Bumps on your arms or thighs? 60% of Indian women have it.

The bumpy truth about Keratosis Pilaris, that no one talks about!

Let’s talk about the rough, bumpy skin no one really talks about.

The little bumps on your arms. The rough patches on the back of your thighs. The uneven texture that just won’t quit. If you’ve ever run your hands over your body and wondered why it doesn’t feel as smooth as it should, you’re not alone.

What you’re likely dealing with is Keratosis Pilaris, also known as KPchicken skin, or strawberry skin. It’s incredibly common, especially in Indian skin — and just as misunderstood. It’s not acne. It’s not a hygiene issue. And no, scrubbing harder won’t make it go away.

Over 60% of Indian women suffer from KP. And yet, barely anyone talks about it. It's time we change that.

Let’s get into what KP actually is, why Indian skin experiences it more frequently
(and differently), what works and what doesn’t.

What is Keratosis Pilaris, really?

It’s when your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle malfunctions. Instead of shedding dead cells every 28-30 days, your skin kind of hoards them. These dead cells then get trapped around your hair follicles, creating tiny clogged plugs. Think: goosebumps that never go away.

The bumps are typically found on:

  • Upper arms
  • Thighs
  • Calves
  • Buttocks
  • In more severe cases: chest, back, or even cheeks

They may be flesh-coloured, red, brown, or pigmented, depending on your skin tone and
sensitivity. For many people with Indian skin, KP can also lead to post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation
, making the bumps appear darker and more uneven.

KP isn’t dangerous. It’s not contagious. But that doesn’t mean you have to “just live with it.”
If you’ve been hiding your arms or thighs under long sleeves, if you’ve stopped wearing sleeveless tops, or if you’ve just been silently annoyed by how your skin feels, know this: you deserve better.

KP vs Strawberry Skin vs Ingrown Hair: The Breakdown

KP (Keratosis Pilaris): Caused by keratin buildup. Bumps are rough, often dry, and don’t go away with shaving. Not painful. Not itchy (for most).

Strawberry Skin: Caused by clogged or enlarged pores, often following shaving. The dots are darker and look like tiny blackheads.

Ingrown Hair: Caused by hair growing back into the skin after waxing or shaving. Usually inflamed, red, and can be painful or itchy.

Important: These conditions can co-exist — you can literally have all three of them, at the same time! Especially if your skin is dry, sensitive, or exposed to friction, poor-quality razors, or harsh soaps.

Why is Indian Skin more prone to it?

Indian skin tends to be:

  • More prone to pigmentation: Any inflammation (even tiny KP bumps) can lead to dark spots.
  • More reactive: Over-exfoliating, shaving or waxing can trigger irritation.
  • Thicker and oilier: This increases the chances of follicle blockage.
  • Sensitive to environmental stressors: Humidity, pollution, and hard water don’t help.

Causes of Keratosis Pilaris

Let’s break it down:

  1. Excess Keratin Production.
    Keratin is meant to protect your skin, but when there’s too much of it, it clogs the hair follicles.
  2. Genetics.
    KP often runs in families. If your mom or siblings have it, you’re more likely
    to develop it too.
  3. Dry Skin
    Dry weather, dehydration, or harsh soaps can trigger or worsen KP.
  4. Hormonal Imbalances
    Conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues may increase your chances of developing KP.
  5. Shaving & Waxing
    Dry shaving or improper waxing can worsen the texture and leave behind pigmentation.
  6. Underlying Skin Conditions
    KP is more likely in people with eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Boofootel Soopersmooth Body Serum treats KP or bumpy skin on thighs

Symptoms to look for

  • Small, rough, goosebump-like dots
  • Dry and flaky skin
  • Redness or pigmentation around the bumps
  • Itchiness (in rare cases)
  • Sandpaper-like texture on arms or thighs

What actually helps?

You’re probably thinking: I’ve tried scrubbing it. I’ve tried moisturising it. I’ve tried ignoring it. Nothing works.

Here’s the truth: You can’t scrub KP away. In fact, over-scrubbing can inflame it more. What your skin really needs is smart exfoliation + deep hydration.

KP isn’t curable, but it’s absolutely manageable.

🧽 Chemical Exfoliation (Not Scrubbing!)

Avoid aggressive scrubs and loofahs that can irritate skin and worsen pigmentation.
Instead, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants:

  • Glycolic Acid – An AHA that helps loosen dead skin and promote cell turnover.
  • Lactic Acid – Exfoliates and hydrates; perfect for sensitive skin.
  • Salicylic Acid – A BHA that unclogs pores and reduces redness (great if you also deal with strawberry skin).
  • Urea (10%) – Both exfoliating and moisturising. Helps soften rough, dry patches.



💧 Hydration+ Barrier Repair

Hydration is non-negotiable. You need actives and moisture to get real
results.

  • Hyaluronic Acid – Pulls water into the skin, plumping and smoothing.
  • Glycerin – A humectant that prevents moisture loss.
  • Ceramides – Repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
  • Coconut Alkanes – A lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient for softness without greasiness.



🧯Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) –
    Reduces redness and pigmentation, calms irritation.
  • Allantoin – Soothes itchy or inflamed KP.


Boofootel Sooperboost exfoliates, hydrates and brightens with glycolic and lactic acid, vitamin c and niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and coconut alkanesBoofootel Sooperboost exfoliates, hydrates and brightens with glycolic and lactic acid, vitamin c and niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and coconut alkanes

This body serum actually treats KP

It is made specifically for Indian skin, and it doesn’t stop at just exfoliating. It smooths and brightens and hydrates.

What’s inside Soopersmooth:

  • Glycolic + Lactic Acid – For gentle yet effective exfoliation.
  • Vitamin C – Helps fade those little dark spots left behind.
  • Niacinamide – Calms redness and evens out tone.
  • Hyaluronic Acid + Glycerin – Delivers weightless, non-greasy hydration.
  • Coconut Alkanes – A luxe, featherlight alternative to mineral oil that makes your skin feel like silk.

It’s a do-it-all formula. No need to layer 3 different lotions and serums just to get your body skin to behave. And unlike the harsh body lotions your aunties used to swear by, this one’s clean, vegan and non-sticky.

Use it daily (twice if your skin can handle it), especially after a shower. Stick with it for 2-3 weeks, and you’ll notice that your skin isn’t just smoother — it’s glowier and more even-toned, too.

try soopersmooth
Boofootel's face serum is lightweight, non-sticky and fast absorbing. Boofootel Soopersmooth Body serum smooths bumpy skin and KP on thighs

Lifestyle tips for managing KP

  • Avoid hot showers – Use lukewarm water and short showers.
  • Use fragrance-free body washes – Harsh soaps strip your skin.
  • Moisturise immediately after bathing – While skin is still damp.
  • Stop scrubbing – No loofahs, no walnut scrubs.
  • Wear loose, breathable fabrics – Avoid friction.