How to Get Rid of Strawberry Arms

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 References

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.

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]
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- Go for an unscented body wash that won’t irritate your skin. Experts recommend Cetaphil and Purpose.^{[2]
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  FamilyDoctor.org
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- 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.

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]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- 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.

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]
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- 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]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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4

Pat your arms dry after a shower.

Rubbing your skin dry can irritate your arms. 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]
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5

Moisturize your arms daily.

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]
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DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
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- 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]
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  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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6

Use a vitamin A cream.

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]
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Mayo Clinic
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- 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.

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
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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.

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]
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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.

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]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
Go to 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.

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]
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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.

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]
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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.