Here at the Cosmo HQ, we're all about underarms. From tips on how to brighten them and a step-by-step guide on how to properly remove hair from the area, you can trust that we'll provide you with all the info you need about your pits. Today, let's talk about chicken skin. The term might cause you to think of ~plucked poultry~, but in the world of dermatology, it refers to the small, rough bumps that can appear on the skin's surface.
Table Of Contents
- What is chicken skin?
- Causes of chicken skin on underarms
- How to prevent chicken skin on underarms
- Products you can use
READ MORE: How To Prevent Underarm 'Chicken Skin' From Shaving
Below, we give you the down-low on everything you need to know about chicken skin—from what *exactly* it is, what causes it to appear on our underarms, and how to manage flare-ups. We've also included a mini shopping list at the end that you can use to minimize their appearance!
Ready to learn more? Keep on scrolling below.
Everything You Need To Know About Dealing With Chicken Skin On Your Underarms
What is chicken skin?
Also known as keratosis pilaris (KP), it's the small, rough bumps that appear on the skin, usually on the upper arms, legs, butt, or anywhere you might have hair follicles. It can also pop up on your underarms, which causes it to appear discolored. The moniker comes from the fact that these lumps frequently mimic the uneven texture of peeled chicken skin. Don't worry, though—chicken skin is harmless! However, it can make the affected areas feel rough and dry, and occasionally itchy (aka just a plain 'ol annoyance).
What causes chicken skin on our underarms?
According to celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau, "keratosis pilaris occurs when dead skin cells and a protein in the skin, called keratin, build up and block the hair follicles." Keratin accumulation clogs hair follicles in people with keratosis pilaris, causing those *pesky* little bumps to appear. Aside from that, there are also certain factors that can exacerbate the appearance of chicken skin, including:
- Hair removal methods: Certain hair removal methods, such as shaving, can irritate the sensitive skin of our pits and cause the formation of the dreaded bumps.
- Friction: Tight clothing is also one of the culprits of chicken skin. The repeated friction against our pits can cause irritation over time.
- Dry skin: The skin on our underarms has a tendency to be drier than other areas of our body, which can worsen keratosis pilaris.
- Genetics: If a parent has keratosis pilaris, you're *more likely* to inherit it.
- Atopic dermatitis: People with this chronic condition (also known as eczema) are also most likely to develop chicken skin.
How to prevent getting chicken skin on our underarms?
Okay, just a quick PSA: There's no known cure for chicken skin—oof. However (!) there are some methods you can try to minimize their appearance and help prevent flare-ups.
- Gentle exfoliation: Dead skin cells are the culprit of the tiny red bumps, so make sure to regularly exfoliate your underarms with a soft washcloth or loofah. Make sure not to rub too hard as it is a *very* sensitive area!
- Stay loyal to products you're hiyang to: We know it can be hard to avoid wanting to try out every new release on the market, but always switching up products is one way to get the skin of your underarms irritated AF. Once you've found something that works for you, stick with it!
- Wear loose-fitting clothes: If you're just lounging at home or you're not required to wear tight, flashy clothes for an event, we recommend sporting loose clothes to prevent further friction on your underarms. Think: Your old college shirt, a comfy tank top, etc.!
- Invest in a humidifier: A humidifier is designed to put moisture back in the air, which helps reduce the potential for dry skin. And less dry skin equals less chance of dryness-induced flare-ups—yay!
Editor's Note: While chicken skin is a benign condition that is generally harmless, consult your trusted dermatologist if the bumps are severely itchy, red, or causing you immense discomfort. They can prescribe you stronger moisturizers, topical medications, or other treatment options.
READ MORE: How To Treat 'Chicken Skin' On Your Underarms, According To A Dermatologist
Products you can use to minimize the appearance of chicken skin
1. SNAILWHITE Glow Potion AHA BHA Toner
Let us be the first to say that your underarms *deserve* as much of a skincare routine as your face does. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be as complicated as the one dedicated to your face. Toners can get the job done!
This one from SNAILWHITE contains both AHA and BHA that can gently slough away the dead skin cells on your pits to reveal brighter, healthier-looking underarms.
SNAILWHITE Glow Potion AHA BHA Toner 150ml, P499, Shopee and Lazada
2. Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil
This beauty oil is a holy grail of many Pinays for a reason. Aside from sunflower oil, it's also enriched with Vitamins A, D, and E that can brighten and moisturize your skin, especially your underarms.
Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil 100ml, P320, Shopee and Lazada
3. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar
We all know by now that the skin on our underarms is *super* sensitive, which is why we have to make sure that we're only using gentle products for it. This bar soap from Cetaphil is non-drying and hypoallergenic, making it the perfect soap to lather in your pits to cleanse them.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar, P640, Shopee
