Having experienced keratosis pilaris – more commonly known as “strawberry skin” – for around 21 years now, the commercial-worthy (impossibly smooth, virtually poreless, and preternaturally glowing) skin of my dreams has always eluded me. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to the permanent goosebumps on the backs of my arms and legs, and come to accept the fact that there is no real cure for this common skin condition.
That being said, I’ve also been doing what I can to manage it, and while I know nothing can banish the bumps forever (not yet, anyway), there are plenty of ways to lessen symptoms thanks to a whole range of innovative products and treatments.
As temperatures rise, hemlines shorten, and long-hidden limbs are exposed again, experts break down what KP is, along with the best ways to treat it this summer – from gentle exfoliation to supercharging your moisturiser.
What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is an incredibly common skin condition that affects around 40 per cent of adults. It typically manifests as small, hard bumps – usually surrounded by red areas of skin – on the upper arms, legs or buttocks. In simplest terms, KP is a blockage of the hair follicles.
“The skin just creates a build-up of a protein called keratin – the same building block for hair, skin and nails – and the keratin creates a plug that blocks the hair follicle, which leads to the little bumps,” explains dermatologist Dr Rachel Nazarian. “The plug can also trigger inflammation in the skin, which is what causes the redness around each hair follicle.”
Despite how prevalent KP is, and the fact that it tends to run in families, it’s not known exactly why some people experience it and others don’t. Nazarian does say it’s often found in people who have very sensitive skin, or developing alongside conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Does keratosis pilaris get better in the summer?
KP is often worse in the winter and less noticeable in the summer. “Arid climates and dry skin worsen KP as skin cells are more adherent and shed less frequently when they are dry,” explains Dr Blair Murphy-Rose, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. “Higher humidity levels and sunlight are believed to help with controlling KP.” Good news if you’re planning to catch some rays this summer, but don’t forget that layering on a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is essential.
How to treat strawberry skin
1. Shave properly
Before shaving, use a moisturising foam, gel or oil to soften the skin, advises dermatologist Dr Carolina Bussoletti, and avoid shaving “against the grain”. The other trick to not aggravating keratosis pilaris is to use a high-quality razor and a new, sharp blade each time. Yes, it may feel excessive, but avoiding excess irritation is the key to managing the skin condition. “If the condition is very severe, you may want to consider alternative hair removal methods, such as laser or IPL,” the dermatologist cautions.
