Strawberry Skin: What It Is & How To Treat It
Have you ever wondered what causes the red, rough bumps on your legs, arms, and other areas of skin? If you've noticed a pattern of small dark spots on your thighs or the backs of your arms, you might feel self-conscious or be wondering what it is and how you can get rid of it. Fortunately, although irritating, Strawberry skin is an entirely normal and harmless condition you can treat from home!
In this guide, we're explaining what strawberry skin is, what might cause it, and how you can treat it!
What Is Strawberry Skin?
Strawberry skin is a variation of normal skin that causes tiny darkened spots. It is typically found on your upper thighs and upper arms; however, it can occur almost anywhere on the body. The condition gets its name from the strawberry-like appearance it causes. Although they're small, strawberry skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Many people mistakenly attribute strawberry skin to ingrown hairs; however, this isn't always the case. The small bumps are often caused by a buildup of dead skin inside the hair follicle or in your skin's pores. If air comes into contact with the blocked pore, this can cause oxidization that turns the oil black, creating the familiar strawberry appearance of small, dark dots.
What Causes Strawberry Skin?
There are a few different causes of strawberry skin, including:
Dry skin – Dehydrated skin can weaken and irritate the outermost layer of your skin. This irritation can increase the chances of developing blocked pores and strawberry skin.
Keratosis pilaris – This harmless skin condition looks similar to regular goosebumps; however, it is caused by an excess of dead skin cells and keratin.
Shaving – Shaving is a leading cause of strawberry skin. Anything from using a dull razor, shaving without cream, or shaving too quickly, can increase the chances of developing strawberry skin.
How Do You Treat Strawberry Skin?
The easiest and most effective way to treat strawberry skin is to adopt a hydrating and soothing skincare regime. Here are a few simple skincare tricks to help you get back to smooth, soft, glowing skin:
Step 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a crucial step in achieving gorgeously soft skin. Not only does it remove dead skin, but it also creates a clean surface for your skincare products to penetrate and absorb more efficiently.
The Avari Beauty team loves to use a combination of gentle physical exfoliation combined with chemical exfoliation products. To physically exfoliate, we recommend dry body brushing with a high-quality natural bristle brush. Dry body brushing not only removes dead skin cells and softens the skin, but it can also help improve lymphatic drainage!
Step 2: Cleanse
Cleansers help purify the skin of bacteria and excess oils while maintaining its natural protective barrier. For the most effective cleanse, we recommend using a body wash with active exfoliating ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and retinol. If your skin is extra dry or sensitive, look out for cleansers that also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Step 3: Moisturize
The final (and arguably the most important!) step in your new skincare routine is to hydrate and soothe your freshly exfoliated skin. Applying a moisturizing body lotion twice daily can help your skin retain moisture and stay soft. If you're prone to strawberry skin, we recommend a lightweight, intensive moisturizer such as Bella Aura's Hydra Revive Treatment. This 8-In-1 skin-replenishing liquid helps to retain and restore water while boosting the skin's Natural Moisture Factor (NMF). Apply daily for radiant, refined, and vibrant-looking skin!
