Cream Serum (with Pro-Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Natural Moisturizing Factors). Top Tip: Apply right after showering to lock in moisture.
4. Adjust your habits. Use lukewarm water, gentle cleansers, and avoid harsh fragrances, and wear breathable fabrics to reduce friction.
5. See a dermatologist if your keratosis pilaris is persistent. Short-term improvements are common, but results can vary. If your KP is persistent and itchy, we would recommend speaking to a dermatologist.

Eczema vs keratosis pilaris 

As we touched on earlier, people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) are more likely to develop KP. But they are different conditions. Both of these conditions impact your epithelial cells (the ones that sit on your skin’s surface). However, eczema is more of an inflammatory condition, meaning flare-ups of dry, cracked skin, whereas KP is often present for longer periods.

How to care for keratosis pilaris 

While it’s usually non-painful,  it can be itchy or feel dry. Aim for gentle exfoliation, hydration, and routine care. Here are our top tips for managing KP.

1. Use a gentle Body Scrub like our Serum + Bump Dual Action Body Scrub. Made with an elevated formula, this keratosis pilaris body scrub was co-created with dermatologists and beauty experts to deliver two kinds of exfoliation – physical, with naturally derived exfoliants, and chemical. Not only is it made with glycerin to retain moisture and support your skin’s barrier, our 10% AHA + BHA serum with lactic and salicylic acid is also perfect for chemical exfoliation, revealing newer, smoother skin underneath. Plus, it’s clinically proven to reduce skin roughness and improve skin smoothness after one use. 
2. Use a moisturizing body wash like Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash to lock in moisture for up to 24-hours.
3. Apply a caring cream serum with glycerin, or ceramides like Dove Prebiotic + Protection Cream Serum (with Prebiotic Glycerin, Pro-Vitamin B5, Stearic Acid and Peptides) and Dove Pro-Ceramide + Repair Cream Serum (with Pro-Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Natural Moisturizing Factors). Top Tip: Apply right after showering to lock in moisture.
4. Adjust your habits. Use lukewarm water, gentle cleansers, and avoid harsh fragrances, and wear breathable fabrics to reduce friction.
5. See a dermatologist if your keratosis pilaris is persistent. Short-term improvements are common, but results can vary. If your KP is persistent and itchy, we would recommend speaking to a dermatologist.