Chicken skin on the arms, smoothed step by step

What is chicken skin (keratosis pilaris)?

Keratosis pilaris, often called chicken skin or “strawberry skin”, happens when keratin — the protein in the outer skin layer — collects around the opening of hair follicles and forms tiny hard plugs. It is not an infection, not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene.

You may notice:

• Small rough bumps on the backs of the upper arms, sometimes the thighs or buttocks
• Redness around each bump, or brown dots that remain after the bumps flatten
• Dryness that worsens in winter or after hot showers
• A tendency that runs in families and often comes with dry skin or eczema

It is common in teenagers and young adults and often softens with age. Because similar bumps can be folliculitis or ingrown hairs, a doctor check is the first step. If you also have rough spots on elbows or knees, our body pico toning page explains how pigment on the body is treated.

How we treat chicken skin at Bailor

There is no single cure, so the aim is to reduce bumps, redness and dark marks and keep them down. Most plans combine one clinic treatment with a simple home routine.

Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026.

Laser does not remove the underlying tendency, but many patients find that arms feel smoother and look more even, which makes daily care easier to keep up. Prices for each area are on our body pico toning price page and laser hair removal prices.

What changes on the skin

Redness and brown dots usually fade first, over the first 2–3 sessions; texture becomes smoother more gradually. Keeping up a daily urea or lactic acid moisturiser helps maintain the result. For bumps linked to shaving, adding laser hair removal often helps.

How a chicken skin visit works

1. Skin check The doctor confirms keratosis pilaris and checks for folliculitis, eczema or ingrown hairs.
2. Plan Laser type, number of sessions and a home routine are agreed together.
3. Laser session 15–30 minutes; most people feel light snapping or warmth without numbing.
4. Home care Gentle cleanser, exfoliating moisturiser and SPF, with no harsh scrubs.

Laser sessions have almost no downtime, so they fit easily into a trip. Because a course works well over several weeks, visitors often do one session in Seoul and continue the home routine afterwards. Avoid tanning before and after sessions to lower the risk of pigment changes.

Downtime, side effects and realistic expectations

Keratosis pilaris treatments are gentle, but realistic expectations matter: it can improve a lot, yet it tends to return if home care stops.

• Common: mild redness and warmth for a few hours after laser; slight dryness or stinging when starting acid-based moisturisers.
• Less common: small temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, especially on tanned skin; temporary flare of bumps.
• Rare: blistering or longer-lasting pigment change after laser.

Tell the doctor first if

you are pregnant, have recently tanned or used self-tanner, take photosensitising medicines or isotretinoin, have eczema or very sensitive skin, or have a history of keloids. Avoid hot showers, saunas and scrubbing the area for a couple of days after laser.

Chicken skin FAQ