How to get rid of Strawberry Skin on legs

In this article we discuss strawberry skin, which ain't as cute as it sounds but don't worry, it's perfectly harmless! Just unsightly and annoying for some. We'll go through what it is, how it’s caused, and how best to treat it.

Tiny, dark bumps on your arms and legs?

Harmless but annoying, 'strawberry skin' usually arises after shaving or some form of hair removal that exposes the hair follicle or a clogged pore to oxidization (thereby turning it dark). It could also be an excess buildup of skin or keratin around the hair follicle (i.e. keratosis pilaris).

What is Strawberry Skin?

Strawberry Skin is an umbrella term to describe small, dark bumps on your body (giving it the pitted appearance of seeds on a strawberry). It covers Keratosis Pilaris, closed comedones and Folliculitis. You're most likely to find it on the upper arms and legs (where there are plenty of hair follicles and our skin tends to be thicker). Honing in on what triggers it for you is the key to preventing it in the future - along with the right skincare routine.

Prevention is the best route, treatment second

To prevent or greatly reduce the incidence of Strawberry Skin, try and identify your triggers. So what is the cause of Strawberry Skin? Some of the most common triggers are:

1. Shaving and waxing:Shaving is the most commonly listed trigger, because the hair can grow back incorrectly, leading to ingrowns and folliculitis (i.e. inflammation of the hair follicle). The risk of Strawberry Skin increases if you use a dull razor, or don't properly lubricate your skin beforehand. In our opinion, the risk is the same with waxing. Keratosis Pilaris can be exacerbated by waxing, and the act itself can put skin at risk of irritation and dryness. The best solution is to avoid these forms of hair removal, and consider an option like laser. But because of the time and upfront cost, it may not be viable for everyone. Treating your skin properly during the hair regrowth cycle with the right skincare can make a huge difference.
   
   
2. Buildup of dead skin and bacteria: Just like the skin on our face, this buildup can cause blocked pores, acne, increase the risk of ingrowns and lead to inflamed hair follicles. Cue the unsightly bumps. Note, folliculitis can also stem from yeast or fungal conditions - so if the usual skin treatments aren't doing it, you might need an anti-fungal cream.
   
   
3. Extremely dry skin: Although dry skin in and of itself won't cause Strawberry Skin, it can increase the risk of it developing, as well as make it more obvious. 

Strawberry Skin Treatment

There are plenty of skincare ingredients that effectively treat Strawberry Skin - just give it time because we are dealing with stubborn, hard skin here! Check out our table below for a quick overview:

How long does it take to get rid of Strawberry Skin?

How long it takes to get rid of strawberry skin depends on the type of strawberry skin you have, as well as the treatment you're using. For instance, using BHA on keratosis pilaris is super effective - but takes consistent application over at least 6 weeks to see and feel results. After that, you'll need to work on your triggers to prevent a resurgence. Scrubs and acids can work to reduce ingrowns, as will switching from waxing/shaving hair removal to laser treatments. Acne can clear in as little as a week or two, while seborrheic dermatitis might require a couple of months of consistent scrubs, salicylic acid and intense moisture.

Best Skin Care for Strawberry Skin 

Some great (and proven) skincare for strawberry skin is in the table above - but we also offer a Strawberry Skin Kit, which contains a BHA/Niacinamide lotion, low pH body wash, invigorating scrub and a rich cream to let you live your smoothest, baby-butt-skin life! Check it out here.