We’ve had the acne do’s and don’ts ingrained in us since birth (pretty) — don’t pick or pop, avoid chocolate, wash your pillowcases more — regardless of whether we actually follow them.
But KP is a different ball bump game, and although it also has rules to follow to minimise, they’re not as widely known as acne. And as the resident KP killer in the industry, I’ve had plenty of questions about what worsens chicken skin, how you calm down KP, and why glycolic acid and lactic acid are in these treatments.
Before we get into the do’s and dont’s, what even is KP?
Keratosis Pilaris aka KP aka chicken or strawberry skin is a common skin condition caused by the buildup of keratin (what your hair and nails are made of) that plugs your pores. It’s often found on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or bum, and looks like little bumps that cover the skin.
Should you be worried? Nope. It’s a harmless, genetic condition. It’s not contagious and usually doesn’t cause discomfort or itchiness. But it can be treated, especially with a high-performing and active routine. And now my ears are burning.
Should you shower every day with Keratosis Pilaris?
The short of it: yes.
The long of it: yes, but use warm water instead of hot, and limit showers to 10 minutes or less. Hot water and long showers or baths remove precious oils from the skin over time.
Be gentle, babe.
Using harsh soaps or exfoliants will only make your bumps worse. Instead, use a gentle yet active exfoliant that removes the dead skin cells that clog your pores, like my Glycolic Body Scrub.
Prirotise: Moisturise.
Soothe the skin whilst trapping the moisture in with a powerful lotion. And, if you’re not feeling anything gritty whatsoever, my Smoothing AHA Body Lotion has high-performing actives from the Alpha Hydroxy Acid that smooths out your chicken skin without making it angry.
Is it steamy in here?
Low humidity can dry out the skin, which is why you’ll notice so many celebrities travelling with their own humidifier. You can buy one from almost anywhere these days, and using one will help to keep your skin juicy and hydrated.
Avoid friction.
Limit wearing tight clothes around the areas you get keratosis pilaris, as the friction from the fabric can upset it further. Opt for loose-fitting, easy-breezy fabrics.