There’s a strange hierarchy in skincare: your face gets all the attention, your hands get at least a special hand cream, and your legs get whatever’s left over.

But in my mid-twenties, I realised my legs were the part of my body I overlooked the most and felt the most insecure about. I always had the same (what I thought, genetic) skin texture on my legs. Slightly rough, patchy, and unbothered by even the richest moisturisers.

I chalked it up to sensitive skin or bad shaving habits, occasionally trying a body scrub or layering on a thicker cream before giving up again. It wasn’t until recently that I found the name for this condition: keratosis pilaris.

Let’s talk keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris, often nicknamed “chicken skin”, sounds significantly more dramatic than it looks. It’s a fairly common skin condition caused by a build-up of keratin (the protein that protects your skin) which ends up clogging the hair follicles. The result is small, rough bumps like in the image below. They can feel a bit like sandpaper, usually showing up on the backs of arms, thighs, calves or bum.

It’s not painful or dangerous, but it’s persistent. And while some people grow out of it after adolescence, plenty of adults still have it. Yet, it just rarely gets talked about unless you’re already down a skincare rabbit hole.

I’d always assumed it wasn’t “bad enough” to bother with. But over time, the discomfort can add up and your skin can become more reactive. Of course, you don’t have to “treat it” unless you want to – particularly if it’s just for aesthetics. But you’re hopefully using body creams anyway, so you may want to look for creams that are specifically designed to tackle it.

How I treated my chicken skin

A quick search will tell you one of the key ingredients that helps smooth keratosis pilaris is lactic acid. Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that chemically exfoliates the skin. It helps dissolve the build-up of keratin blocking the follicles without the need for scrubbing. It also happens to be a humectant, so it pulls moisture into the skin at the same time.

There are only a few brands that treat chicken skin specifically, and Ameliorate is one of them. It has a slightly clinical, utilitarian aesthetic, which is enough to convince you that it works.

Its formulation includes lactic acid as the primary active ingredient. It also contains the proprietary LaH6 Skin Hydration Complex, which helps to replenish and maintain the skin’s moisture levels.

For the past few weeks, I have been using the Transforming Body Lotion Illuminating Glow formula, which has a subtle shimmer. The body lotion is lightweight, more like a milky serum than a typical body butter, and it sinks in within seconds.

If you like your body cream rich, nourishing, and just the right kind of sticky (yes, really) – the body cream may be the best option. If you instead prefer a formula that absorbs quickly – the lotion is your winner.

It has a gorgeous beach scent that transports you to an expensive all-inclusive somewhere in Greece (or a blend of fresh florals and zesty citrus notes with sandalwood, if we want to be precise). Do note that if you’re sensitive to fragranced products, it may be best to avoid this one. But there’s some good news: you can get the same lotion in a fragrance-free version too.

A quick look at their website tells you you won’t run out of options. There’s body wash, lotions, sprays, creams and exfoliants, as well as a facial range. There might be other brands out there that can smooth your chicken skin – but Ameliorate’s range is certainly impressive.

Can a body cream transform your chicken skin?

After the first few uses, the bumps were still there. But somewhere between week two and week three, I realised that my skin texture had started to even out. The angry post-shave rashiness didn’t happen. The dryness that used to appear within hours of showering had softened.

Ameliorate is not a quick fix, but it really is effective, as long as you keep using it. I used it three or four times a week, mostly after showering and before heading out. And if you’re using the shimmer version, it almost feels like a waste to put it on just for a chill night in. Over time, I noticed a steady, real improvement. This is a before and after using the cream for three weeks:

This part is worth stating: if you want to keep the results, you have to be consistent. Apply the cream a few times a week, ideally after showering.

What else helps — beyond the products

Targeted body treatments like Ameliorate can help you manage your keratosis pilaris. But there are other things we can do to make the results longer-lasting (so I found!). Here are some things dermatologists and skincare experts often recommend alongside a chemical exfoliant:

Choose barrier-supporting moisturisers

When you’re not using a lactic acid treatment, opt for a fragrance-free body cream rich in ceramides, glycerin, or squalane. These ingredients help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, which is often compromised in people with KP. Stronger barrier = less inflammation = smoother texture over time.

Avoid physical exfoliants

It’s tempting to scrub away texture, but physical exfoliants like body scrubs and dry brushes can actually make KP worse by aggravating already inflamed follicles. Chemical exfoliation (AHAs like lactic acid or urea) tends to be much better tolerated and more effective.

Be selective with shaving

Shaving can worsen KP for some people, especially if done too frequently, or with a dull razor. If hair removal is part of your routine, use a clean, sharp blade and follow with a calming, non-comedogenic moisturiser to minimise flare-ups.

Avoid fragranced products

Highly scented body washes, lotions, and oils may smell nice, but they often contain irritants or allergens that can trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin. KP-prone areas are especially reactive – so fragrance-free products are usually the safest bet.

Stick to a routine but don’t overdo it

Over-exfoliating can lead to barrier damage, so it’s best to introduce products like lactic acid lotions gradually. Most dermatologists recommend applying them 2–4 times a week, depending on skin tolerance, and pairing with a basic moisturiser.

Consider seasonal changes

KP tends to worsen in winter. Dry indoor air, hot showers, and heavy clothing can all contribute to dryness and friction. Hydration (both topical and internal), short lukewarm showers, and breathable fabrics can help manage flare-ups during colder months.

While keratosis pilaris is stubborn, it’s also manageable and often improves significantly with consistent care and the right ingredients.

Most skincare routines focus on the face, since it’s the most visible area and just feels more urgent. So it’s easy to ignore the chicken skin on your legs or treat as just a small annoyance. What I’ve learned is that feeling good in your skin isn’t always about having a perfect glow. Sometimes it’s simply about not feeling dry, itchy, or uncomfortable because of rough bumps.

Keratosis pilaris can be difficult to manage, but with the right products and regular care, the condition often improves noticeably.