Keratosis Pilaris – Prevent & Treat Strawberry Skin

keratosis pilaris  inflamed leg

Do you have Keratosis Pilaris known as “Strawberry Skin”? This condition resembles the pitted appearance of a strawberry. It is often painless and itchy for some.

Aesthetic reasons lead most sufferers to search for a treatment for Keratosis Pilaris. It can prevent the skin from having a smooth surface after hair removal.

Can you prevent Strawberry Skin? Complete prevention is impractical if you are genetically predisposed. 

However, having family members with the condition should prompt you to take extra steps in caring for your skin. Continue reading to learn more about the disorder and reduce symptoms.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris ( Strawberry Skin)?

Keratosis, Pilaris, are clogged pores filled with dead skin and keratin, often on the legs, arms, or thighs. The area tends to be rough and bumpy.

When bacteria infect this condition, it can make the blemishes prominent.

The spots range in color from a pinkish- red, dark brown, and black, determined by genetics. Some areas darken due to hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation.

What Is The Cause of Keratosis Pilaris?

The primary known cause is simply genetics; excess keratin forms. Keratin is the protein responsible for creating our skin, hair, and nails.

 However, some speculate that diet and vitamin A deficiency are factors to consider for treatment.

 Avoid the list below to prevent agitating Strawberry Legs. 

1. Not exfoliating correctly

2. Bacteria from re-used razor blades

3. Dull Razors

4. No Lubrication

5. Shaving too quickly

6. Not Moisturizing Daily

Keratosis Pilaris Skincare Routine

This routine aims to reduce the appearance of KP. You must eliminate flawed hair removal practices and create better methods.

1. Exfoliate

Dead skin and keratin can be removed by exfoliating sufficiently, reducing the accumulation in pores. Improper peeling with hard peels (such as coffee peeling) can cause microscopic cracks and exacerbate inflammation.

2. Sanitize used blades after use.

Dry and store the razor in a concealed area to avoid moisture exposure. Moisture attracts bacteria, so do not leave it sitting out by the tub.

3. Do not shave with dull blades!

Dull blades require passing over an area of skin multiple times while pushing into the skin; this results in inflammation. Further agitation of Keratosis Pilaris may occur.

Unfortunately, some inexpensive razors can be dull right out of the package!

4. Lubricate your legs!

Dry shaving hurts! A lubricant lays hair flat on the skin for easy hair removal. Shaving without lubrication complicates this process and inflames the skin.

Inflammation exasperates Keratosis Pilaris. A lubricant provides a protective coating for the skin and allows the blades to graze effortlessly.

5. Take your time while shaving.

Occasionally, we have cases where we swiftly wield a blade over lubricated hairy legs. The faster you shave, the higher the risk that you will scrape and cut your skin, even with lubrication.

I am sure that, having read the above, you are now aware of where this leads.

 To spend less time shaving, you should look into multi-blade razors like those offered by Gillette Venus.

6. Stay Moisturized

Your skin needs hydration and moisture to thrive! The use of rich moisturizing creams and lotions helps sustain lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids needed to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Additionally, it enhances barrier protection from environmental pollutants.

Products That Help Prevent and Heal Keratosis Pilaris!

Two products that will aid this bumpy journey are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

 Salicylic acid evenly exfoliates the skin, decreasing pore buildup.

Body washes containing salicylic acid are not abrasive like rougher scrubs (coffee or sugar scrubs). The acid is gentle, effective, and does not leave microscopic tears.

It works by softening the skin and breaking down the substance that holds the outermost skin cells together. Benzoyl peroxide kills the aggravating bacteria on the skin, which reduces inflammation.

These two should be used on alternating days and never together. Visit a dermatologist to determine your condition. Keratosis Pilaris can be mistaken for folliculitus, gutate psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

*Below are links to highly rated products for the treatment of Keratosis Pilaris. We are Amazon Associates; we earn for qualifying purchases, with no added cost to you. Thank you for purchases through our affiliate links.*

I’ve Done All This, and My Legs Are Still Spotty.

You may be fighting the after-effects of the condition, hyperpigmentation. Melanin-forming cells send pigmented material to the outermost skin cells (keratinocytes) to ward off disease.

The after-effects can be darkened skin pigments. Darker skin tones have increased active melanosomes, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation.

*Check with a medical specialist to confirm your condition. This article was written to give advice and is not a medical diagnosis.

 More Post Related to Keratosis Pilaris:

Keratosis Pilaris Laser Treatment

Strawberry Skin – 3 Ways To Improve Keratosis P.

The Ultimate Guide To Using Coconut oil For Keratosis Pilaris Relief

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