For something named after a fruit, strawberry skin is an unappetising condition. The dark rough spots on the arms, beard area, and legs although harmless, are small but visible roadblocks for men trying to perfect the Greek god bod look (at least for shirtless selfies in the gym).
Those dark tiny dots scattered across your body are one of the most searched grooming concerns which are fuelled by the need to look the best even after a sweaty workout session.
One may wonder why these strawberry bumps even turn up after using all the right hygiene products suitable for the skin. Here's everything you need to know about Strawberry skin, what causes it and how to get rid of it for a smooth-looking skin.
Strawberry Skin (or chicken skins) spots on the arms, legs and beard area for men is a term used by dermatologists to describe Keratosis Pilaris-- the strawberry seed-like appearance of bumps on the skin. These bumps are not caused by a skin infection and certainly aren't an allergic reaction to protein consumption.
The cause is simple and the remedies much simpler. But before we dive into recommending remedies, it is crucial to understand what causes these pink and sometimes, dark tiny bumps on the skin.
Turns out its actually tiny hair follicles that cause the skin to appear like the outside of the sweet and bright red aggregate accessory fruit. While not a medically worrisome concern, it is likely a cosmetic one for many.
Strawberry skin usually shows up in patches on the skin and is the colour of your skin. They can also be red if they're on white skin, or darker on brown or black skin. It is caused by the buildup of Keratin in the body (a form of protein that protects the skin). When excess protein mixes with the dead skin cells, it leads to pore blockage instead of following its normal cycle of shedding. For many, Keratosis Pilaris is caused due to dry skin, eczema, hormonal shifts and even the weather. For others, its lack of exfoliation, incorrect shaving causing ingrown hairs, lack of hydration and even genetics.
If you already have strawberry skin, the good news is that you can usually improve it with consistent skincare.
Some effective remedies include:
Use a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid (BHA), lactic acid, or glycolic acid (AHAs) to unclog pores and remove dead skin. These are generally more effective and gentler than harsh scrubs.
Choose a body lotion with urea (10–20%), lactic acid, or ceramides to soften rough skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
Soften the skin with warm water, use a shaving gel or cream, shave with a sharp razor in the direction of hair growth, and moisturise immediately afterwards to reduce irritation and ingrown hairs. Consider changing the blade after a couple of uses to avoid bumps, cuts and infections.
If you're one who prefers shaving arms and legs along side your beard area, incorrect shaving may be the reason for strawberry skin. Consider waxing arms and legs. Even laser hair removal may reduce recurrent ingrown hairs for some people, though laser tends to provide the longest-term improvement.
For treating your beard area, if you shave consider keeping the area clean and exfoliated as well as soaking the area in lukewarm water before shaving so help unclog pores.
With change in season, the patch make become itchy or the fact it is bumpy may make you want to rub it. Avoid it. This can worsen inflammation and lead to pigmentation. If the bumps become painful, itchy, filled with pus, or don't improve after 6–8 weeks of consistent care, it's worth consulting a dermatologist. Prescription-strength exfoliants or treatments may be needed.
Moreover, if your strawberry skin is caused by keratosis pilaris, regular use of lotions containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can significantly improve its appearance over several weeks.