- Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, harmless condition where excess keratin and dead skin cells plug your hair follicles, creating small, rough bumps.
- KP has no cure. Dermatologists often suggest daily moisturizers and gentle chemical exfoliation instead of physical exfoliation.
- K-beauty brand Beauty Body Factorie’s AHA+BHA Body Lotion combines gentle chemical exfoliation with soothing and hydrating ingredients.
- Beauty Body Factorie AHA+BHA Body Lotion is a great fit for KP-prone skin and skin that is rough, dry, flaky, or congested.
If you have little rough bumps on the backs of your arms, you aren’t alone. You’ll need to confirm with your dermatologist, but the diagnosis might be keratosis pilaris. Although harmless, there’s no cure. Dermatologists may recommend prescription topicals, lasers, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels to manage your symptoms. For daily care at home, my new favorite keratosis pilaris body lotion helps calm, hydrate, and smooth your skin.
WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS?
Keratosis pilaris (KP) occurs when keratin proteins and dead skin cells build up and clog your hair follicles. This creates a hard plug that you experience as a small, rough bump. Some people refer to their symptoms as "chicken skin." The bumps can be skin-colored, white, or red. Your skin can be red and may peel or flake, but KP is typically pain-free. If your skin is red or inflamed, it’s often from over-exfoliation or extreme moisture loss.
KP is most common on the:
- Back of upper arms
- Back of thighs
- Buttocks
- Cheeks
- Jawline
KERATOSIS PILARIS QUICK TIPS
- It's harmless, and it isn’t contagious: You can’t spread KP to anyone else. Some people notice itching or dryness, but it’s usually painless.
- It’s often hereditary: Keratin buildup under your skin isn’t always hereditary, but it’s often something other family members struggle with.
- It loves dry skin: You may find that your symptoms are worse in the winter or any time air is dry, and calmer in the spring and summer. You may experience bumps year-round if you live in desert regions.
- Be gentle: I know it’s tempting to squeeze the bumps, pick away the flakes, or scrub harder with physical exfoliators. This will only inflame your skin, so be gentle.
- Stick with it: When you find a routine that improves your symptoms, stick with it. After you stop using the moisturizer or exfoliating treatment that helps, your symptoms will likely return over time.
- Be proactive: If your symptoms flare up in the fall and winter, adjust your skincare routine before the weather gets cold and dry.
- It may not be lifelong: KP often peaks during puberty or adolescence and disappears in your 30s.
WHY PHYSICAL EXFOLIATORS DON’T IMPROVE KERATOSIS PILARIS?
I know it's tempting to scrub those bumps away. Please don't! The plug that built the bump is all the way inside the hair follicle, where a scrub can't reach. Scrubbing harder or more frequently just makes the top layers of your skin red and angry. Put down the rough loofah and the gritty scrub and let the acids in my preferred KP exfoliating lotion do the work for you.
WHY EXFOLIATING LOTION IS A DREAM FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends regular moisturizing as part of a KP care plan. This is because skin symptoms flare when your skin is dry. The AAD also recommends a gentle chemical exfoliant, which dissolves the dead skin buildup, instead of sloughing it off. That's exactly why I love a lotion that hydrates and exfoliates.
After 26 years as a Master Esthetician, it’s exciting to see skincare brands finally add body lotion to their inventory. Even if you apply body lotion every day, most do little more than moisturize your skin. Make no mistake, your skin requires moisture every time you bathe. Now it’s time to consider what else your body lotion can do for you, including gentle exfoliation.
WHY I LOVE KRX’S NEW AHA+BHA BODY LOTION FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS?
Beauty Body Factorie AHA+BHA Body Lotion is from one of my preferred K-beauty brands, KRX Aesthetics. Like their face-care products, this body lotion is advanced skincare. You get gentle exfoliation, deep moisture, and nourishment in one step. It's a must-have for your body glow goals!
