You’ve heard the term “strawberry skin” a lot from us and we’re surprised that there are a number of you babes who are not familiar with it, so we’re here to give you the 101.
Strawberry skin is a term for dark, open pores on your skin that are dotted and pitted in appearance which resemble the skin and seeds of a strawberry. While “strawberry skin” is an umbrella term for a condition that causes this distinct appearance, there are multiple different conditions that may be responsible and some of which may overlap with each other. No need to worry, because we'll discuss ways for you to treat these dark spots naturally!
But before that, let’s go through - What Causes Strawberry Skin?
Open Comedones
Open comedones that cause the appearance of strawberry skin are enlarged pores that are clogged by dead skin, oil, and dirt. When your pores are opened and exposed, air that contain dirt and other debris may combine with the oil inside and can cause your pores to oxidize and turn dark.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, infected, and irritated. It typically starts as small red bumps. Although there are different types of folliculitis and it can occur anywhere on the body, it typically occurs in areas with a lot of hair and is often associated with hair removal methods that leave hair follicles open, excessive sweating, or hot tubs that aren't properly cleaned, which can expose your pores to bacteria, yeast, or fungus.
Keratosis Pilaris
Another is keratosis pilaris. The bumps caused by keratosis pilaris are actually tiny accumulations of the protein keratin and dead skin cells. They can be itchy and dry, but definitely can be treated.
So how can strawberry skin be prevented or treated? Depending on the cause and severity, you can either do it at home or done by a professional or a doctor. But here are a few tips for you, babes!
- Clean your skin. Whatever cause it may be, cleaning your skin is obviously the first step. Using antibacterial cleansers is a plus because it will limit the amount of bacteria on your skin.
- Exfoliate. Cleansers don't totally clear off all the dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris that clog your pores, so exfoliating your skin on a regular basis is recommended. However, depending on the cause and severity of your skin condition, you might want to consult this first with a doctor.
- Proper hair removal. Improper shaving and waxing can result in burns, ingrown hairs, skin inflammation and irritation that cause strawberry skin.
- Moisturize. This will improve the appearance and texture of your skin and should prevent some symptoms of strawberry skin.
Strawberry skin are not usually a cause for concern. You can prevent or treat strawberry skin at home by making self-care changes such as switching to Bleame Crystal Hair Eraser to properly remove hair and exfoliate the skin at the same time.