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How to Help Get Rid of Strawberry Skin

Discover simple steps to help you get rid of strawberry skin on legs and arms, and general advice on body care from NIVEA

What's in this article:

Read Time: 7 minutes

What is Strawberry Skin?
5 Causes of Strawberry Skin
4 Ways to Help Get Rid of Strawberry Skin
Facts Overview
NIVEA body care products
Summary
FAQs

How to Help f Remove Strawberry Skin with Simple Skincare

Discover the common causes of strawberry skin and learn simple tips for exfoliating and moisturising to keep your skin smooth and comfortable.

What is Strawberry Skin?

The term ‘strawberry skin’ is often used to describe those tiny red or dark in colour spots you might notice on your legs or arms. They are usually elevated and look a bit like the seeds on a strawberry, which is where the name comes from. These red dots often become more visible after shaving or waxing and usually happen when pores or hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin, or trapped hairs.

While strawberry skin generally isn’t something to worry about, it can sometimes make people feel a bit self-conscious about their skin’s appearance and cause itching. To take better care of it, it is important to understand the origin of these small bumps. If you experience symptoms of infection or are unsure, it is recommended that you consult a doctor who will advise you on the appropriate care and treatment. When strawberry skin is related to shaving, hygiene and care precautions can often help improve the look and feel of your skin.

5 Causes of Strawberry Skin

Strawberry skin is completely normal and very common, but what causes those tiny red, pink or brown dots on legs to show up? In many cases, it comes down to how your skin naturally sheds, reacts to hair removal, or holds onto moisture. Here are some of the most common reasons why strawberry skin might appear:

Shaving

If you shave regularly, especially with a blunt razor or without shaving cream, your skin might become irritated. This can lead to darker-looking pores or even tiny ingrown hairs, which show up as flesh-coloured, reddish, or brownish bumps. Waxing or epilating can also cause similar effects, depending on your skin type.

Dry or dehydrated skin

Although dry skin is not always a direct cause of strawberry skin, it can be a contributing factor. Skin that’s feeling dry can sometimes make pores look more obvious. When skin lacks moisture, it can become rougher to the touch - which makes those little red spots on your legs stand out more after hair removal.

Build-up in the pores

Sometimes, pores or hair follicles can get blocked with a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt from daily life. When this happens, the pores can darken and become more visible - a bit like blackheads on other areas of the body. This is especially common after shaving.

Keratosis pilaris

This is a harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps - often on the arms, thighs or bum. It happens when a protein called keratin builds up around the hair follicles and may have a genetic component. It can look a bit like goosebumps, but it’s nothing to worry about and is very common. However, it is more difficult to eliminate; medical treatment or specialised care is sometimes recommended.

Folliculitis

Sometimes, hair follicles can get irritated or inflamed - usually after shaving, friction from tight clothing, or sweating. The follicles can then become infected, causing small red bumps or pimples. They may appear individually or in clusters, giving the skin a “strawberry skin” appearance. They are usually benign and may disappear on their own, but sometimes require medical treatment.

If the area becomes sore, swollen, or doesn’t start to improve after a few days, it’s a good idea to speak to a pharmacist or GP - just to rule out any infection or underlying skin condition.

How to remove strawberry skin

4 Ways to Help Get Rid of Strawberry Skin

If you experience strawberry skin, it is important to try to determine the cause in order to treat it. In some cases, particularly for razor burn, there are simple, gentle ways you can help smooth its appearance over time. Regular care and using the right products, can help to support your skin’s natural texture and hydration, helping it look and feel its best. However, if you do not see any improvement with the usual care or if you suspect a medical condition, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

1. Clean your Skin Every Day and Before Shaving.

Daily cleansing helps wash away sweat, oil, and buildup that can make bumps more noticeable. Before shaving, cleansing also helps prepare the skin and hair, creating a smoother surface for the razor.

NIVEA Cleansers

2. Gently Exfoliate Several Times a Week

Strawberry skin often appears on areas that are dry, rough, or bumpy to the touch, especially after shaving or during the colder months. These textured areas are usually caused by clogged pores, keratin buildup, or dehydration. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and reduce clogged pores, one of the possible causes of strawberry skin on the legs or arms.

Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Look for ingredients such as Salicylic Acid or Lactic Acid, which help to loosen dead skin.

3. Shaving or Waxing Gently

If you shave your legs or arms, how you do it and the technique you use can make a big difference. Shaving too quickly, without proper prep or with a blunt razor, can increase the chances of ingrown hairs or irritation - which can make strawberry skin more noticeable.

4 Tips for a Smoother Shave:

Thoroughly cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser to remove any impurities before shaving.
Apply a shaving gel or balm to protect the skin and reduce friction.
Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Moisturise your skin after shaving to soothe and hydrate the skin barrier.

Consider using other hair removal methods such as depilatory cream, waxing, or laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is the most effective method for preventing small pimples and ingrown hairs.

