Understanding Rough, Bumpy Skin: Causes and Effective Treatments

Bumpy, Rough Skin: Causes and Treatment Options

Bumpy, rough skin is a common complaint among people with many different skin types and can be caused by a variety of skin conditions, including keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and dry skin due to an impaired skin barrier.

Find out how to tell if you might be dealing with one of these common dry skin conditions and what the best treatment options are to get rid of and prevent rough bumpy skin in the future.

Different kinds of rough bumps on the skin

What are rough bumps on skin?

Many things can cause rough bumpy skin. Here is the differential diagnosis of sandpaper like or small rough bumps on skin:

Acne

Actinic Keratosis

Asteatotic Eczema

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Folliculitis

Goose Bumps (also known as Piloerection or Cutis Anserina)

Granuloma Annulare

Ingrown Hairs (Pseudofolliculitis)

Keratosis Pilaris

Lichen Planus

Milia

Molluscum Contagiosum

Perioral Dermatitis

Seborrheic Keratosis

Of these, the one that feels most like sandpaper is keratosis pilaris.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris, often referred to as KP, is a common skin condition that causes dry, sandpaper-like bumps on the skin, usually on the arms and outer thighs. These bumps, caused by an increase in keratin production, are typically red or flesh-colored and do not itch or hurt. While KP bumps are harmless, they can be unsightly if left untreated, so many men and women with these rough bumps choose to speak with a dermatologist about the best treatment options for KP.

Exfoliation and moisturization are the two most important steps when treating KP bumps. Exfoliants help to remove the buildups of keratin on the skin that create these bumps, while moisturization helps to prevent continued keratin buildup in the future.

The type of exfoliant to choose for your skin care routine depends upon your skin type. Sensitive skin, for example, tolerate chemical exfoliants such as hydroxy acids better than physical exfoliants such as scrubs.

Here are some dermatologist- recommended body scrubs:

Revision Skincare Finishing Touch

$58.00

Out of Stock

Nuxe Reve de Miel Deliciously Nourishing Body Scrub

$38.00

Out of Stock

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub

$80.00

Add to Cart

What are goosebumps?

Goosebumps

Goose bumps, also known as “piloerection,” are a temporary change in the skin that occurs in response to various stimuli, most commonly cold or emotional stress. This phenomenon is a reflex action orchestrated by the sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that prepares your body to respond to stress or cold. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Stimulus and Nervous System Activation: When the body is exposed to a cold environment or experiences a strong emotion (like fear or excitement), the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Release of Neurotransmitter: The activation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to the release of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline).

Muscle Contraction: Norepinephrine acts on tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles called “arrector pili” muscles. When these muscles contract, they pull the hair follicles upward, creating a raised spot on the skin.

Appearance of Goose Bumps: This pulling action of the contracted arrector pili muscles causes the surrounding skin to form small, raised points, which we refer to as “goose bumps.”

Purpose in Animals: In many animals, this response increases the amount of air trapped in the fur, which adds insulation and increases warmth, or makes the animal appear larger to frighten potential predators. This is akin to a cat puffing up its fur when it is frightened.

Human Response: In humans, this reflex doesn’t have the same practical applications since we don’t have a thick coat of fur. It’s considered to be a vestigial response, meaning it’s a leftover trait from our evolutionary past.

Resolution: Once the stimulus (cold or emotional stress) is removed or lessened, the nervous system signaling decreases, the arrector pili muscles relax, and the skin smooths down again, causing the goose bumps to disappear.

It’s worth noting that “goose bumps” get their name from the way the skin looks during this reaction—similar to the skin of a plucked goose, where the feather shafts were attached.

Patches of goosebumps on skin that do not go away and goosebumps on the face are most likely keratosis pilaris.

Why do we get goosebumps?

Goosebumps are a physiological phenomenon that occur as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by various forms of stress including cold temperatures, fear, or emotional arousal. When we are cold, the contraction of small muscles called arrector pili at the base of hair follicles (caused by the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine) pulls the hairs upright. In furry animals, this action creates an insulating layer of air trapped beneath the erect hairs, helping the animal to retain heat. In humans, this response is largely vestigial, as we have significantly less body hair, but it follows the same pattern. When we are scared or emotionally stimulated, the same fight-or-flight response is activated. In this context, the piloerection reflex is thought to be a defensive mechanism that, in animals, makes them appear larger or more threatening to predators.

For humans, goosebumps during emotional moments, such as while listening to a moving piece of music, are a lingering echo of this ancient reflex, showcasing the profound link between our emotions and physiological responses, even when the response itself no longer serves a clear practical function.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis

Red, pus-filled bumps that appear in areas where you shave, such as under your arms, on your legs, or face, are likely caused by a condition called folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle becomes inflamed, usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

In addition to shaving, wearing tight-fitting clothing when working out, not changing clothes immediately after sweating, and soaking in improperly-maintained hot tubs can cause folliculitis. A specific type of folliculitis, called pityrosporum folliculitis, is likely the cause of a common skin rash seen in many people who wear Lululemon or other tight-fitting pants to the gym. This type of folliculitis often resembles acne but is distinct in that it causes itching, whereas acne typically does not.

