5 Daily Care Tips to Improve Keratosis Pilaris | Gently Say Goodbye to "Chicken Skin"

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt bothered by the rough, bumpy “chicken skin” on your arms or thighs? Keratosis Pilaris (KP) isn’t a health risk, but it often makes people feel self-conscious about showing their skin. While it can’t be completely cured, with daily care, you can significantly improve its appearance and help your skin become smooth and refined again.

Below, we’ve put together 5 everyday solutions to help improve Keratosis Pilaris, so you can gently say goodbye to roughness.

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1. Cleanse gently—avoid excessive scrubbing

Many people think that "washing and scrubbing more" can get rid of keratosis pilaris, but in fact, excessive rubbing only damages the skin barrier and makes the redness and swelling worse.
It is recommended to choose cleansers that are gentle in pH and provide mild oil control, and to avoid body washes that are heavily soap-based or contain harsh exfoliating beads.

✔ Pro tip: Don’t use water that’s too hot to avoid making dryness worse.

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2. Exfoliate in moderation

The core issue of keratosis pilaris is the buildup of keratin.
It is recommended to choose mild exfoliating products containing acids (such as lactobionic acid or BHA), which are more gentle and effective than physical scrubs.

The cause of keratosis pilaris is keratin build-up, so it is important to remove dead skin cells. However, keep in mind:

• Avoid harsh scrubs, as they can scratch the skin and actually worsen follicle blockage.
• Choose gentle acids (such as lactobionic acid, AHA, or BHA), which can gradually soften keratin and help clear the pores.

✔ When using these products, watch how your skin reacts and avoid overuse.

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3. Enhance Moisturization and Barrier Repair

Dryness is the main culprit in worsening KP. When your skin lacks moisture, dead skin cells tend to build up more easily.
In your daily routine, you should:

• Use moisturizers containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
• Lock in moisture immediately after cleansing or exfoliating
• Be consistent over the long term to help reduce the bumpy texture
  

✔ If your skin is very dry, apply both morning and night.

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4. Soothing and Emergency Care

During seasonal changes, after shaving, or in dry, cold environments, KP is often accompanied by redness or itching.
At these times, in addition to moisturizing, you also need soothing and repairing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, lavender, and centella asiatica to help calm the skin.

✔ After shaving, you can apply a soothing gel to prevent ingrown hairs or red spots.

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5. Develop Healthy Lifestyle Habits

External care is important, but your lifestyle also affects KP:

• Wear breathable fabrics to reduce friction
• Keep exercising to boost metabolism and promote blood circulation
• Maintain a balanced diet with Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A/E
• Practice sun protection to prevent pigmentation from UV rays, which can make bumps more noticeable

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🔗 Further reading: Zenova’s Skincare Recommendations

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, the Zenova Tea Ceremony Series embraces the skincare philosophy of “Wa Kei Sei Jaku”—offering gentle support for your skin, from cleansing and metabolism to repair and soothing:

• Harmony｜Herbal Revitalizing Body Spray (Exfoliates dead skin cells, improves roughness)
• Respect｜Herbal Barrier Recovery Body Lotion (Moisturizing & Repairing, Strengthens the Skin Barrier)
  
• Clear｜Herbal Acne Purifying Body Wash (Cleanses & Controls Oil, Purifies Pores)
• Serene｜Herbal Soothing Skin Relief Gel (Soothes emergencies, calms sensitivity)