If you’ve ever noticed tiny, Velcro-like shavings around your wrist or on your desk and had no clue where they came from, the answer might be right on your arm. Those little curls of material are most likely from your smartwatch or fitness tracker band—especially if it’s made of silicone or rubber. It might seem odd, but it’s a completely normal result of daily wear and tear.

Imagine a well-traveled road that gets worn down over time—same idea here. Your watch strap experiences daily friction from just about everything: your skin, your clothes, your desk at work, or even the inside of your jacket sleeve. Every twist of your wrist, every workout session, and every moment you rest your arm on a hard surface slowly breaks down the material.

Over time, small bits of the band start to peel or fray, eventually forming those strange little shavings. This happens gradually, but a few factors can speed up the process. For starters, if you’re constantly moving your wrists, adjusting your watch, or typing away on a keyboard, you’re increasing the amount of stress on the band. Repetitive stretching and bending can wear out the material faster than you’d think.

Sweat and your skin’s natural oils are another major culprit. When you wear your watch during workouts or all day long, moisture gets trapped between the band and your skin. Over time, this buildup of sweat and oil begins to break down the silicone or rubber. That soft, flexible strap you love starts losing its strength and flexibility, which leads to shedding.

Let’s not forget everyday contact either. Whether you’re wearing long sleeves that constantly rub against your band or you have a tight jacket that presses down on your wrist, all of that friction accelerates the wear. Even leaning your arm on the armrest while driving can contribute to those odd-looking flakes.

But not all smartwatch bands are created equal. Bands made from lower-quality silicone or rubber tend to break down faster than ones crafted from premium materials like fluoroelastomer—a more durable and resilient synthetic rubber often used in high-end fitness trackers. If your band was a budget buy, chances are it’ll start showing signs of aging sooner rather than later.

Now before you worry that your smartwatch is falling apart, take a deep breath. These little shavings don’t mean your device is defective. What they really signal is that your band is simply aging. Think of it like your favorite pair of sneakers wearing out at the heel—it’s not a crisis, just a reminder that it’s time to replace a well-used item.

However, if the shedding gets excessive, or you start to notice cracks or even skin irritation under the band, that’s your cue to act. Those are clear signs your strap is past its prime. It’s time to toss it and get a new one. Your skin (and your style) will thank you.

The good news is that you can slow down this wear-and-tear process with just a few simple habits. First, make a point to clean your watch band regularly. A gentle rinse with mild soap and warm water can help wash away sweat, grime, and oils that cause breakdown. Don’t go overboard—just a quick clean every few days or after heavy use is enough.

Second, if you’ve got more than one band, rotate them. Wearing the same strap every day means it takes all the wear while your backups just sit around. By switching them out, you give each band a breather, and they’ll last longer overall.

Third, be mindful of unnecessary friction. That might mean avoiding tight sleeves or not pressing your wrist against hard surfaces for long stretches. Little adjustments like that can make a big difference over time.

Finally, when it’s time to replace your band, consider splurging on one that’s built to last. Higher-quality bands might cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll stand up better to daily use and give you fewer problems down the road.

At the end of the day, those mystery shavings aren’t anything to fear—they’re just part of life with a wearable. They may be a bit strange-looking, but they’re totally normal and easy to manage. Next time you find some of those odd little curls stuck to your keyboard or sleeve, don’t panic. Just give your band a once-over, maybe a good cleaning, and consider whether it’s time for a stylish upgrade. With a little attention and care, your smartwatch band can stay comfortable, clean, and flake-free for the long haul.