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We get so engrossed in our facial skin care with vials of serums and jars of moisturisers that we tend to forget about the skin on the body. This oversight often presents itself in the form of strawberry skin or, in other terms, chicken skin. These are just the common terms used to describe the rough, uneven bumps that appear on the arms, legs, thighs and underarms. These bumps are usually discoloured and appear red, brownish or greyish, depending on the skin tone. Though strawberry skin can cause irritation, the skin condition is harmless and treatable. Before we explore solutions on how to prevent strawberry skin, let’s understand the reasons behind it. Stick around to also learn hacks and tips for strawberry skin and strawberry skin treatment plans, along with a few product recommendations and some burning FAQs answered. Strawberry skin is more than just an aesthetic issue, it is caused by keratin build-up that our hair glands produce, so, without further ado, let’s learn what strawberry skin is and the causes of strawberry skin.
What Is Strawberry Skin?
Strawberry skin a.k.a. Chicken skin, strawberry legs, or what the medical world calls it – keratosis pilaris. As the name suggests, this condition manifests a keratin build-up in the form of small, raised bumps or dots on the skin, especially on your legs that look like strawberry seeds on the fruit. It is not of grave concern and can be treated at home.
What Causes Strawberry Skin?
Here are some of the common strawberry skin causes:
- Inflamed hair follicles: This can happen due to frequent shaving or waxing. When you remove hair, the new growth needs time to properly surface from the top layer of the skin. So, going in for another round of body hair removal can irritate the hair follicles, which can cause strawberry skin.
- Ingrown hair: Using blunt razors and waxing on greasy skin are common reasons for ingrown hair. These are hair that grows back and curves into your skin post-shaving or waxing.
- Clogged pores: Dead skin cells can also accumulate and clog the pores on the body, just like your face. This, along with excess sebum, grime and pollutants, can result in whiteheads on the legs, arms and underarms.
- Keratin buildup: Excess production and buildup of keratin, a hair protein, blocks the growth opening of the hair follicles, leading to rough skin and uneven hair growth.
How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Skin At Home?
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is an easier and quicker way to exfoliate the body to improve blood circulation. Using gentle circular motions in the direction of hair growth is an effective way to exfoliate dead skin cells, and uneven texture as well as unclog pores and hair follicles. Follow this routine at least once a week for improved skin appearance and smoothness. Dry brushing is mostly recommended for those with normal or combination skin. Those with dry and sensitive skin conditions should avoid dry brushing as it can be irritating, overly abrasive and even end up damaging the natural skin barrier.
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2. Using A Sharp Razor
Using a sharp razor is a sure way to avoid razor burns and bumps as it can shave close to the skin, efficiently removing the hair while also eliminating the dead skin cells around it. Always replace your razor after every five to ten uses.
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3. Invest In A Moisturising Shaving Cream
A moisturising shaving cream is the best supporting character to a sharp razor. The creamy foam, combined with warm water, softens the hair follicles and the skin so that the razor has a good slip, keeping razor burns at bay. For better results, let the shaving foam/cream sit for a couple of minutes on damp skin to soften the hair follicles.
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4. Scrubs For Exfoliation
Using a physical scrub once in a while can truly eliminate stubborn buildup of sebum, grime and pollution. There are two ways you can use a physical scrub. One option is to use natural scrubbing particles from finely milled apricot seed powder, walnut shell powder or ground coffee. Another option would be to use a gentle loofah or a silicone body brush. The former is a great way to pamper your body when you have extra time. Otherwise, using your regular body wash with a silicone brush is an efficient way to exfoliate the skin in the midst of a busy schedule.
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5. Try Chemical Exfoliation Occasionally
If you find physical scrubs a bit abrasive on your sensitive skin, switch gears to chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs. While AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, BHAs like salicylic acid go deeper to get rid of excess sebum, grime and acne-causing bacteria. Again, there are multiple ways to approach chemical exfoliation. Using a body wash with AHAs and BHAs is an easier way to prevent strawberry skin on your body.
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6. Incorporate Retinol Treatments
Though retinol is revered for its anti-ageing properties, it does so much more. The main function of this active ingredient is to accelerate new cell turnover thereby getting rid of dead skin cells. Using a retinol-based body lotion or serum keeps the hair follicles unclogged and the skin smooth. If you’re new to retinol, start by using it once a week so that your skin gets used to it. You can either use a retinol-infused body lotion. If you’re struggling with strawberry skin on the underarms, ensure you don’t have any razor cuts. It’s best to use retinol when the skin is properly healed to avoid irritation.
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7. Use A Clay Mask For Your Underarms
If your super-sensitive underarm skin is not at all a fan of exfoliating, then go for a clay mask. These are usually made with kaolin and bentonite clay that draw out impurities, excess oil, sweat and toxins. Do this at least twice a week to see better results. Also, make sure to not let the clay mask dry too much so that rinsing it off can be easy.
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8. Pay Attention To Lifestyle Changes
Factors like hydration, hygiene and sun protection are unsung heroes behind mitigating strawberry skin. Dehydrated, dry skin can notice constant flakiness and accumulation of dead skin cells. So, make sure to stay sufficiently hydrated. Fine-tune your cleansing routine as per the weather and your skin type. If you have oily skin or sweat profusely, especially during humid weather, it’s ideal to cleanse the body at least twice a day to effectively wash away impurities and grime. Lastly, always use sun protection. This prevents the skin cells from prematuring and clogging the pores. Always look for SPF 50 to 70 in a sunscreen lotion.
Tips For Treating Strawberry Skin
Here are a few tips to remember while looking at strawberry skin treatment plans.
- Exfoliate regularly your skin to reduce any keratin build-up and remove dead skin cells that clog your pores.
- Use a sharp razor to prevent the small hair follicles from leaving behind. A sharp razor will remove all the hair strands and avoid any in-grown hair or keratin build-up.
- Use salicylic acid to treat oil and sebum build-up that’s stuck in your in-grown hair or bumps.
- Avoid hot showers that can open up your pores leaving them vulnerable to clogging and irritation.
- Do not pick on the bumps on your legs as they can exacerbate the condition further.
- Avoid harsh products that can increase these dots and bumps and constantly keep your skin hydrated.
- Consider applying sunscreen to your legs when exposed for a long time.
Parting Thoughts
Whether it’s strawberry legs or arms, getting rid of this skin condition will require consistency and patience but rest assured, with the above tips, you will soon find your way to smooth, bumps-free skin.
FAQs
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What is strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin is a condition when excess keratin gets built up under your skin causing small raised dots or bumps to appear on your skin.
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What causes strawberry skin?
The main causes of strawberry skin are shaving the wrong way, not using an effective shaving cream, using a blunt razor, and not moisturising after can all cause strawberry legs. Other strawberry skin causes are tight clothes, environmental factors, in-grown hair, and usage of harsh products.
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What are some exfoliators for strawberry skin?
Here are a few polishing exfoliators to reduce bumps that cause strawberry skin.
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How to avoid strawberry skin while shaving?
While shaving, don’t forget to use a shaving cream, gel, or foam that softens the hair follicles making it easy to remove them. Use a sharp razor that removes all the hair follicles leaving no hair behind. Moisturise thoroughly to avoid dry and tight skin. Exfoliate your skin after a few days to remove any dead skin cells or razor bumps.
What is the best strawberry skin treatment?
The best treatment for strawberry skin treatment is to exfoliate regularly, moisturise consistently, incorporate ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, and use mild or unscented body products.
