6 daily habits that trigger chicken skin (keratosis pilaris)

TL;DR: Chicken skin, also called keratosis pilaris, is those small bumps that show up on arms and thighs, especially in summer. This short guide covers 6 daily habits that trigger chicken skin (harsh scrubs, hot showers, perfumed soaps, too little fat, too much dairy, and tight clothes) and the gentler swaps that calm it down.

Have you ever heard about chicken skin? During summer, when we wear light clothes, some people can’t help but notice small bumps on their skin usually more visible on the arms and thighs. This common skin condition is called keratosis pilaris, commonly described as chicken skin, because it makes the skin look like a recently plucked chicken.

Although it is harmless and not contagious, chicken skin can be very annoying and, if not treated, can worsen with time. Let’s find out 6 daily things that can trigger this unpleasant skin condition.

1. Using too aggressive body scrubs

Although exfoliation can help lessen chicken skin, aggressive body scrubs can actually worsen your condition. The rough particles can irritate the skin, causing itchiness and flaking.

Instead of using scrubs with irregular, big particles, try gently massaging your skin with a loofah or pumice stone.

2. Hot showers

Although hot showers don’t actually make the skin swell, being under hot water for too long can worsen your condition. Long showers remove the natural oils from the skin, leaving it dry and irritated.

Take short, warm showers and dry your skin gently to avoid irritation. Showering every other day can also help alleviate the symptoms.

3. Perfumed soaps

Since chicken skin is caused by a build-up of keratin in the pores, comedogenic products can worsen the condition. Your favorite soap may smell of roses, but it probably contains lots of artificial additives that clog your pores and cause inflammation in the skin.

In this case, opt for hypoallergenic products that are specific for sensitive skin.

4. You aren’t eating enough fat

When your body doesn’t receive enough fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6, it may cause your skin to inflame, making the small bumps more visible.

Try eating more foods rich in good fats, like wild fish and eggs from free-range chickens.

5. You may be drinking too much milk

Most people can’t imagine going a single day without a cup of coffee with milk or cream, but dairy can cause food sensitivities that contribute to unpleasant health conditions, including chicken skin. Many people develop intolerance to a protein found in dairy, which can cause skin irritation, acne, and keratosis pilaris.

Try the following: cut milk and its by-products from your diet for at least 6 weeks and watch if your skin improves. If it does, it might be a good idea to replace cow milk with a vegetable alternative.

6. Your clothes are too tight

Wearing tight clothes isn’t good for your health for many reasons, and it can worsen chicken skin. Tight clothes don’t let the skin breathe and cause friction, which irritates the skin even more.

In this case, consider wearing loose clothes made with fabrics that don’t hurt your skin, like organic cotton.

The takeaway

Chicken skin is harmless and not contagious, but daily habits can quietly make it worse. Soften the scrubs, cool and shorten the showers, skip the perfumed soaps, lean into good fats, experiment with cutting dairy for six weeks, and give the skin room to breathe in looser fabrics. Small swaps, stacked. If quiet skin and wellness reads are your thing, the newsletter lands once a week.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is chicken skin?

This common skin condition is called keratosis pilaris, commonly described as chicken skin, because it makes the skin look like a recently plucked chicken. Although it is harmless and not contagious, chicken skin can be very annoying and, if not treated, can worsen with time.

Can scrubs help or hurt?

Although exfoliation can help lessen chicken skin, aggressive body scrubs can actually worsen your condition. The rough particles can irritate the skin, causing itchiness and flaking. Instead, gently massage your skin with a loofah or pumice stone.

Does dairy really play a role?

Many people develop intolerance to a protein found in dairy, which can cause skin irritation, acne, and keratosis pilaris. Cut milk and its by-products from your diet for at least 6 weeks and watch if your skin improves. If it does, it might be a good idea to replace cow milk with a vegetable alternative.

Do tight clothes make it worse?

Tight clothes don’t let the skin breathe and cause friction, which irritates the skin even more. Consider wearing loose clothes made with fabrics that don’t hurt your skin, like organic cotton.