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.
What Causes Strawberry Skin?
- 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. Physical 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.
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.
