Today, I had an epiphany: those pesky little black dots, dotting my legs, commonly known as Strawberry Skin, could be banished with a simple body care routine. If only I had known sooner! Thanks to the invaluable insights and tips shared by fellow beauty enthusiasts, I’m now on my way to smoother, clearer skin. Without their guidance, I might still be clueless about how to tackle this common issue. Today I’m going to break down how you can enjoy your skin again.
WHAT is Strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin, Scientifically known as Keratosis Pilaris, is a skincare condition. These are those tiny bumps that appear on the backs of your arms, thighs, or cheeks. That’s what we call Keratosis Pilaris, or KP for short. It’s pretty common, and a lot of people deal with it at some point in their lives.
Although there aren’t any specifics on how KP occurs. Here are a few reasons why you may have it:
- Genetics
- Improper shaving
- Foliculitis
- Home Products
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
Keratosis Pilaris comes from Kerantocytes. These are cells that make up the vital fibrous protein called “Keratin” which helps to protect the skin from damage and infections. Keratin is also found in the hair and nails and provides strength and resilience to these tissues.
Therefore Keratin build up on the skin is likely your body’s way of saying, “Oops, too much of a good thing!” Meaning the overproduction of Keratin causes he hair follicles to be blocked and overproduce! Those little bumps you feel are just your skin’s way of reacting to the buildup.
However, don’t worry too much—KP isn’t harmful or contagious, just a bit annoying sometimes. It can make your skin feel rough and bumpy, and sometimes it looks a bit red or irritated, especially if you’ve been scratching at it.
Break down of “Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis
Keratosis refers to the abnormal growth of Kerantocytes. These cells are the most impactful, which are found in the epidermis, ( The outer Layer of the Skin). When there’s an abnormal growth or accumulation of keratinocytes, it can lead to various skin conditions characterized by thickened, rough, or scaly patches of skin. “Keratosis” is a general term used to describe these types of skin conditions.
Pilaris
Pilaris” is derived from the Latin word “pilus,” which means hair. In the context of keratosis pilaris (KP), “pilaris” refers to the involvement of hair follicles in the condition.
Overall, KP is characterized by the buildup of keratin around hair follicles, leading to the formation of small, rough bumps on the skin’s surface. These bumps often resemble goosebumps or chicken skin and are most commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks.
Learn more on kerantocytes here
Combatting Keratosis Pilaris: Strategies for Smoother Skin
Imagine running your fingers over your skin and feeling nothing but smoothness, like silk beneath your touch. Now, picture instead encountering tiny, rough bumps that seem to have taken up residence, stubbornly refusing to budge no matter how diligently you scrub. As you navigate the maze of skincare products and treatments in search of a solution, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. But fear not – the journey to smoother, healthier skin is not as daunting as it may seem.
Why is exfoliation important?
Exfoliation is one of the most importance steps. The role of exfoliation is to slough off dead skin. This helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, combat hyper-pigmentation and most importantly reduce KP.
Two types of exfoliation:
- Physical Exfoliants are most commonly used and texture is more granule and abrasive. Use a gentle exfoliant is recommended
- Chemical Exfoliants are used to dissolve dead skin. They are made from acids (AHA’S) & (BHA’S). Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids. Both are equipped to seep into the skin a bit more compared to physical exfoliants.
Key Ingredients to look out for usin Keratosis
- AHA’S also known as Glycolic acids & Lactic acids are Water soluble acids that focuses on the skins surface. These acids help to improve skin’s texture and bringing fourth a youthful appearance!
- On the other hand BHA’S are Oil-Soluble acids. Salicylic acid is a popular form of BHA, and is extremely effective for acne-prone skin and unclogging pores. This means it’s able to go even deeper into the skin than AHA’S.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs such as Glycolic acid and lactic acid help to exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This can help smooth rough, bumpy skin associated with KP.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid is a common BHA that penetrates deep into the pores to unclog them and exfoliate the skin. It can help reduce the formation of keratin plugs that contribute to KP.
- Urea: Urea is a natural moisturizing factor that helps to hydrate and soften dry, rough skin. It can be particularly beneficial for KP-prone areas, as it helps to loosen dead skin cells and promote exfoliation.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are lipid molecules that help to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Including ceramides in your skincare routine can help improve the overall health and resilience of KP-affected skin.
Top Picks for KP: Cleansers, Lotions, and Exfoliants
Exfoliants for Keratosis Pilaris:
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub:
This scrub contains chemical and physical exfoliants, including glycolic acid and microdermabrasion beads, to help smooth and improve the texture of the skin affected by keratosis pilaris. Created by
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA: Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids, this scrub exfoliates and smooths rough, bumpy skin caused by KP..
SkinFix Resurface+Glycolic Renewing Scrub
Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub:
This invigorating scrub features glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and renew your skin’s surface, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: Although marketed as a toner, this solution contains glycolic acid, which can effectively exfoliate and improve the texture of KP-prone skin when applied with a cotton pad.
Reveal smoother, softer skin with this body scrub, featuring abrasive particles to physically exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. It helps to improve skin texture and promote cell turnover, leaving the skin feeling invigorated and revitalized.
AHA’S focused lotions:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid work by exfoliating the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. They can improve the texture and smoothness of KP-affected skin over time, making them an excellent choice for individuals with rough, bumpy skin.
Best for: Dry, rough skin and mild to moderate KP.
