Blog by Roopitha Padmanabhan
5 Minutes Read
You may have noticed small dark spots on your legs or along your bikini line because of a common skin concern known as “strawberry skin”. Though strawberry skin is not harmful, it can bother you if you are a person who wishes to have smooth, blemish-free skin. However, not everyone is blessed with perfect skin. Strawberry skin, which occurs as a common problem in many people. Spare some of your time by reading this blog. We have covered what strawberry skin is, its causes, and its prevention strategies.
What is Strawberry Skin?
When small, dark, raised spots appear on your skin, it refers to strawberry skin. The dark areas are due to clogged and enlarged pores, which trap dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. The strawberry skin appears like the seeds on a strawberry. The condition is not considered a skin condition but is often considered a symptom that is associated with keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is a common condition where the hair follicles get trapped by the overgrowth of keratin and build up around the pores.
What causes strawberry skin?
Mainly, the occurrence of strawberry skin is due to clogged pores, which occur for different reasons. Some are hormonal changes, genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking.
1. Clogged Pores
When oil, dirt, or skin cells clog the pores, it results in the appearance of dark spots that resemble the seeds of strawberry fruit. The summertime makes you a little bit more prone to darkened pores that are clogged with dirt and other products like sweat, lotion, chlorine, sunscreen, bug spray, and more that your skin is absorbing.
2. Shaving
Shaving makes it possible for bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells to accumulate because it opens the pores and pore follicles. Improper shaving with a dull razor leads to razor burn and folliculitis. If you use a razor that is not sharp or new, the bacteria will easily enter the newly opened follicles. A dull razor blade can even irritate and inflame your skin, making the dark spots even more prominent.
If you shave improperly without the use of a moisturizing shaving product, not rinsing the razor between strokes, using multiple strokes over the same area, shaving too aggressively, and using water that is too hot in the shower or bathtub may lead to enlarged and inflamed follicles. Shaving can irritate dehydrated skin more easily, which will make strawberry legs look worse.
3. Waxing
Similar to shaving, the pores get exposed after waxing, leading to pain, swelling, or itching in some people because of the ingrown hairs or irritation potential.
4. Tight Clothing
While wearing tight clothes traps sweat in humid climates, sweaty leggings after exercise will inhibit the airflow, giving the perfect conditions for the growth of bacteria to clog the pores or hair follicles. The clogged follicles with oil or dead skin cells will then become more clogged with bacteria, causing bumps and pimples. It will also increase friction and irritation on the skin. When the condition gets worse, it may lead to infection, which then causes folliculitis.
5. Dryness
Dry skin can cause strawberry skin as it gets easily irritated when combined with poor shaving habits or clogged pores.
How can strawberry skin be prevented?
Though it is difficult to eliminate strawberry skin, there are some measures for minimizing its appearance. Some of the tips recommended by dermatologists are
1. Regular Exfoliation
Before you start shaving, prepare your skin by gently exfoliating it. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your skin is as free as possible from dead skin cells that may clog and dull your razor almost immediately. Though there are different forms of physical exfoliation, always keep in mind to use a gentle exfoliator, as our goal is to remove dead skin cells and not cause inflammation that can worsen the appearance of strawberry skin.
Body cleansers with AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, and BHAs, like salicylic acid, can be used for exfoliating the skin. There are countless serums and leave-on gel products with AHAs and BHAs, and even body lotions and creams with AHAs and BHAs are available.
2. Moisturize Daily
After bathing, always make sure that you moisturize your skin as soon as possible. Moisturizing your skin will prevent and take care of dryness, soothe skin irritation, and reduce redness. Always apply moisturizer after shaving, exfoliating, and showering.
3. Use Fresh Razors
In terms of hygiene and shaving sharpness, it is the fresh razor that does the best job. It is always better to choose a new, sharp razor with one blade than an expensive razor with multiple blades. You are always advised to keep your razor dry and store it outside the shower, as there are more chances of the growth of rust and bacteria that are capable of invading the freshly shaved follicles on your body.
5. Proper shaving Technique
Always be sure to use a moisturizing shaving solution when shaving. Conditioners also work well. It softens and moisturizes your skin and hair, allowing the razor to glide over them without damaging them. When choosing shaving cream, look for a moisturizing formula.
Always try not to stroke the same area more than once, and shave it in the direction of hair growth. Naturally, it is said to shave in an upward direction, but for a person with strawberry skin, shaving in the downward direction is good as it lessens the chance of skin irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. This method of shaving will prevent hairs from being pulled in the opposite direction and then bouncing back the other way once the razor cuts them.
5. Bathing in water with the temperature of your body
Hot water will dry out your skin. If you bathe in water with a temperature closer to your body, it will keep your skin hydrated by preventing the release of oils that are needed for skin hydration. Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel after taking a bath to dry it off. Gently pat it dry, and always make sure that you remove all the water.
Final word
Strawberry skin is a common problem that can be prevented to some extent by proper skin care practices. Know your skin and use the products that suit it and don’t cause any harmful effects. A proper shaving routine with the use of moisturizing shaving lotions will help you retain proper skin moisture. The use of razors should be done with care. It is always better to use a new, sharp razor than an expensive multiblade razor for people with strawberry skin. Always remember to exfoliate your skin and avoid tight clothing. It’s the skincare that will help you prevent strawberry skin to a great extent.
One Response
Good article