Key benefits:
- Gently exfoliates and resurfaces skin
- Improves texture and smoothness
- Helps smooth skin prone to ingrown hairs
- Helps detoxify clogged pores
- Smooths and softens skin
KEY INGREDIENTS
This powerhouse body lotion delivers a complete spectrum of exfoliating acids: Salicylic, Glycolic, Lactic, and Fruit-Derived AHAs. The AHAs work together to resurface dull, dry skin, while the Salicylic Acid decongests and refines. The humectants pull water into the skin, while the Vitamin E and Botanicals soothe. Consistent use reveals skin that feels smoother, softer, and looks more radiant over time.
- Salicylic acid (BHA): This acid is oil-soluble, which means it absorbs into the hair follicle and helps loosen the plug. It's the "unclogging" hero for KP.
- Glycolic, lactic, and other fruit acids (AHAs): These work on the surface, loosening dead skin cells so flakes and rough texture smooth out. Lactic acid also helps skin hold moisture, which is why dermatologists like it for KP.
- Glycerin and sodium lactate: These are humectants, ingredients that pull water into the skin. Remember, dry skin makes KP worse, so hydration matters just as much as exfoliation.
- Vitamin E and botanicals: Antioxidants Vitamin E, Aloe, Turmeric, and Botanical Extracts help comfort the skin while the acids do their work.
IS AHA+BHA BODY LOTION ONLY FOR KP?
This lotion isn’t just for KP!
It's perfect for:
- Rough skin
- Dull skin
- Uneven or textured skin
- Dry, flaky areas
- Ingrown hair-prone skin
- Body acne-prone skin
- Congested skin
HOW TO APPLY BEAUTY BODY FACTORIE AHA+BHA BODY LOTION?
This lightweight lotion is one you'll actually want to use. Apply 2 to 3 days a week, preferably after a PM shower. Sleep is when your skin naturally repairs, so applying in the evening gives this process a boost. Acids also make your skin sensitive to UV rays. Expect a visible improvement within 3 to 4 weeks.
- Keep showers short and lukewarm: Long, hot showers dissolve natural oils and ceramides. This moisture loss often makes KP symptoms flare.
- Apply to your whole body or just on KP: Apply from the neck down, or only where your skin is bumpy, dry, flaky, textured, or acne-prone.
- Apply 2 or 3 days a week: This formula is ultra-gentle, but you don’t need to exfoliate every day.
- Space accordingly: Apply 1 to 2 days after shaving, waxing, or physical exfoliation, but never on irritated skin.
- Apply sunscreen: Apply sunscreen every day, but always after applying acid exfoliators, as they increase sun sensitivity.
FULL-BODY SUNSCREENS THAT LAYER BEAUTIFULLY OVER EXFOLIATING LOTION
- PFECT-A Solar Elixir Sunscreen is an elegant and silky serum you can apply to your face and body. It absorbs instantly with no oily residue or white cast.
- HOP+ All Mineral Multi-Protection Face & Body Sunscreen is a top pick for vacation and full days in the sun. This formulation has a bit of a white cast, but it’s better than most, and absorbs quickly into your skin. It also contains PLLA to volumize sagging and sunken areas of your face and body.
WANT TO DISCUSS YOUR OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS?
If you want to learn how to tailor your daily skincare routine beyond whole-body exfoliation, join the CBE Rewards Club. As a member, you'll get $10 in cash rewards every month, 10% off CBE Botanicals products, and access to the Rewards Club Lounge, where you can ask me your skincare questions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is KP diagnosed?
Keratosis pilaris must be diagnosed by a dermatologist, primary care physician, or other medical professional.
Can keratosis pilaris be cured?
No. There's no cure. Keeping your skin hydrated and using gentle chemical exfoliators may calm your symptoms.
If you switch to chemical exfoliators for KP, do you still need physical exfoliators?
Chemical exfoliation is usually enough. If you use a physical exfoliator, be gentle and skip bumpy areas.
Do I apply lotion for keratosis pilaris to my whole body?
Beauty Body Factorie AHA+BHA Body Lotion can be applied 2 to 3 days a week from the neck down, or only where your skin is bumpy. As always, use skincare products as directed.
What is the best body lotion for KP “chicken skin”?
Beauty Body Factorie AHA+BHA Body Lotion is my Master Esthetician-approved pick. It gently exfoliates while soothing and hydrating.