Amlactin Daily Moisturizing
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion:
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is a clinically proven formula that contains 12% lactic acid to exfoliate and moisturize dry, rough skin. With its unique alpha-hydroxy therapy, it gently removes dead skin cells and hydrates the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and visibly healthier.
CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin:
CeraVe SA is designed for rough, bumpy skin, this lotion contains salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) and ammonium lactate to exfoliate and moisturize.
It helps to smooth and soften rough patches, reduce redness, and improve the texture of KP-prone areas. The lotion is non-greasy, fragrance-free, and suitable for daily use.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion:
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion features glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to exfoliate and smooth rough, bumpy skin. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the appearance of KP-affected areas. The lotion is formulated to hydrate and soften the skin, leaving it feeling supple and revitalized.
BHA’S focused lotions:
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid penetrate deep into the pores, dissolving oil and debris and helping to unclog pores. BHA lotions & moisturizers are particularly beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin and KP with red, inflamed bumps, as they can reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts.
BHA lotion’s are best for: Individuals with oily skin, acne-prone skin and KP with inflammatory lesions.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Body Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Body Cream:
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Body Cream is enriched with niacinamide and shea butter to soothe and nourish dry, rough skin. Formulated with micro-resurfacing LHA and thermal spring water, it gently exfoliates and hydrates, leaving the skin feeling smoother and more comfortable.
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA:
A lightweight body lotion features 2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), known for its ability to exfoliate and unclog pores. It helps to smooth rough, bumpy skin associated with keratosis pilaris (KP) while also reducing redness and inflammation.
SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatments
SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatments:
Transform your skin with Skin-Ceuticals Body Retexturing Treatment. This advanced lotion features a blend of exfoliating agents, including salicylic acid, to smooth rough, bumpy skin and improve texture. It helps unclog pores, reduce the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris, and enhance overall skin clarity.
UREA focused moisturizers:
Urea is a natural moisturizing factor that helps to hydrate and soften the skin by attracting and retaining moisture. Urea-containing products are highly effective at moisturizing dry, rough skin associated with KP, making them ideal for individuals with significant dryness or sensitivity.
Best for: Dry, rough, or sensitive skin and KP with significant dryness or flakiness.
Excipial Urea Hydrating Healing Lotion
Excipial Urea Hydrating Healing Lotion:
Eucerin is a Derm’s FAVORITE! Containing 10% urea, glycerin, and other emollients to deeply hydrate and soothe dry, irritated skin. It helps repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier and promotes healing of cracked or damaged skin.
CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin:
Exfoliate and moisturize rough, bumpy skin with 5% urea, salicylic acid, and ammonium lactate in this cream. Gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and soften dry patches for smoother, radiant skin.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream:
Hydrate and repair dry, rough skin with Eucerin, which contains 5% urea, ceramides, and other moisturizing ingredients in this cream. It restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving resilience and reducing moisture loss.
Udderly Smooth Extra Care 20% Urea Cream
Udderly Smooth Extra Care 20% Urea Cream: A thick cream with 20% urea to deeply moisturize and soften KP-affected areas.
Gold Bond Ultimate Rough & Bumpy Skin Daily Therapy Cream
Gold Bond Ultimate Rough & Bumpy Skin Daily Therapy Cream:
Smooth and soften rough, bumpy skin with AHA and BHA exfoliants, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and urea in this cream. Unclog pores, reduce redness, and improve overall skin texture.
Cleansers
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Wash away impurities and treat KP with this refreshing body wash. Featuring salicylic acid, it penetrates deep into pores to unclog and cleanse, while also preventing new breakouts. The foaming formula lathers away dirt and oil, leaving the skin feeling clean, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser:
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser is a gentle, soap-free cleanser suitable for daily use on both the body and face. Enriched with mild surfactants and natural moisturizing factors, it effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural pH balance.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser:
Cleanse and clarify the skin with this gentle yet effective cleanser. Formulated with salicylic acid and soothing botanicals, it helps to remove excess oil, debris, and dead skin cells without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Maintain Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can complement your skincare routine and help manage keratosis pilaris (KP). Here are some tips to support overall skin health and reduce KP symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce dryness, which can exacerbate KP.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can support skin health and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Irritants: Limit exposure to harsh chemicals, fragrances, and irritants that can aggravate KP and disrupt the skin barrier. Choose gentle skincare products formulated for sensitive skin and free of potential irritants.
- Protect Your Skin: Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can worsen KP symptoms and increase skin dryness and roughness.
- Moisturize Regularly: Use a moisturizer containing ingredients like urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides to hydrate and soften the skin. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
- Exfoliate Gently: Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and prevent pore blockages. Avoid harsh scrubs and opt for chemical exfoliants containing AHAs or BHAs, which are gentler on the skin.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness to minimize stress levels. High stress can exacerbate skin conditions like KP by triggering inflammation.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation and promote overall skin health. Exercise can also help reduce stress and support a healthy immune system, which is important for skin function.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can contribute to skin dryness, inflammation, and impaired healing, which may worsen KP symptoms.
Overall overcoming strawberry skin does not have to be complex or anything to fear. Just like you, I have faced my own struggles with KP and I am so happy to find these amazing solutions for not only myself but for You as well! I hope you learned something new from this blog and start your journey to clearing up your skin.
Leave a comment if this was helpful or if you have added tips!