How to Smooth Strawberry Skin Once and for All
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You're either part of the crowd eagerly embracing the latest fruit-themed beauty trends, or wishing they'd disappear altogether. From Hailey Bieber's viral strawberry girl makeup to the fruit-infused skin care craze led by brands like Glow Recipe (Watermelon anything, anyone?), fruit-forward beauty has taken over in recent years. But when it comes to fruits and skin, there's one we'd all rather leave behind: strawberry skin.
Strawberry skin (otherwise known as keratosis pilaris) takes its name from the fruit and 'refers to the appearance of small dark spots on the legs that resemble the seeds on the surface of a strawberry,' says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. As the warmer weather rears its head, encouraging us to wear less and go out more, skin conditions like strawberry skin, cellulite, or dark spots become more apparent than ever. Luckily, a bevy of formulas can help treat all these conditions, especially in any place where strawberry skin emerges.
But how do you get the smooth, 'seedless' skin of your dreams? With the help of a dermatologist and this detailed guide to treating strawberry skin. Ahead, we break down what it is, how to treat it, and the best products to give you visible results fast.
Because the skin condition looks similar to the skin of a strawberry, look for tiny, darker spots lodged in the skin. 'These spots are often visible in the pores or hair follicles and can be caused by a few different things, clogged pores, shaving irritation, keratosis pilaris, or ingrown hairs. It's more noticeable on people with lighter skin tones, but can happen to anyone,' Dr. Spearman explains.
The best ingredients to treat strawberry are those that gently exfoliate, as well as those that 'unclog pores and calm inflammation,' Dr. Spearman shares. When it comes to exfoliating anywhere on your body, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are your best bet. 'Salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) helps deeply exfoliate inside the pores, while glycolic acid and lactic acid work on the skin's surface to smooth rough texture,' she adds.
Of course, over-exfoliation can sometimes lead to dryness, so in that case, Dr. Spearman says to use the ingredient urea, 'another gentle exfoliant that also hydrates.' If, in addition to strawberry skin, you're noticing ingrown hairs, this is where retinol comes in. 'Retinoids can help with cell turnover and prevent hairs from getting trapped,' Dr. Spearman says.
'Strawberry legs are very treatable and often improve significantly with the right routine,' she shares. While it's not a permanent skin condition, it does require the right tools, technique, and a whole 'lot of patience to see results. 'Consistency is key. Exfoliation, proper shaving techniques, and keeping the skin hydrated can make a big difference. In some cases, especially if it's linked to keratosis pilaris, it may require long-term maintenance,' she explains.
An ELLE editor says: 'An all-around savior for head-to-toe relief, rough texture, and strawberry skin, this salicylic acid-based body wash exfoliates and smoothes like no other. It's fragrance-free and has a gel-like consistency that lathers like a dream, so a little goes a long way.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Our expert says: ' It contains salicylic acid and is gentle enough for regular use without stripping the skin.'—Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, FFAD
An Amazon reviewer says: 'Honestly, I love these. I normally use a loofah from the store, but I always wanted more of a scrubbing feeling, so I would use washcloths. Never had the feeling I wanted until this. I love how it exfoliates perfectly. I absolutely love them and am obsessed, I will be buying more!'
Our expert says: 'This is another great option that has lactic acid in it to exfoliate and hydrate. It supports smoother, clearer skin and helps maintain results over time.'—Dr. Spearman
Our expert says: 'For more stubborn cases, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid can be used a few times a week on the legs to help clear clogged pores.'—Dr. Spearman
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose consulted a dermatologist to determine the best products and practices for treating strawberry skin.
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