How to Get Rid of Strawberry Arms

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 21, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you have bumpy red spots on your upper arms? If so, you might have “strawberry skin,” also known as keratosis pilaris. This condition is usually caused by clogged pores full of oil, bacteria, or dead skin. Fortunately, by taking care of your skin and reducing irritation, you can get rid of strawberry skin to have smooth, hydrated arms. Read through this article to learn more about strawberry skin and how to treat it.

1

Wash your arms gently with a mild cleanser.

Download Article

Mild cleansers help remove bacteria without drying out your skin. Strawberry skin can get worse if you dry out your arms with a harsh cleanser, so pick a moisturizing body wash instead. Use a washcloth or a loofah to clean your arms, and rinse them thoroughly in the shower.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Go for an unscented body wash that won’t irritate your skin. Experts recommend Cetaphil and Purpose.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}
- Try to shower at least once a day. Not only will it help you have good hygiene, but it may be able to get rid of strawberry arms by removing sweat and bacteria from your pores.

2

Exfoliate your skin regularly.

Download Article

Exfoliation removes dead skin to prevent clogged pores. Look for an exfoliating product that contains salicylic acid, then use it on your arms 1 to 2 times per week. Gently rub the exfoliator on in the shower, then rinse it off thoroughly before you get out.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Salicylic acid can cause dry or itchy skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your doctor before using a product that contains salicylic acid.

3

Take cool (not hot) showers.

Download Article

Cool showers calm your skin down instead of drying it out. While hot showers might feel great in the moment, they can make your skin dry and itchy, leading to more red bumps on your arms. Try turning the temperature down until the water isn’t steaming anymore for a gentle water temperature that’s safe for your skin.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Try to keep your showers short. Taking a shower that lasts 15 minutes or less is better for your skin, and it’s less likely to cause irritation.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}

4

Pat your arms dry after a shower.

Download Article

When you step out of the shower, grab your towel and gently pat the water off of your skin instead of rubbing or scrubbing. The more gentle you can be with your arms, the faster your skin will reduce redness and inflammation.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

5

Moisturize your arms daily.

Download Article

Keep your skin hydrated to avoid irritating your arms further. When you step out of the shower and your skin is still wet, quickly rub on a layer of unscented moisturizer. This will help lock in hydration and avoid any itchy, dry skin, which can make strawberry arms worse.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source}
- Look for a moisturizer that contains urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients are deeply moisturizing, and they penetrate beyond the first layer of skin.
- If your skin feels overly dry or itchy, try applying your moisturizer 2 to 3 times a day instead of just once.^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}

6

Use a vitamin A cream.

Download Article

Prevent clogged pores with a vitamin A cream. If your strawberry arms are caused by clogged pores, go for a vitamin A cream, also called a retinol cream. Vitamin A cream helps promote new skin growth, which can shed dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Rub this cream on once a day for maximum benefits.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using a vitamin A cream.

7

Use a fresh razor if you shave your arms.

Download Article

New razors glide over skin smoothly to avoid irritation. If you do shave your arms, your old razors may be causing your strawberry skin. Be sure to swap your razors every 5 to 7 shaves to keep your skin smooth and free of bumps.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} If you’re using a reusable razor, you can buy new blades and attach them to your razor handle to quickly swap them out.
- When you’re shaving, slide your razor in the direction that your hair grows. This will help keep your skin smooth and avoid any irritation.

8

Apply moisturizing shaving cream while shaving.

Download Article

Shaving can be drying, so add some moisture back into your skin. If you do shave your arms, apply a moisturizing shaving cream all over your arms before you start. This will not only help your razor glide smoothly over your skin, but it will hydrate your arms at the same time.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source}
- If you find that your skin is always irritated after shaving, consider an alternative method. Using an epilator removes hair from the root, which can lead to less irritation.

9

Use a humidifier to treat dry skin.

Download Article

Humidifiers add moisture to the air to hydrate your skin. If you notice that your skin is flaky or itchy, you might have dry skin, which can cause strawberry arms. If that’s the case, set up a humidifier in your home to combat the dryness and add some humidity to the air.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Try setting up your humidifier in your bedroom. Since you sleep there for about 8 hours every night, it’s a good way to ensure your skin gets moisturized and hydrated once a day.
- Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep it in tip top shape.

10

Try laser hair removal.

Download Article

If shaving is the cause of your strawberry skin, opt for a permanent solution. Laser hair removal targets the hair at the follicle, leading to a complete removal of the hair. Once your hair is gone, it will take years to grow back, meaning you won’t have to shave or worry about hair removal for a long time.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source

DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source}
- If you’re interested in laser hair removal, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Keep in mind that laser hair removal often requires multiple sessions to be effective, and many insurance policies don’t cover laser hair removal.

11

Talk to a dermatologist if you need to.

Download Article

A professional can tell you the cause and best treatment for your skin. If you’ve tried a few methods and your strawberry arms aren’t going away, make an appointment with a dermatologist. You can talk to them about the things you’ve already tried, and they can suggest some treatments that may help you.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source}
- While there’s no “cure” for strawberry skin, there is a lot you can do to lessen irritation and inflammation to reduce the redness and bumpiness.

Join the Discussion...

How do I get rid of strawberry legs fast? It's giving me the ick.

32

WikiFawnTamer877

Anytime I shave, I get strawberry legs. I don't want to just never shave, but I don't know what to do because I can't take this anymore. Anyone k... Read More

WikiAxolotlKeeper936

Strawberry legs are actually just clogged pores or hair follicles from shaving. To get rid of them, use a clean, sharp razor and moisturizing sha... Read More

WikiFawnTamer877

I think my razor is clean and sharp enough and I ALWAYS use shaving cream. I exfoliate sometimes but I wasn't sure if it would make things worse... Read More

See all 8 Replies and

Read Discussion