Every so often, I’ll be in the shower and run my hands over the backs of my arms or thighs and think, “Oh, great. You again.”
Keratosis pilaris—those little rough bumps that make your skin feel like 60-grit sandpaper—used to mostly show up for me in the dead of winter, when the air is dry and long sleeves are a permanent style of dress. But ever since menopause rolled in on its dramatic hormonal roller coaster, I’ve noticed the texture creeping in at other times of year, too. Spring. Early summer. Even right now, in June.
There’s a reason for that, of course. As our skin ages and hormones shift, we naturally produce less oil and lose moisture faster. Combine that with fluctuating temperatures, sun exposure, sweat, and chlorine, and you’ve got a perfect storm for dry, rough, bumpy skin—right when we start baring more of it to the world. It can make you feel self-conscious, even a little embarrassed—like you want to hide—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
What is Keratosis Pilaris, Anyway?
It’s essentially a buildup of keratin (a protective protein in the skin) that blocks your hair follicles. Instead of the follicle staying clear, it gets a little plug, and the result is a tiny bump—red, flesh-toned, or simply rough to the touch. It’s harmless, but it can be stubborn and annoying.
Some people call it “chicken skin.” I prefer not to use that term. Your skin is your skin, and it deserves care—not ridicule. Keratosis is just a signal that something is out of balance.
Why Does it Happen?
Keratosis pilaris can show up for lots of reasons: genetics, dry skin, allergies, seasonal changes. But in my own case, I’ve definitely noticed a connection to dehydration—both internal and external—and to the shifts that came with menopause.
What Actually Helps Keratosis?
I’ve tried lots of things over the years, but the truth is, there’s no magic fix. Like most things in life, it’s about small, consistent care. Here’s what’s worked best for me:
- Hydration – Drinking water is obvious, yes—but it’s amazing how easy it is to forget, especially when we’re busy, stressed, or sweating through seasonal shifts. Skin needs hydration from the inside out.
- Gentle exfoliation – Not scrubbing your skin raw, but coaxing off those dead skin cells so they’re not clogging the follicle. My favorite way to do that? A sea salt scrub. But not just any salt scrub…
- Moisturizing – After exfoliation, your skin is primed to receive moisture. If you skip this step—or use something heavy and occlusive that doesn’t sink in—you’re back to square one.
What About Salicylic Acid?
Some people treat keratosis with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. These ingredients work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them shed more easily.
Salicylic acid, in particular, is oil-soluble and penetrates into the pores to break down sebum and keratin plugs. It can be very effective for some—especially when used consistently. But for others, especially those with dry or sensitive skin (like mine), it can also be drying or irritating, particularly with frequent use.
That said, sea salt isn’t universally gentle, either. While I’ve found it incredibly helpful for my own skin, and have heard the same from many customers over the years, it’s not the best fit for everyone. Some people with very sensitive or broken skin barriers may find it too stimulating, especially if they’re scrubbing too hard or using coarse grain salt.
But when it’s done with care—using fine grain salt, nourishing oils, and no synthetic additives—mechanical exfoliation can be both effective and supportive. It feels less sensitizing for me, and more aligned with the skin’s natural rhythm. That’s not a clinical study, of course—but after 25 years of feedback, I’ve learned to trust what real people tell me works for them.
I’m not here to knock what works for others. But for me, there’s something beautifully simple about using natural salt, oils, water, and a little patience.
Why Sea Salt Seems to Help
Over the past 25 years, I’ve heard from countless customers—and experienced it myself—that something about sea salt makes a real difference with keratosis. Whether it’s soaking in the ocean, using a good sea salt scrub, or even just a saltwater pool, there’s a recurring theme: the skin feels better afterward. Smoother. Less bumpy. Less irritated.
There are probably a few reasons for this.
For one, sea salt is naturally rich in minerals—like magnesium, calcium, and potassium—which can help calm inflammation and support the skin’s natural barrier. Salt also has gentle antiseptic properties, which may help reduce the kind of low-grade bacterial imbalances that can sometimes accompany clogged follicles. If you’re swimming at the beach in seawater, the combination of sun, salt and sand is probably working together to smooth and calm the redness and bumps.
