Keratosis pilaris, often nicknamed "chicken skin," is a common genetic skin condition that causes rough, bumpy patches on the skin — most frequently on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks and cheeks. It occurs when the body produces too much keratin, a natural protein found in skin, which builds up and forms hard plugs over individual hair follicles. These plugs create the characteristic small, raised bumps that can appear red, white or skin-coloured, and give the skin a rough, sandpaper-like texture that no amount of scrubbing or moisturising ever seems to fully resolve. Keratosis pilaris is estimated to affect up to 80% of adolescents and 40% of adults — so if you have it, you are far from alone.

Living with keratosis pilaris can feel incredibly frustrating. Many people find themselves avoiding bare arms or shorts, feeling self-conscious on the beach, or noticing that self-tan clings to the bumpy texture and settles into the plugged follicles — making the skin look patchy, uneven and worse than before. No matter how carefully it's applied, fake tan on KP-affected skin rarely looks the way it should, which only adds to the frustration of an already difficult condition to manage.