4. Moisturise your Skin Every Day

Dry skin can exacerbate the appearance of strawberry skin on the legs and arms. When the skin lacks moisture, pores can become more prominent, especially after shaving, making red spots more visible. Daily moisturising with a rich, nourishing lotion can help smooth the skin's texture and support its natural barrier. Over time, this can help get rid of the rough, bumpy look associated with strawberry skin by keeping skin soft, supple, and less prone to visible irritation.

Strawberry Skin at a Glance

Facts Overview

What is strawberry skin?
It’s the appearance of small red or dark-coloured pimples, often caused by clogged pores or hair follicles.

Causes of strawberry skin:
Common causes of red dots on legs and arms may vary and include, in particular shaving irritation or hair removal, dry skin and blocked pores.

How to improve the appearance of strawberry skin:
Regular cleaning, careful shaving, and daily moisturising can all help get rid of strawberry skin. However, the results will depend on the cause of strawberry skin, and in some cases, it may be necessary to resort to medical treatments or avoid shaving or hair removal altogether for a period of time.

Are strawberry legs and strawberry skin the same?
Not quite. strawberry legs refer specifically to the legs, but strawberry skin can can appear on other areas like the arms too. While strawberry legs are often associated with shaving, the small flesh-coloured, pinkish, or brown bumps that appear on the arms or thighs are more often caused by keratosis pilaris.

NIVEA Body Care Products

Taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining a healthy and even appearance. Dry skin is more prone to developing conditions such as strawberry skin. Below are some moisturising body care products, some of which can also be useful for other skin conditions such as stretch marks or loss of elasticity.

Moisturising Treatment: NIVEA Nourishing Body Lotion for dry to very dry skin

NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion is an ideal moisturising lotion for dry to very dry skin. With Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Sweet Almond Oil and NIVEA Nourishing Serum, it provides 72 hours of hydration to leave skin feeling smooth and soft. It provides intense care, absorbs quickly and helps keep skin nourished and hydrated.

Nourishing

Advanced Urea Care: NIVEA Repair & Care Cream for extra dry and rough skin

For a targeted solution to improve the signs of extra dry and rough skin try NIVEA Repair & Care Cream. Formulated with 15% to 18% of a blend of Glycerine, Provitamin B5 and Urea, it deeply moisturises the epidermis and gently exfoliates, helping to reduce roughness, itching and dryness. From the first use, it supports the skin barrier and leaves your skin feeling soothed, comfortable and visibly supple.

NIVEA Repair

Summary

Strawberry skin is incredibly common and in most cases, it is a cosmetic issue that should not be worried about. It’s often caused by clogged pores, dryness, or irritation from shaving. With the right care, including regular exfoliation, gentle shaving habits, and deep hydration, you can help reduce its appearance and support smoother, more even-looking skin.

From nourishing body lotions like NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion to targeted treatments such as the Repair & Care with UREA, building a consistent skincare routine makes all the difference.

FAQs

Are strawberry legs the same as strawberry skin?

“Strawberry legs” is a more specific name for when these tiny dark dots appear on the legs,often after shaving, while “strawberry skin” can show up on other areas, too, like the arms or underarms. This term is also often used to describe keratosis pilaris.

Is strawberry skin the same as keratosis pilaris?

The term ‘strawberry skin’ is often used to describe the appearance of the skin in cases of keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilarisis a specific skin condition that causes tiny, rough bumps, often on the arms or thighs. Resembling strawberry skin, it is mainly a cosmetic problem and can be treated with cosmetic care such as moisturising and gentle exfoliation. However, it sometimes requires medical treatment.

Can shaving make strawberry skin worse?

If your skin is already dry and sensitive, shaving can sometimes make it feel worse. That’s why it’s important to prep the skin first, use a gentle shaving technique, and follow up with a rich moisturiser to soothe and hydrate.

Is Salicylic Acid good for strawberry skin?

Salicylic acid can help with strawberry skin by gently exfoliating and clearing out clogged pores. If you're using a product with Salicylic Acid, make sure to follow it with a nourishing moisturiser to keep your skin balanced and comfortable.

Why do I have strawberry skin even if I don’t shave?

Strawberry skin isn’t only caused by shaving. It can also be linked to things like dry skin, dead skin build-up, or conditions like keratosis pilaris. Even friction from clothing or sweating can make it more noticeable. In most cases, a regular routine of gentle exfoliation and deep hydration can help improve how your skin looks and feels. If treatment does not improve the condition or if you suspect a medical problem, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

How do I get rid of red dots on legs?

Red dots on the legs are common and often caused by shaving irritation, blocked pores, or inflamed follicles. It is not always easy to get rid of these small spots. First and foremost, it is important to determine the cause and rule out any medical conditions. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional. Most often, it is simply a cosmetic issue and you can help reduce their appearance with a kind, consistent routine: exfoliate gently, use a clean razor with care, and moisturise daily using a rich body lotion or cream.