# Strawberry Skin: Causes, Exfoliation and Body Care Strawberry skin is an informal term for dark or rough-looking dots around hair follicles, often on the legs or arms. ## In simple terms “Strawberry skin” is a visual description for dark dots or bumps around follicles, often on legs or arms. It may reflect keratosis pilaris, shaving-related irritation, ingrown hairs, clogged follicles or post-inflammatory pigment. Because several conditions look similar, the nickname is not a diagnosis. ## What it can and cannot do Moisturising and gradual use of lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea may smooth some follicular roughness and make dots less visible. Keratosis pilaris can be controlled but often needs maintenance. Products cannot guarantee poreless skin, and inflamed folliculitis or infection requires different care. Improvement is usually gradual, and colour can take longer to fade than the surface bumps themselves. ## How it fits into a routine Moisturise after bathing while skin is slightly damp. If tolerated, add one body exfoliant at the labelled frequency instead of scrubbing hard. Use shaving gel, a clean sharp razor and shave with minimal repeated passes; consider changing hair-removal method when irritation persists. Use sunscreen on exposed areas to reduce darkening. ## WishCare products - [AHA BHA Body Lotion](https://www.mywishcare.com/products/aha-bha-body-lotion) ## Safety and when to get help Stop exfoliation for a few days if skin becomes dry or irritated. Do not pick bumps or apply acids immediately after shaving unless the label permits it. Painful pustules, spreading redness, warmth, drainage or persistent itching need medical review, as does a rash that does not behave like simple follicular roughness. Avoid broken skin. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is strawberry skin always keratosis pilaris? No. Ingrown hairs, folliculitis, shaving irritation and pigment can create a similar dotted appearance. ### Can scrubbing remove it? Aggressive scrubbing can worsen inflammation. Gentle chemical exfoliation and moisturising are usually more controlled approaches. ### Will it return after improving? It can. Keratosis pilaris and shaving-related dots often need ongoing maintenance and trigger control. ## Related terms - [AHA](/glossary/aha-glycolic-lactic-acid) - [Salicylic Acid](/glossary/salicylic-acid-bha) - [Ceramides](/glossary/ceramides) ## References - [American Academy of Dermatology: keratosis pilaris treatment](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keratosis-pilaris-treatment) ## Navigation - [Browse glossary](https://ai.mywishcare.com/glossary) ## Related glossary guides ### Acne and Acne Marks: Causes, Ingredients and Care Query: Acne & Acne Marks Acne includes clogged pores and inflamed spots. 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