Keratosis pilaris is a benign but common skin condition that gives the skin a bumpy texture, sometimes resembling “strawberry skin” or “chicken skin.” It often appears on the arms, thighs, or buttocks and can persist for years. Is it possible to get rid of keratosis pilaris and improve the appearance of your skin? Explore the different options: creams, exfoliation, and dermatological treatments for keratosis pilaris.
Strawberry skin: what are the solutions for keratosis pilaris?
Summary
Published on March 8, 2024, updated on March 9, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
≈ 40%
adults worldwide have keratosis pilaris.
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1. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to help eliminate keratosis pilaris.
Exfoliation is another useful step in managing keratosis pilaris, as it helps to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that clogs hair follicles and gives the skin its bumpy appearance. An exfoliating scrub for keratosis pilaris can be used once or twice a week to gradually help smooth skin texture and reduce the “strawberry skin” appearance often seen on the legs. Mechanical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation— both work! However, if you choose a scrub, make sure to opt for formulas with micro‑beads to avoid irritating your skin.
Tip : Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer after you’ve exfoliated your skin, to restore its hydrolipidic film.
2. Avoid shaving or waxing the skin to prevent worsening keratosis pilaris.
The preferred hair removal method among French men and women, shaving can cause skin irritation, accompanied by redness and itching. This mild inflammation can then worsen keratosis pilaris and lead to the appearance of new bumps. Hair removal using electric devices and waxing, however, are not better options. The first, which uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles, promotes the formation of ingrown hairs due to follicle damage or improper technique. Similarly, by pulling hairs out at the root, waxing can disrupt their regrowth and lead to ingrown hairs.
If you have keratosis pilaris and want to remove your hair, we instead recommend one of the following two hair removal methods: depilatory cream or laser hair removal. The mode of action of depilatory cream is straightforward and is based on the presence of thioglycolic acid in its formulation. This molecule alters the structure of keratin in the hair, weakening it and allowing it to be removed gently. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The infrared beams it emits target the melanin concentrated in the hair and are converted into heat to destroy the entire follicle. Note that this technique is only suitable for individuals with dark hair.
3. Use dermatological treatments to target keratosis pilaris.
When moisturizing care and exfoliation are not enough, a dermatological treatment for keratosis pilaris can be considered. The prescribed active ingredients often help improve the appearance of the skin by acting directly on the buildup of keratin in the hair follicles. Among the most extensively studied molecules are retinoids, such as tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene. These vitamin A derivatives accelerate cell turnover and reduce blockage of the hair follicles by promoting the elimination of dead skin cells. They can therefore help gradually smooth the skin and reduce the rough, bumpy appearance characteristic of “chicken skin.”
Other active agents have also been investigated in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. Azelaic acid, known for its keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce thickening of the stratum corneum and improve skin texture. Calcipotriol, a vitamin D derivative used in dermatology, has also shown some potential in a few studies by modulating keratinocyte proliferation.
These treatments can improve the appearance of the skin and help partially eliminate keratosis pilaris, particularly on the arms or legs. However, results vary from person to person.
4. Undergo laser treatment sessions.
If standard treatments are not sufficient, laser sessions may be considered.
Several technologies can be used. The Nd:YAG laser, the CO₂ laser, and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices act by targeting the skin structures involved in keratosis pilaris lesions. Depending on the type of device, the treatment can reduce inflammation around the hair follicles, improve skin texture, or stimulate the production of collagen. These mechanisms help gradually smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of “strawberry skin.”
The results generally appear after several sessions spaced a few weeks apart. However, as with most approaches aiming to eliminate keratosis pilaris, the effects are not always long-lasting. Lesions may reappear after the treatment is stopped, which means that maintenance sessions may be necessary to preserve the results. Finally, this method is not suitable for all situations. Laser sessions are not recommended during pregnancy and for individuals taking photosensitizing medications, such as isotretinoin, for example, an anti-acne drug.
A prior consultation with a dermatologist is therefore essential to assess the individual benefit of laser treatment sessions.
Sources
KHOPKAR U. S. & THOMAS M. Keratosis pilaris revisited: Is it more than just a follicular keratosis? International Journal of Trichology (2012).
WANG J. F. & ORLOW S. J. Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: Associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2018).
FELDMAN S. R. & al. Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: A systematic review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2022).
MURRELL D. F. & al. A review of the scoring and assessment of keratosis pilaris. Skin Appendage Disorders (2023).
