How to get rid of strawberry skin?

Are you tired of dealing with the dark, seed-like spots on your legs known as ‘strawberry skin’? You're not alone. This common condition can be frustrating. But don't worry—with the right approach, you could get rid of strawberry skin and achieve the smooth, even-toned legs you've always wanted. Here's your step-by-step guide to treating strawberry skin.

Exfoliation: clearing the pores

The first step in treating strawberry skin is to clear out the pores and hair follicles that have become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This is where exfoliation comes in.

1. Chemical exfoliants: Look for a cleanser or leave-on treatment containing salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works wonders on sebum. By regularly using products with salicylic acid, you can effectively clear out the buildup of material in your pores and hair follicles, reducing the appearance of those pesky dark spots.

2. Alternative acids for sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin that doesn't tolerate salicylic acid well, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid are excellent alternatives. Lactic acid, in particular, is a gentler option that also helps to hydrate the skin—a major plus since many exfoliants can be drying.

Hydration: maintaining moisture levels

While exfoliation is crucial for treating strawberry skin, it's only half the battle. To keep your skin looking its best, you need to focus on hydration as well.

1. Improving hydration: To improve your skin's ability to absorb and retain moisture, use a cleanser that contains chemical exfoliants. This will help break down the barrier of dead skin cells that can prevent your skin from absorbing moisture.

2. Moisturizing techniques: To lock in hydration, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp from showering or bathing. This helps to trap water in the skin, promoting deeper hydration. For an extra moisture boost, look for moisturizers that contain ceramides—natural lipids that help to reinforce your skin's protective barrier.

3. Regular application: Don't forget to keep your skin hydrated between showers! Applying lotion regularly will help to maintain healthy moisture levels, but be careful not to overdo it. Excessive product buildup can lead to clogged pores, so make sure you're cleansing regularly as well.

Soft Services recommended routine

To lessen the look of strawberry skin, we recommend the Smoothing Set. This set includes the Buffing Bar for physical exfoliation, the Smoothing Solution for daily chemical exfoliation, and the Carea Cream for deep hydration and maintenance.

Use the Buffing Bar a few times weekly on non-shaving days, apply the Smoothing Solution daily on dry skin, and follow up with the Carea Cream to keep skin and hair soft and soothed.

What to do if nothing I tried work for my strawberry skin?

If you've been diligent about exfoliating and moisturizing but still aren't seeing the results you want, there may be another factor at play.

Sometimes, the dark spots associated with strawberry skin are actually caused by hairs that are darker than the surrounding skin. In this case, the only way to truly get rid of those spots is to remove the hair at the follicle level. Options like laser hair removal, epilators, and waxing can all help to achieve this, but keep in mind that these methods can take time to show long-lasting results and may cause some temporary inflammation.

If you've tried all of the above steps and your strawberry skin still isn't improving, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist. There's a chance that there could be an underlying infection or other issue at play that requires professional treatment.