The best treatments for folliculitis depend on the type and cause of folliculitis you have, as well as how mild or severe it is. Mild cases of folliculitis may clear up on their own, and warm compresses can help to soothe skin in the meantime. For more severe or recurrent cases, your dermatologist might prescribe topical or oral medications to clear the infection.

To prevent folliculitis in the future:

Use a moisturizing shaving cream each time you shave.

Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.

Shower or change clothes immediately after working out.

Avoid wearing tight clothing such as leggings, especially when working out, if you begin to develop a bumpy rash.

Use a skin care routine for your skin type

We can help you find the best skin care routine to treat your unique skin issues.

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Treatments for rough, dry skin

Dry Rough skin

Rough, itchy, or ashy skin can also be caused by dehydration. Skin becomes dry and dehydrated when its protective barrier is impaired and unable to function properly. An impaired skin barrier will have trouble retaining moisture and keeping allergens and irritants out.

While some people are genetically predisposed to have dry, dehydrated skin, lifestyle factors such as spending lots of time in the sun or exposing the skin to cold wind in the winter can also contribute to a damaged skin barrier.

Dry skin in darker skin tones can sometimes appear to be gray or ashy and often feels rough or bumpy.

Adding a barrier repair moisturizer or oils to your daily skincare regimen will help your skin to retain moisture, diminishing the appearance of ashy skin.

Very dry or ashy skin can benefit from twice-daily applications of a good-quality barrier repair moisturizer. As your skin begins to repair itself, you should notice dryness, itching, and flaking diminish, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. Darker skin types rave about Zerafite Brightening Barrier Cream to treat rough bumps on dark skin and brighten the skin.

Moisturizers for rough, bumpy skin

Moisturizers to treat rough bumpy skin

To restore proper skin barrier function and healthy hydration to your skin, use a barrier repair moisturizer that has a maltese cross pattern under the microscope which means it can mimic your skin’s natural lipid structure and repair barrier damage.

You can learn more about these in my interview with a skin barrier expert on YouTube.

The best barrier repair creams to treat bumpy rough skin should be chosen based on what other issues your skin has.

If it is red and rough and bumpy, use Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer.

I it is rough and bumpy and wrinkled use Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream Moisturizer.

If it is rough and bumpy with dark spots use Zerafite Brightening Barrier Cream

Other moisturizers to treat bumpy sandpaper skin on the face are:

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$50.00

Add to Cart

Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer

$9.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Skin Brightening Barrier Cream

$10.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer

$31.97

Add to Cart

Obagi Hydrate Luxe

$80.00

Add to Cart

Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer

$48.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream

$72.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155.00

Add to Cart

Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$88.00

Add to Cart

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$50.00

Add to Cart

Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer

$9.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Skin Brightening Barrier Cream

$10.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer

$31.97

Add to Cart

Obagi Hydrate Luxe

$80.00

Add to Cart

Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer

$48.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream

$72.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155.00

Add to Cart

Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$88.00

Add to Cart

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$50.00

Add to Cart

Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer

$9.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Skin Brightening Barrier Cream

$10.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer

$31.97

Add to Cart

Obagi Hydrate Luxe

$80.00

Add to Cart

Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer

$48.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream

$72.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155.00

Add to Cart

Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$88.00

Add to Cart

Body creams to treat sandpaper like rough bumpy skin on the arms. legs, or body include:

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

$9.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm

$20.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Creme Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizing Cream

$17.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

$15.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

$9.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm

$20.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Creme Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizing Cream

$17.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

$15.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

$9.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm

$20.99

Add to Cart

Bioderma Atoderm Creme Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizing Cream

$17.99

Add to Cart

Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

$15.99

Add to Cart

Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream

$35.00

Add to Cart

Body oils to smooth rough bumpy skin:

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Oil’s Well Nurturing Do-It-Oil

$40.00

Out of Stock

Nuxe Prodigieux Huile de Douche Shower Oil

$18.00

Out of Stock

In Summary

There are many causes of dry, bumpy, or rough skin. To effectively treat these common skin concerns, you must first know your Baumann Skin Type so that you will know which moisturizing ingredients are best to treat the skin bumps.

Remember that rough, bumpy skin can be caused or worsened by environmental factors such as sweating in tight clothing, using the wrong shaving techniques, and dehydration caused by sun exposure. Because of this, it is important to combine the proper treatment products with healthy lifestyle habits to maintain soft, smooth, healthy skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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