Let’s Talk About ‘Chicken Skin, What It Is & How to Smooth It

Hey Kiya Collective,

Ever noticed those tiny, rough bumps on your arms, thighs, or booty that won’t seem to budge? They’re not pimples, not dry patches, just little bumps that feel like sandpaper?

You’re not alone. That’s keratosis pilaris (often called “chicken skin”), and it’s incredibly common, especially for dry skin types.

But don’t worry, with the right care and consistency, you can smooth things out. Let’s walk through what causes it, how to care for it, and what to avoid.

🔬 What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a harmless skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects your skin, which blocks your hair follicles. This creates tiny bumps that can look red or white and feel rough to the touch.

Most people experience it on:

• The backs of the arms

• Thighs

• Buttocks

• Sometimes even cheeks

It’s not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and definitely nothing to be embarrassed about. It just needs a little extra love.

✨ Our KP-Smoothing Ritual, The Kiya Way

We’re all about gentle care, not harsh fixes. Here’s our 4-step ritual for soft, nourished skin:

1. Exfoliate (Gently!) Use our Shea Body Scrub with Coconut & Rose Petals 2–3x a week to slough off dead skin and unclog those follicles.

• No aggressive scrubbing, think soft circles, like a massage

• Focus on the bumpy areas

2. Use the African Body Net in the Shower This traditional exfoliating net helps lift buildup without being too abrasive.

• Add a bit of African Black Soap to your net and gently cleanse

• The soap’s natural antibacterial properties help calm inflammation

3. Moisturise While Skin Is Damp After your shower, apply Sweet Nourishing Oil followed by Whipped Shea Butter to lock in hydration.

• Our formula soothes and softens skin while helping repair the barrier

• Pay extra attention to arms, thighs, and any areas with bumps

4. Be Consistent There’s no overnight fix, but give your skin 2–4 weeks of love, and you’ll likely feel the difference.

🚫 What to Avoid

• Fragrance-heavy or alcohol-based body lotions (they can irritate KP)

• Scrubbing too hard, it can worsen inflammation

• Skipping moisturiser, dry skin = more visible bumps

💛 Final Thoughts

Keratosis Pilaris might be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to just “live with it.” You deserve skin that feels soft to the touch and cared for at every step.

With gentle exfoliation, clean hydration, and a bit of Kiya nourishment, your bumpy bits can get the love they’ve been craving.

Got a tip or ritual that helped your KP? We’d love to hear it ✨