on May 04, 2026
Should you shower every day with KP? Will exfoliating help or make it worse? What's the deal with glycolic acid and lactic acid? Let's sort it out.
We've had the acne rules drilled into us forever — don't pick, wash your pillowcase, step away from the chocolate. But KP is a different bump game entirely, and the rules aren't as widely known. As the resident KP killer in the industry, I get a lot of questions. So here's the full breakdown of what to do, what not to do, and why the right ingredients actually work.
What even is KP?
Keratosis Pilaris — also known as KP, chicken skin, or strawberry skin — is a common skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin (the same stuff your hair and nails are made of) that plugs the hair follicle. Those little bumps you see on your upper arms, thighs, bum, or cheeks? That's it.
Should you be worried? No. It's harmless, genetic, and not contagious. It doesn't usually cause discomfort. But it absolutely can be improved with the right routine — and that's where I come in.
Do: shower daily, but keep it sensible
Yes, shower every day — but use warm water, not hot, and keep it under 10 minutes. Hot water and long showers strip the skin of its natural oils over time, which worsens the dry, rough texture that makes KP more visible.
Don't: use harsh soaps or scrubs
Aggressive exfoliation or stripping cleansers will aggravate KP, not fix it. You want an exfoliant that dissolves the keratin buildup gently — not one that scrubs the skin into submission. My Glycolic Body Scrub is formulated specifically for this: glycolic acid breaks down the keratin plugs while physical exfoliation buffs away dead skin cells without over-irritating.
Do: use AHAs — specifically glycolic acid and lactic acid
This is the one people always ask about. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are the hero ingredient class for KP because they chemically exfoliate the surface of the skin, loosening the keratin that causes the bumps.
- Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule of all the AHAs, which means it penetrates deepest and works fastest. It's best for more stubborn, textured KP.
- Lactic acid is gentler, more hydrating, and better suited to sensitive skin or KP that presents with redness.
For most people with KP, a combination of both is the most effective approach — which is exactly what you'll find in my Acid Heroes Kit. The Glycolic Body Scrub and the Smoothing AHA Body Lotion work together: scrub to exfoliate, lotion to treat and hydrate between sessions.
Don't: skip moisturiser
KP-prone skin tends toward dryness, and dry skin makes the bumps more raised and visible. Moisturising immediately after showering — while the skin is still slightly damp — locks in hydration and softens the texture over time. My Smoothing AHA Body Lotion does double duty: it moisturises and continues treating with AHAs, so you're working on KP even on the days you skip the scrub.
Do: consider humidity
Low humidity environments dry out the skin and worsen KP — especially in winter or in air-conditioned spaces. A basic humidifier at home (or at least at your desk) can make a real difference to skin texture over time.
Don't: wear tight clothing over affected areas
Friction from tight fabrics irritates KP and can make redness and bumps worse. Loose, breathable fabrics over the areas you're treating give the skin a chance to calm down — especially while you're in the early weeks of a new routine.
How long until you see results?
Be patient with it. KP responds well to consistent treatment, but it takes time — most people start to see a noticeable improvement in texture after four to six weeks of regular AHA use. Stick with it, babe.
x frank
