Have you noticed hard, raised bumps on your legs that are sometimes itchy, inflamed or painful? Leg pimples, or folliculitis, are common and caused by clogged or inflamed hair follicles. Sweat, tight clothing, and leg pores that become clogged with dead skin, dirt, and oil are the biggest culprit for leg pimples, but fortunately there are things you can do to prevent and banish them. From using a body wash with salicylic acid to switching your laundry detergent and using oil-free sunscreen, here’s how to get rid of leg pimples.
6 Causes of Leg Pimples
- Folliculitis: Leg pimples are also known as folliculitis. Folliculitis is inflammation in the hair follicles and can sometimes be pus-filled and crusty. When these follicles become irritated, they can itch, burn, swell or be painful. It can be hard to distinguish between acne and folliculitis, and they tend to be caused by similar things- tight clothing, heat, sweat, and shaving.
- Clogged pores: Just like on your face, the pores on your legs can become clogged with excess skin, oil, dirt, and other debris. The oil in our skin helps keep it hydrated, but a buildup can lead to leg pimples.
- Friction: Leg pimples can be triggered by something rubbing, pinching or putting pressure on the skin, or blocking your skin from air exposure.
- Poor hygiene: Failing to shower after you exercise or sweat leads to an accumulation of sweat and build up that clogs your hair follicles and can lead to leg pimples.
- Tight, unbreathable clothing: Wearing non-breathable fabrics combined with excess heat and friction (such as when you’re working out) can cause sweat and oil to block the pores on your legs.
- Ingrown hairs: When your hair becomes trapped inside the follicle, it can lead to inflammation and folliculitis. This tends to be more common with curly or coarse hair and can become widespread if you shave the wrong way or are sensitive to razors.
4 Ways to Prevent Leg Pimples
1. Shower Regularly (Especially When You Sweat)
Make sure you’re showering regularly (daily or every other day depending on your activity level) and especially after you exercise. It’s important to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells, which can accumulate and cause pimples. Wash with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and moisturize immediately after.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating or dry scrubbing your legs is also a helpful way to prevent leg pimples. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and makes it more difficult for follicles to clog. It helps soften the skin and loosen up the dirt and oil that’s already in your pores. Dry brushing is also amazing for circulation. Gently brush your legs with a soft dry brush in circular motions before getting into the shower.
3. Wear Loose Cotton Clothing
Minimize tight, synthetic fabrics and opt for breathable, loose fabric on the lower half of your body. This will enable the skin on your legs to breathe and help prevent sweating and friction, both of which can cause pimples. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible and make sure to change out of sweaty clothing and shower right when you get home from the gym or any type of exercise.
4. Wash Bedding Regularly
You spend about 8 hours of your day in bed, so it’s super important that you wash your bedding on a regular basis. Your bedding collects dead skin cells, along with an assortment of bodily fluids and oils. It’s recommended to wash or change your sheets once a week, and wash with a non-scented detergent for sensitive skin so it doesn’t irritate your legs. It’s also preferable to use wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets for the same reason.
How to Get Rid of Leg Pimples
1. Use a Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
Using a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid can help slough off dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin. Since pimples can occur due to clogged pores, using a body wash with salicylic acid will help unplug debris and oil in the pores and keep the skin clear. Salicylic acid is an oil soluble acid that penetrates deeper than any other acid to treat pimples.
2. Switch Your Laundry Detergent
It’s very possible your laundry detergent is irritating your skin and causing pimples. Common laundry detergents and fabric softeners are filled with chemicals, scents, and other irritating ingredients. Switch over to detergent for sensitive skin, which is much more gentle on the skin. This will reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and other skin reactions.
3. Avoid Shaving
If you’re experiencing folliculitis, avoid shaving the area while your skin is inflamed. Once it’s healed, be mindful of your shaving routine. Showering in warm water will dilate your pores and make it easier to remove hair. Use a mild cleanser to cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use a clean, sharp razor to shave and shave in the direction of the hair, rinsing it with warm water after every stroke.
4. Moisturize Daily
It’s important to keep your legs hydrated daily, and always apply moisturizer after you shower. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion that won’t clog your pores. Moisturizing is important as it prevents dry skin, which can trigger the body to produce more oil. It helps keep your skin feeling hydrated, calm, and balanced, reducing acne-related skin issues.
5. Sun Safety and Sunscreen
Keep sun exposure at a minimum and always wear SPF of at least 30. Your sunscreen should be oil-free to avoid clogging your pores and the formation of pimples. The sun itself can strip the skin of natural oils, which causes it to increase sebum production, leading to pimples. It can also dry out the skin and increase sweat production, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Most oil-free sunscreen products are designed to prevent breakouts.
Leg pimples can be extremely frustrating. Follow these tips to prevent or get rid of them!
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