SKIN CONCERNS: WHAT CAUSES ROUGH AND BUMPY SKIN?
Bumps in the skin are common and are typically completely harmless, with no need for treatment. They can have a number of different causes so, alongside rough skin, it can be helpful to understand why these symptoms may be occurring.
Here, we’ll explore the topic of rough and bumpy skin, including the causes, how to manage them, and how to get smooth skin.
Why is my skin rough and bumpy?
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is prone to dryness, especially around the hands, arms, and legs. While some people naturally have dry skin, others may develop it over time – leading to itching, scaling, and cracking
Other causes of rough and bumpy skin may include:
Changes in weather
You’re more likely to develop dry skin during winter and autumn because humidity is typically low, causing your skin to dry out.
Genetics
Skin conditions, such as allergic contact dermatitis and eczema , are more likely to occur if there’s a family history.
Stress
High stress levels can cause your body to release ‘stress hormones’. These can affect blood flow to the skin which can lead to a rash or skin irritation.
Over-washing
Washing your hands with very hot water and taking baths frequently can cause your skin to become dry.
Dead skin cells
Dead skin cells can plug your pores, which can cause rough bumps or pimples to appear. This common skin condition is known as keratosis pilaris - sometimes known colloquially as chicken skin’ or ‘strawberry skin’- and usually occurs on the buttocks, cheeks, thighs, and arms
Age
As you grow older, your pores naturally produce less oil (sebum), which can increase your chances of having dry skin.
What is strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin (or sometimes known as ‘Strawberry Legs’) refers to the appearance of pores or dark dots on your skin which are said to resemble strawberry seeds.
These dark dots can often appear on your legs or shoulders, especially if you’ve had a recent shave or wax.
This can often be because as hair starts to grow back, it can grow incorrectly and end up trapped under the skin as ingrown hairs. This can cause inflammation and the appearance of tiny bumps, which may be painful and itchy.
Fortunately, ingrown hairs usually resolve on their own without requiring any specific treatment. Ideally, you want to maintain smooth skin after shaving by using proper shaving technique.
Helpful shaving tips include:
Run mildly hot water on your legs to soften leg hairs before shaving.
Shave in the direction of your hair growth instead of against it.
Use shaving gel or cream for every shave.
Reduce the number of shaves you have.
Avoid using tweezers.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells.
Avoid chemical hair removers, or test a small patch first to see if your skin reacts.
Apply lotion after shaving to soothe skin.
How to get smooth skin
Whether you’re looking to get smooth skin naturally through lifestyle changes or by using suitable skincare products, it’s important to know how best to keep your skin looking and feeling it’s healthiest. Let’s look at some remedies that can help you to achieve smooth skin:
Using the right skincare products
With so many over-the-counter products available, finding the right one that helps you get smooth, even skin might seem confusing. For best results, choose a product that’s right for your skin type, whether you have normal, dry, oily, or combination skin.
If you have sensitive skin , products formulated with nourishing oat and naturally derived PHAs, like gluconolactone – the ingredients found in the AVEENO® Skin Renewal range – are best suited.
Exfoliating products, like the AVEENO® Wash-off Skin Renewal Gentle Body Scrub can help remove dead skin cells that can build up and cause uneven skin, while adding a moisturising cream to your routine – such as the AVEENO® Skin Renewal Smoothing Cream – can add a protective layer to keep your skin hydrated.
Eating well and staying hydrated
Your lifestyle doesn’t just affect your overall health – it can also affect your skin too. Certain foods can trigger a flushed and uneven complexion, while eating sugary snacks may accelerate the development of ageing spots and wrinkles.
Therefore, you may want to keep an eye on what you eat and consider reducing or avoiding:
Greasy and overly processed foods like chips and crisps.
Foods high in refined sugars.
Spicy foods which may cause hot flushes.
Dairy (if you’re sensitive) which can cause skin irritation.
Remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Protecting your skin from sun damage
Applying sunscreen every day – especially on hot summer months – can protect your skin from sun damage that can cause immediate redness and peeling.
When buying sunscreen, look for a product that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 3010. You can also wear clothing that covers your skin during hot days or spend time in the shade to protect yourself from the sun.
Stopping unhealthy habits
Avoiding certain bad habits – such as smoking and drinking – can help to put you on the right track to getting smooth and even skin. Drinking too much alcohol, for example, can lead to dehydration, which can cause dry skin and accelerated skin aging.
As for smoking, exposure to tobacco can cause premature skin aging, wrinkling, and impairing the skin’s ability to heal itself.
Get plenty of rest
Having enough sleep can do wonders in your journey to getting smooth skin. As you sleep, your skin repairs itself by increasing blood flow and collagen production. This helps reduce wrinkles, repair UV damage, and reduce sun spots.
How can AVEENO® Skin Renewal help my rough and bumpy skin?
AVEENO® Skin Renewal products can help with rough and bumpy skin by exfoliating to gently renew the skin, as well as hydrating and smoothing. Formulated with naturally derived PHA and nourishing oat, it’s also suitable for those with sensitive skin.
AVEENO® WASH-OFF SKIN RENEWAL GENTLE BODY SCRUB, for example, contains prebiotic oat niacinamide, and naturally derived PHA , that works to exfoliate and visibly renew rough and bumpy skin for a softer, more radiant skin tone and texture.
Meanwhile, the AVEENO® SKIN RENEWAL SMOOTHING CREAM is suitable for those with sensitive skin, and is also suitable for people who may be prone to Keratosis Pilaris. It hydrates and gently exfoliates to deliver an instant feeling of smoothness and moisturises for 24 hours