Those small, rough bumps on your upper arms or thighs? That’s not acne—it’s Keratosis Pilaris (KP), a common but often misunderstood skin condition. While harmless, it can be persistent and frustrating for those seeking smooth, even skin.

At Allodermis, we see many patients worried about these bumps, often mistaking them for acne or allergic reactions. The truth? KP is caused by something completely different—and requires a unique approach to care.

Here’s what you need to know about Keratosis Pilaris, what causes it, and how a dermatologist can help you manage it effectively.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris occurs when keratin, a protective protein in the skin, builds up and clogs hair follicles. This creates tiny, rough bumps that can feel like sandpaper. KP often appears on:

Upper arms

Thighs

Buttocks

Cheeks

It’s not contagious or dangerous, but it can cause dryness, redness, and a bumpy texture that bothers many patients cosmetically.

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but contributing factors include:

Genetics – KP often runs in families

Dry skin – Worsens during colder months

Skin conditions like eczema

Excess keratin production – Blocking hair follicles

Unlike acne, KP is not caused by bacteria or oil, which means acne treatments won’t work—and can make it worse.

What Not to Do for Keratosis Pilaris

Many people try harsh scrubbing or acne cleansers, but this can irritate the skin and increase redness. Avoid:

Over-exfoliating with rough scrubs

Using strong soaps or drying cleansers

Hot showers without moisturizing afterward

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment: What Actually Works

While there’s no permanent cure for KP, it can be significantly improved with consistent care. Your skin doctor may recommend:

Gentle exfoliation with chemical agents (AHAs like lactic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid)

Moisturizers with urea or lactic acid to soften bumps

Short, lukewarm showers and gentle cleansers

Prescription creams for severe cases (with retinoids or anti-inflammatory agents)

For patients with stubborn or widespread KP, dermatologists may suggest advanced treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy to improve texture and redness.

When to See a Dermatologist

While KP is mostly a cosmetic concern, it’s worth consulting the best dermatologist or a trusted skin doctor if:

The bumps are spreading or inflamed

OTC creams aren’t helping

You also have severe dryness or eczema

You want faster, clinically proven results

Smooth Skin Starts with the Right Care

At Allodermis, we understand the frustration of skin conditions that seem “untreatable.” Our approach combines evidence-based skincare, advanced dermatology treatments, and personalized plans to help you feel confident in your skin again.

Tired of rough, bumpy skin? Book a consultation with our dermatology team and discover how professional care can transform your skin health.

References:

Leung AKC, et al. (2019). Keratosis Pilaris: A Common Skin Condition. Clinical Pediatrics, 58(3), 345–351. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922818805212

Mendiratta V, et al. (2015). Keratosis Pilaris: A Clinicoepidemiological Study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 60(2), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.152512

Acne that keeps coming back—especially around the jawline, chin, or cheeks—could be more than just a clogged pore issue. It may be hormonal acne, and it behaves very differently from the typical teenage breakouts.

At Allodermis, we regularly see patients—especially women in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s—struggling with persistent, painful acne despite trying multiple skincare products. The cause? Hormonal imbalances beneath the skin.

Understanding what hormonal acne looks like, what triggers it, and when to see a dermatologist or skin doctor can save your skin—and your confidence.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is triggered by internal hormonal fluctuations—especially androgens like testosterone, which increase oil gland activity and inflammation in the skin. It most commonly affects:

Adult women (due to PCOS, stress, periods, or contraceptive changes)

Teenagers entering puberty

Men with excess androgen levels or high stress

You’ll typically see hormonal acne along the jawline, lower cheeks, chin, neck, and sometimes back or chest. The breakouts are often deep, painful, and cystic—and they tend to recur in the same areas.

If you're wondering what it looks like, search for verified hormonal acne pictures from dermatology sources. These show clear patterns distinct from bacterial or fungal acne.

What Triggers Hormonal Acne?

PCOS or hormonal disorders

Menstrual cycle fluctuations

Stress and cortisol spikes

High-glycemic diets and dairy intake

Use (or discontinuation) of hormonal birth control

Poor sleep or chronic inflammation

Understanding the trigger is just as important as treating the breakout. That’s why the best results come from dermatologist-led care that addresses both skin and systemic health.

Hormonal Acne Diet: Does Food Really Matter?

Yes. While diet alone doesn’t cause hormonal acne, certain foods can aggravate it.

Some dietary habits to watch:

Reduce refined sugars and high-GI carbs

Limit dairy products (especially skim milk)

Include omega-3s (flax seeds, walnuts)

Add zinc, antioxidants, and fiber to support hormone regulation

Adopting a hormonal acne diet won’t replace medication, but it can complement your treatment and reduce flare-ups [Dreno et al., 2018].

Hormonal Acne Treatment Options: What Works Best

The best treatment depends on age, hormone levels, acne severity, and overall health. Your dermatologist may recommend:

Oral contraceptives (for hormone balancing)

Spironolactone (an anti-androgen medication)

Retinoids (topical or oral)

Anti-inflammatory agents like niacinamide

Lifestyle and diet adjustments

In-clinic treatments like peels or lasers for persistent pigmentation or scarring

If you're tired of trial-and-error products, find a top-rated hormonal acne doctor who can guide you with both lab testing and long-term strategy.

When to See a Dermatologist or Skin Doctor

If you have any of the following, it’s time to consult a professional:

Breakouts around jawline, chin, or neck that worsen with your period

Cystic, painful lesions that don’t respond to skincare

Irregular periods or facial hair growth (possible PCOS signs)

Acne that recurs despite clean diet and hygiene

Acne leaving behind dark marks or scars

The right hormonal acne treatment begins with understanding the internal cause, not just treating the surface symptoms.

Your Skin Is Talking. Let’s Decode It Together.

At Allodermis, we specialize in root-cause-based dermatology—and hormonal acne is one of the most common cases we treat. Whether it’s through blood tests, ultrasound screening (for PCOS), or skin microbiome analysis, we ensure no guesswork.

Our dermatologists develop evidence-based plans for patients looking for clarity, not confusion. Acne may be on the surface—but its origin often runs deeper.

Struggling with stubborn jawline or chin acne? Book a consultation with our skin doctors today and start your personalized journey toward balanced, healthy skin.

References:

Dreno, B., et al. (2018). Pathophysiology of acne. Dermato-Endocrinology, 9(1), e1351570. https://doi.org/10.1080/19381980.2017.1351570

Zaenglein, A.L., et al. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037

Burris, J., et al. (2013). Diet and acne: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(7), 794–801. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05697.x

From patches to powerful confidence.Real transformation. Real confidence.

At Allodermis, advanced dermatology treatments help restore natural skin tone and reduce visible patches safely and effectively.

Every treatment plan is personalized and guided by expert dermatologists.

Book your consultation today

📞: +91 8658938392 🌐 Visit: www.allodermis.com

📍 Delhi: 2nd floor, R21, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi, 110048 

Oily skin isn’t the problem—the wrong routine is. ✨

Oily skin needs balance—not over-cleansing. Discover a dermatologist-approved routine that controls oil, reduces breakouts, refines pores, and protects your skin barrier. Small changes in the right order can make a big difference. ✨ At our clinic, we analyze your skin before recommending products.

📅 Book your professional skin consultation today

📞 +91 8658938392 🌐 Visit allodermis.com.

📍 Delhi: 2nd floor, R21, Greater Kaliash-1, New Delhi, 110048