The 10 Products I Use to Get Rid of ‘Chicken Skin’
My favorite things to treat keratosis pilaris.
When you’re little, it’s typical to wish for a pony, or that your little brother mysteriously gets mailed back to whatever demon store your parents got him from (Amazon?). I asked for both of these things, but the thing I wanted most of all was smooth skin.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had keratosis pilaris (KP for short or chicken skin, colloquially) on my arms, neck, and face. On my cheeks it compounded with a flare-up of rosacea so frustrating that I started begging my mom for “good skin” when I was 5. She took me to a dermatologist, who suggested the now-maligned St. Ives Apricot Scrub as an antidote. The first time she showed me how to scrub my body and face with it, the sensation was so rough and unpleasant that I cried.
Since then, the No. 1 query in my quest for skin-care products is, “Will it make my skin smoother?” I’ve learned that the answer lies in a dual-pronged approach of exfoliators and moisturizers, a commitment to both that verges on obsession. The products I, experts, and the Cut Shop team have rounded up are below.
so, you want to treat your keratosis pilaris?
➼ FAQs
➼ Best products to treat KP on your body
➼ Best products to treat KP on your face
➼ Our experts
Best products to treat keratosis pilaris on your body
Glytone KP Kit
Reviewers love the double-duty aspect of Glytone’s KP set (you can also buy the body wash and body lotion separately.) The pouf might be too harsh on your skin — it’s a physical exfoliant, after all — but using the body wash with a standard wash cloth works just as well.
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
When one of my friends sang the virtues of Amlactin, I stopped everything to listen. The lotion, which contains alpha hydroxy acids, is so effective, I had no idea she had KP before she told me. Dr. Idriss likes it, too; “I don’t think you need a prestige brand to treat KP!” she says.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
You’ll find this product in most (if not every) KP treatment roundup. It’s that good! It’s gentle enough on the most sensitive skin but really delivers results.
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Reviewers note that this body cream reduces the bumps on their legs and the backs of their arms after a few uses.
Best products to treat keratosis pilaris on your face
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
I’ve sung the virtues of Sunday Riley’s new serum before — it contains a 6.5 percent compound of different retinols to help encourage skin cell turnover. I use two to three pumps every other night; too much, and my skin starts developing patchy dry spots.
Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment
I like to think of this moisture pack as a super-indulgent sleeping mask. It works best if you layer it over your retinoid, and allow it to sink in your skin a little before falling asleep.
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
While a prescribed retinoid is recommended by experts, an over-the-counter option can work for your routine. This one from Differin can treat your KP as well as any acne or scarring that you might have.
boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer
People with KP often have really dry skin, and few plants know how to thrive in dry climates like a cactus. This gel is soothing and refreshing, and leaves my skin feeling moisturized for hours.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
For a drugstore option, try this moisturizer from Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line. It contains hyaluronic acid, which doesn’t function the same way other acids do; it’s a humectant rather than an exfoliant, so your skin stays hydrated.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
On days when I need a heavy-duty quick fix, I reach for this mask. Rub the paste in briefly when you first apply it; it contains little granules that aren’t too harsh on your skin. Leave the acid compound on your skin for an additional ten minutes, and wash off. It can feel intense, so be sure to avoid using it on days you’re also planning to apply a retinol.
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