All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Its also super common, affecting a whopping40% of adultsin the US.
Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
Theres no cure for it either, so dealing with the unwelcome bumps it causes is an ongoing battle.
And despite how prevalent it is, experts have a lot of unanswered questions about KP.
That doesnt mean theres nothing you might do about it, though.
HengDao/Getty Images
On the flip side, there are also things that definitelywontworkand may even end up exacerbating the issue.
Here, dermatologists explain whichkeratosis pilaris treatmentsare worth trying and whyand which ones you should skip.
What exactly is keratosis pilaris?
(And occasionally on theother cheekstoo, FYI.)
Why in these specific spots and not others?
Its also worth mentioning that people witheczemaare more likely to have KP, Dr. Shah points out.
What does KP look like?
While KP is annoying and not cute, the one saving grace is that it isnt itchy or painful.
Equally frustrating: The fact that KP tends to ebb and flow.
You may find that its not that bad but then it suddenly flares up, Dr. Shah says.
Brace yourself for shocking newsexperts dont know why that is.
(Look for hydrating ingredients likeceramidesandhyaluronic acid.)
If your skin is very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone, he recommends urea, another chemical exfoliant.
Its keratolytic, toomeaning it can help break down excess keratinand is stillvery effective, just slightly gentler.
Salicylic acid is another solid option.
Whats nice about it is that its also keratolytic, Dr. Shah points out.
Whichever exfoliating cream you choose, plan on using it daily if your KP is flaring.
However, retinoids are alsonotoriously irritating.
These options typically have a lower concentration than formulas for your face, he says.
But, on their own, theyre not the best option for KP.
You cant just scrub the bumps off, adds Dr. Shah.
People go to town with scrubs or exfoliating gloves and exfoliate their skin into oblivion, he says.
One to try: Naturim The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash ($16,Amazon).
And while BP is a tried-and-trueacne treatment, its not going to do much for chicken skin.
Benzoyl peroxideis an antibacterial ingredient, and keratosis pilaris is not a bacterial issue, she explains.
(The big difference: These bumps are itchy and even painful, whereas KP is not.)
The annoying truth: Keratosis pilaris can be a huge hassle.
And when it comes to KP, thats really all you’re free to ask for.
