How I Fixed My Keratosis Pilaris
For 8 long years, I hid my legs every summer, plagued by a skin condition commonly known as Keratosis Pilaris (or some refer to as strawberry legs). Shaving or even exposing my skin to sunlight would trigger flare-ups, making my high school + college years a dreadful experience (especially since I was living in sunny California at the time). If you're battling this frustrating skin condition, I understand your struggle all too well. I scoured the internet for answers, feeling disheartened by the lack of effective solutions.
I went to countless doctors, was even recommended steroids. Not the answers I was looking for.
After YEARS of trial and error, I finally cracked the code last year and haven't had a flare-up since. Today, I'm excited to share the details of how I got rid of mine, hoping it can provide relief to those who have been battling this skin condition.
Keratosis Pilaris affects 50-70% of teenaagers, and 40% of adults. It is so common now that it has recently been categorized as a skin type. It's pretty common to see on the legs or arms, I personally just experienced it on my legs.
Dry Brushing:
Dry brushing is an age-old Ayurvedic technique that can help reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris by unclogging the pores on the body.
Flare-ups occur when your hair follicles or pores are clogged with dirt, dead skin, bacteria or oil. Strawberry legs tend to form immediately after shaving.
Timing is important when it comes to treating this skin condition.
When I first started dry brushing, I cautiously incorporated it into my routine only twice a week, as my leg flare-ups were quite severe. Gradually, I increased the frequency until I reached the optimal recommendation of daily dry brushing—an approach I strongly advocate. Since everyone's body is unique, you can adjust the frequency according to what feels comfortable for you, aiming to do more if possible.
Your skin is particularly sensitive after you have shaved, and if you dry brush them too soon after a fresh shave, you may cause some uncomfortable irritation that will only worsen your condition.
When I first started dry brushing, I did so at night. By doing this in the evening (to start out), you allow your skin to recover overnight, reducing the chances of irritation and subsequent flare-ups.
Regularly exfoliating your legs can help unclog your pores and remove dead skin cells to cleanse any debris that may have clogged them up. What’s more, consistent exfoliation can prevent strawberry legs from cropping up again in the future.
Vitamin A deficiency:
It's no secret that the state of your internal health profoundly influences your outward appearance.
While the exact cause of keratosis pilaris is not fully understood, there are several factors that are believed to contribute to its development. One potential cause is a deficiency in vitamin A, a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy skin.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the skin. It promotes the growth and development of skin cells, helps regulate the production of sebum (the skin's natural oil), and supports the repair and rejuvenation of damaged skin. When the body lacks sufficient levels of vitamin A, various skin issues, including keratosis pilaris, may arise.
Addressing Vitamin A Deficiency and Keratosis Pilaris:
To address a vitamin A deficiency and potentially alleviate keratosis pilaris symptoms, it is important to incorporate vitamin A-rich foods into your diet. Consider including sources such as liver, dairy products, eggs, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. In some cases, vitamin A supplements may be recommended under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly if the deficiency is severe or related to underlying medical conditions.
Foods Rich in Vitamin A
Egg Yolks
Grass-fed Butter
Kale
Sweet Potato
Papaya
After an arduous eight-year journey, I can confidently say that I've conquered my strawberry legs. By diligently following my strawberry leg-free routine, which includes the gentle yet effective practice of dry brushing, and nourishing my body with Vitamin A rich foods, I have finally found relief. This is not an overnight remedy. I would say mine really started to go away after a month and a half of consistency. If you're struggling with this skin condition, don't lose hope. Incorporate these practices into your skincare routine and embrace patience and consistency. It's time to regain the confidence to flaunt our beautiful legs all summer long!
