What Does AHA + BHA Do for Strawberry Skin?

TL;DR: Strawberry skin is enlarged pores filled with oxidised sebum. AHA clears the surface; BHA clears inside the pore. Together, they are the most effective combination for this specific skin concern.

What Is Strawberry Skin

Strawberry skin -- also called chicken skin or dotted skin -- refers to the appearance of dark dots on the legs, arms, or thighs. Each dot is a pore or hair follicle. Inside each one: a mix of oxidised sebum, dead skin cells, and sometimes trapped hair. The dark colour is not dirt. It is oxidation -- the same process that turns a cut apple brown when exposed to air. The skin itself is not unhealthy. The follicles are simply congested.

How AHA + BHA Works on Body Skin

This is where the dual-acid approach becomes genuinely important. AHA (glycolic and lactic acid) exfoliates the skin surface -- dissolving the layer of dead skin cells that sit on top of and around each follicle opening. This removes the material that physically closes off the pore and makes oxidised sebum visible as a dark dot. BHA (salicylic acid) then works inside the follicle -- travelling through the sebum to exfoliate the pore lining, dissolve the oxidised plug, and reduce sebum production. AHA alone clears the surface but cannot enter the pore. BHA alone enters the pore but does not address the surface congestion. Together, they clear the problem from both directions. Indian skin types (Fitzpatrick III-VI) tend to have more active sebaceous glands, which makes strawberry skin more common and more persistent. The dual-acid combination is particularly well-suited to this.

What to Expect

Weeks 1-2: Surface smoothing visible quickly. Skin texture looks more even. Weeks 3-4: Dark dot appearance significantly reduced. Individual follicles look less prominent. Weeks 4-6: Clearest improvement in strawberry skin appearance. Continued use prevents congestion from returning.

How to Use It Correctly

Use 3-4 times per week, not daily. Apply to damp skin, work into a lather, and leave for 60-90 seconds before rinsing. This contact time is the difference between a quick wash and an effective treatment. On off days, use a plain body wash. Do not combine with other exfoliant products on the same day. Always follow with moisturiser.

Who Should Use It

Anyone with strawberry skin on legs, arms, or thighs. Also effective for general rough body texture and body blackheads. Not for daily use on sensitive skin -- 3 times per week is the right starting frequency. Avoid on broken, sunburned, or irritated skin. AHAs increase photosensitivity -- use SPF on exposed areas.

The TLC Pick

The Active 5% AHA + 1% BHA Body Cleanser is the only TLC formula that delivers both acids in one wash -- targeting strawberry skin from both the surface and inside the follicle. Use it 3-4 times a week as your primary exfoliation step.