If you’ve noticed dark or pitted spots on your legs, you may be familiar with the term “strawberry legs”. Strawberry legs are a cosmetic issue that can be caused by improper shaving, clogged pores, or a skin condition. Figuring out what’s causing your strawberry legs is the first step to treating them. In today’s post, we’re talking all about how to get rid of strawberry legs, plus tips to prevent them in the first place.
What Are Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs show up as small black or red bumps on your legs that resemble the seeds on a strawberry. You may notice open pores that appear darkened, black or brown spots after you shave your legs, or a dotted or pitted appearance on the legs. They’re a cosmetic issue so the spots don’t usually itch or cause pain. Strawberry legs occur when your hair follicles or pores are clogged with dirt, dead skin, bacteria, or oil, and although they’re common, they can be embarrassing for those who have them.
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs are most commonly caused by shaving, clogged pores, dry skin, or a harmless skin condition such as folliculitis or keratosis pilaris.
- Shaving– using an old or dull razor (or no shaving cream) can lead to razor bumps, which show up as strawberry legs.
- Clogged pores– pores can become clogged with bacteria and dead skin, trapping oil inside them. When the oil is exposed to air, it turns into a blackhead. People with thicker hair or larger pores are at higher risk of developing strawberry legs from clogged pores. Having lighter skin also makes clogged pores more visible.
- Keratosis Pilaris– a condition (also called “chicken skin”) that occurs when keratin gets trapped in hair follicles and builds up to form little red dots. It rarely occurs on the lower legs, but may occur on the thighs, as well as other areas of the body like the upper outer arms and cheeks.
- Folliculitis– a condition where dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria can clog the pores and cause inflammation in the hair follicles. This appears as reddish bumps on the surface of the skin.
- Dry skin– dry skin tends to be more sensitive and is more likely to develop razor burn or irritation. This can lead to folliculitis and the appearance of darkened pores.
How to Prevent Strawberry Legs
- Dry brush your legs– dry brush your legs in gentle, circular motions before your shower, then soak your skin in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before you shave.
- Use a shaving cream while shaving– use one for sensitive skin and stay away with any that contain dyes or fragrances
- Make sure your razors are sharp– switch them out once they become dull and use good quality razors.
- Cleanse your skin regularly, especially after a workout.
- Moisturize your skin daily, and especially after shaving– moisturized skin is less likely to become irritated.
- Exfoliate your legs on a regular basis– use chemical exfoliators as physical ones can cause irritation and damage to the skin.
How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs
1. Use sharp razors and a shaving cream
Since strawberry legs can be due to shaving, it’s important to make sure you’re properly shaving and using good quality razors. Cheap, low quality razors dull more quickly, meaning you’re more likely to use more strokes, which causes irritation. Make sure to swap out your razor regularly and always use a shaving cream to ensure the area is moisturized before it comes into contact with the razor. You can also use an antibacterial soap, such as the Dr.Lift Shower Gel to limit bacteria on the skin.
2. Shave with the grain
You should also ensure you’re always shaving with the grain, which means shaving in the same direction your hair grows. Passing over the same area too many times can irritate the skin, which is more likely when you shave against the grain. Also make sure not to stretch your skin tight while shaving. Pat your legs dry after you shower, instead of rubbing them, as this can irritate the skin as well.
3. Use chemical exfoliants
Use chemical exfoliants in a body wash form that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to prevent clogged pores. They’re able to remove dead skin cells without scrubbing your legs. Even gentle physical exfoliation can damage the skin, so chemical exfoliants are the way to go. You should also use products that contain actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol to kill bacteria and promote cell turnover. Note that these products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to use sun protection.
4. Always moisturize your legs
Moisturize your skin regularly to keep your skin hydrated and avoid irritation. Always apply a moisturizer after you’ve showered, especially if you shaved. This will help lock in moisture and promote a healthy skin barrier.
5. Wash your towels regularly
Every time you shower and dry yourself off with a towel, the towel picks up loose, wet skin and weaves it in with the cotton. If you don’t routinely wash your towels, you risk rubbing old, dead skin over clean, open pores, which can lead to them getting clogged and causing strawberry legs.
6. Try waxing
Waxing is a great alternative to shaving and can help with strawberry legs. Waxing removes the hair by the root so the hair follicle is completely removed. Shaving, on the other hand, only cuts the hair at the edge of the skin’s surface. Waxing also removes the top layer of dead and dry skin along with the hair, providing exfoliation at the same time. When you wax regularly, your hair grows back softer and thinner, spreading out the time between hair removal and reducing the risk of strawberry legs.
7. Consider laser hair removal
If at-home remedies aren’t helping, you can think about getting laser hair removal. This can reduce the potential of shaving-related skin issues like ingrown hairs and clogged pores. It can take anywhere from two to six sessions to effectively remove leg hair, but it’s safe for the skin and a great solution.
We hope these tips and products help minimize or get rid of your strawberry legs!
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