What Are "Strawberry Legs" And How Do You Get Rid of Them?

But, alas, for many of us, these spots are a reality. Known as “strawberry legs,” they’re actually little clogged pores that have been oxidized by the air – and they can be pretty pesky.

While there are a number of factors that can contribute to the formation of strawberry legs, the good news is that there are also a number of ways to get rid of them. So, if you’re looking to get rid of your strawberry legs, read on for some tips and tricks.

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What Are Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs are red, brown, or hyperpigmented dots that appear at the site of a hair follicle. Their appearance is similar to that of a strawberry, hence their name. While usually harmless, strawberry legs can sometimes be an indicator of a mild infection of the hair follicle. But even if this isn't the case, they’re just a nuisance and a source of self-consciousness for many women.

Strawberry legs are often caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices and grooming habits, that can lead to the irritation of the follicles and subsequent discoloration. Here are the most common causes of strawberry legs:

Shaving

Throwing away a razor after a single use definitely sounds outrageous to many of us; however, changing your razor pretty often is something you should do if you're dealing with strawberry legs. Shaving improperly by using old, dull, and rusty razors can cause strawberry legs due to the pressure you're putting on your skin while shaving, as well as the bacteria that could be present on an old razor. Additionally, this unsanitary practice can lead to ingrown hairs, which can exacerbate inflammation and cause the appearance of dark spots on your legs.

Clogged Pores

Whenever there's something wrong with the skin, clogged pores are usually involved somehow. And this is not an exception when it comes to strawberry legs. Pores can become clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, and other impurities, which can then block the hair follicles and cause the formation of pimples, blackheads, and even cysts. Not only that, but clogged pores can also make the skin appear dull and make the legs look darker.

Dry Skin

Dry, flaky skin is more susceptible to irritation after shaving. This can lead to the appearance of strawberry legs and even a painful and uncomfortable rash known as razor burn. Excessive dryness often encourages the darkening of pores on the skin, making these conditions even more prominent and obvious to the eye.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles that can cause redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin. This condition is often caused by shaving or using dull and dirty razor blades. If you're dealing with folliculitis, you might notice small red bumps on your skin that can sometimes turn into pus-filled pimples that leave hyperpigmented spots once they heal.

Shaving with old, dull razors can cause strawberry legs due to the pressure you're putting on your skin.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition that appears on the skin as tiny pimples or darkened goosebumps, commonly referred to as “chicken skin.” These are typically dry, flaky, and hard to the touch and are considered to be accumulations of keratin build-up, which is the hard and durable protein that makes up our hair, nails, and skin.

Keratosis pilaris may become aggravated during the summer months, especially if you often visit swimming pools due to the harsh chemicals used to keep the water clean. It can be itchy, and while there’s no cure for this harmless condition, it can be kept under control with topical treatments.

Sun Damage

Sun damage might not be a direct cause of strawberry legs, but it plays a major role in making them look more pigmented. If you're already dealing with strawberry legs due to shaving or bacterial infections of the follicles, tanning, contrary to popular belief, won't even out the skin but will instead make things worse by further darkening the spots.

The Best Ways To Get Rid of Strawberry Legs

Strawberry legs are usually a pigmentary condition, and as such, they can take their sweet time to fade and disappear. However, here are a few things that you can do to help send them on their merry way faster:

Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation is one of the best ways to get rid of strawberry legs. Exfoliating the skin not only removes dead skin cells and other impurities but can also help unclog pores and brighten hyperpigmented spots by shedding the outermost layers of dull skin cells. Exfoliation can be done manually by using a dry brush or a scrub or by incorporating chemical exfoliants into your body care routine, such as products that contain exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic.

Product To Try: First Aid Beauty – Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA, $20

Brightening Ingredients

Body lotions that contain brightening or pigment-inhibiting ingredients like retinol can also help fade the hyperpigmentation associated with strawberry legs. Retinols are also excellent for smoothing out the skin texture and improving cellular turnover, which can further help prevent the formation of ingrown hairs, pimples, and other skin irritations.

Product To Try: Topicals – Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs, $30

Softening Body Lotions

Rich, creamy, and softening body lotions can also help soothe dry, irritated skin and make strawberry legs less visible. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, as well as anti-inflammatory components that will help soothe razor-induced rashes and inflammation.

Product To Try: Josie Maran – Intensive Repair Body Butter for Extra Dry & Sensitive Skin, $46

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and brightens hyperpigmented spots. 

Shave Properly

As we already mentioned, one of the main causes of strawberry legs is improper shaving and using old and dull razors. To avoid this, make sure to always use a clean, sharp razor when shaving your legs and change your razors after three or four uses. Additionally, you can also invest in a good quality safety razor that will provide a closer shave and help prevent ingrown hairs. Always shave following the direction of hair growth and avoid passing over the area too many times to reduce irritation on the skin.

Product To Try: Bevel – Safety Razor, $50

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal might be a pricey endeavor, but it's definitely one that's worth it for anyone who's looking for a long-term solution to strawberry legs. Laser hair removal works by damaging the tube-shaped sacs within the skin that produce hair. This damage inhibits future hair growth, thus preventing the formation of ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and strawberry legs. The result is silky-smooth legs that don't require any shaving or waxing.

Product To Try: iluminage – Touch Home Permanent Hair Removal Device, $449

Sun Protection

Since sun damage can make strawberry legs look darker and more pigmented, it's important to wear sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) when spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months.

Product To Try: Supergoop – Body Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50, $34

Closing Thoughts

Strawberry legs can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but thankfully, there are things that you can do to help lessen their appearance. By following the tips above, you can help get rid of strawberry legs and achieve smooth, soft, and gorgeous-looking legs that you'll be proud to show off.

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