Keratosis Pilaris Explained: The Best Treatments for Strawberry Skin

Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what keratosis pilaris (KP), also known as strawberry skin or chicken skin, actually is, why it develops around hair follicles, and which evidence-based treatments work best, including lactic acid, urea creams, chemical exfoliants, retinoids, moisturisers and laser hair removal.

In this episode:

• What keratosis pilaris (KP) actually is
• Why people call it strawberry skin or chicken skin
• The real cause of keratosis pilaris
• Why KP often runs in families
• The connection between hair follicles, keratin and inflammation
• Why KP gets worse during winter
• The truth about physical exfoliation and scrubs
• Lactic acid vs salicylic acid: which works best?
• The role of urea creams and moisturisers
• When retinoids may help
• Why laser hair removal may be one of the most effective treatments
• How to prevent redness and pigmentation

Key Takeaways:

• Keratosis pilaris affects around 50% of people
• Physical scrubbing can make KP worse
• Chemical exfoliants outperform mechanical exfoliation
• 10% lactic acid appears more effective than 5% salicylic acid
• Urea-based moisturisers help soften and smooth rough skin
• Consistent moisturising supports the skin barrier
• SPF helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Laser hair removal may provide longer-term improvement

Products Mentioned:

• Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion
• Eucerin UreaRepair
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
• CeraVe SA Smoothing Range
• Cetaphil Salicylic Acid Range

Subscribe for evidence-based skincare advice from consultant dermatologists.

Follow & Connect:

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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