Of course, not all of us can get to the ocean. But you can try to recreate it with a sea sea salt bath soaks—which absolutely helps. Still, you’re missing the exfoliation piece. That’s where a salt scrub brings it all together in one step.
Why Sea Salt Scrubs Work So Well—for Me
When you’re using a scrub made with sea salt, you’re getting a physical exfoliation that’s fine-grained, mineral-dense, and surprisingly therapeutic—especially when combined with the warmth and steam of the shower. The salt not only polishes away dead skin but also encourages circulation, helping your skin turn over more efficiently.
And—maybe most importantly—it reminds your skin that it’s alive. That it’s worthy of care. That it hasn’t been forgotten under sleeves and stress and time.
I don’t have a white paper or a peer-reviewed study. But I have story after story after story. And sometimes, that’s the best evidence there is.
Not All Salt Scrubs are the Same
I don’t make products just for the sake of making them. I make them because I use them.
And over the years, I’ve found that a properly made sea salt scrub (like WoodSprite Organic Sea Salt Glows) checks every box when it comes to combating keratosis:
- It hydrates, because I use it in the shower, after the skin has softened a little from the warm water.
- It cleanses, thanks to a touch of gentle soap built right in—and because salt is naturally purifying.
- It exfoliates, but finely. Not with jagged edges or plastic beads, but with pure, mineral-rich sea salt that refines without gouging.
- It moisturizes, thanks to high-quality organic oils that leave skin silky, not greasy.
The key, though, is balance. You don’t need to overdo it. Too much oil can make things worse. Too much scrubbing can irritate. But a light, loving polish a couple times a week? That’s the sweet spot.
What to Look for in a Quality Salt Scrub (or How to Make Your Own)
If you’re shopping for a salt scrub to help with keratosis, it’s worth being picky.
You want to look for:
- Fine-grained sea salt, not coarse, irregular chunks that can tear or irritate the skin.
- High quality, cold pressed oils—from organic fruits, nuts, or seeds—that nourish without clogging.
- No synthetic fragrances, preservatives, emulsifiers, or surfactants, which can actually make the problem worse.
And not just in scrubs. In general, if you’re dealing with sensitive, reactive, or bumpy skin, it’s wise to steer clear of common irritants like denatured alcohols, synthetic dyes or fragrances, emulsifiers, harsh foaming agents (like SLS or SLES), or overly acidic actives—especially if you’re layering products or exfoliating often. Sometimes it’s not what we’re missing, but what we’re using too much of.
If you’re more of the DIY type, you can make a simple version at home with about ¼ cup of fine sea salt, enough olive oil—or your favorite cold pressed oil like sunflower, almond or apricot kernel—to make a thick paste consistency, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil or blend. Keep in mind that homemade versions don’t contain a cleanser or emulsifier (which is good), so you may want to follow with a gentle soap or body wash if it feels too oily, but in most cases, just lightly pat dry after rinsing for maximum moisturizing benefit.
Of course, if you’d rather skip the mess and treat yourself to something lovingly crafted and carefully formulated, we do offer a small-batch, artisan spa collection of Salt Glows. Our current lineup includes:
- Ginger Glow – warm, spicy, and circulation-boosting
- Grapefruit Mint – bright, uplifting, and cooling for summer
- Lavender – classic, calming, and great for sensitive skin
- Purify – herbal, detoxifying, and gently clarifying
- Muscle Mender – soothing, anti-inflammatory essential oils for sore muscles
Each one is hand-blended with extra fine sea salt, organic cold-pressed oils, and only pure essential oils—never synthetic fragrance.
So, if you’re standing in the shower one morning this summer, running your hands over your arms and wondering what’s going on—know you’re not alone. This is common. It’s manageable. And with the right kind of care, your skin can feel smooth, soft, and supported again.
No harsh treatments. No judgment. Just natural care for skin that needs a little kindness.
Note: I’m not a doctor, and this post isn’t meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It’s simply based on personal experience, research, and what I’ve learned from customers over the years. If you’re dealing with a persistent skin concern, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.