12 Guaranteed Ways To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs Forever
Have you ever noticed that when you shave your legs, there are tiny, dark spots that are left behind? This is actually the result of clogged pores, a lot like blackheads, that are causing this problem.
Since some skin types exhibit these dark spots more prominently than others, they are often mistaken for dirt. In appearance, they resemble strawberry seeds (hence "strawberry legs").
It has been observed that there are dark spots that appear on the skin called strawberry legs, which correspond to hair follicles or even your skin’s pores.
A number of reasons can be attributed to this condition, but dermatologists list swollen hair follicles, pores that are clogged, as well as keratosis pilaris as some of the most common ones.
These are very similar to blackheads that can be found on any part of the body or face.
Clogged pores can oxidize and darken due to keratin debris, bacteria, as well as oil. In dermatology, blackheads are termed 'open comedones' since they tend to be open and are exposed to the air. Take simple steps to avoid them.
Here are our tips for preventing and treating strawberry legs.
1. Dry-Brushing
The best way to avoid strawberry legs is to start a couple of days before shaving. Using a soft brush that is dry, before bathing or showering, can be a great way to help exfoliate your legs.
Shaving your skin after soaking it in warm water for approximately ten minutes will help dead skin cells become loose.
2. Physical Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation is essential. In order to prevent dark pores, exfoliating regularly and using proper shaving equipment and methods is recommended.
Using gloves or scrubs in combination with an exfoliating agent is one of the best ways to remove dead skin from your legs.
By exfoliating the skin, you can prevent strawberry legs from happening. Exfoliation will make the skin soft and allow dirt as well as oil to be released from pores, which can become trapped as a result of shaving.
It is important to scrub gently, using mild scrubs. The more we scrub, the more irritated the skin becomes. Scrubbing harder will not make the skin cleaner.
3. Chemical Exfoliation
Employing chemical agents for Exfoliation can also help prevent clogged pores, as it accelerates the removal of dead skin. As a result of their ability to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent pore blockages, AHAs as well as salicylic acid are among our favorite products.
Once or twice a day, use acidic body washes and lotions (Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, $7; Cerave SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin, $12).
Lactic acid or glycolic acid should be used by people with a sensitivity to salicylic acid. Skin is exfoliated without being abrasive with Environ's Body Essentia Derma-Lac Lotion ($65).
KEY INGREDIENTS Alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid loosen the connection between dead skin cells.
As a result of its humectant properties, the product stimulates collagen production and hydrates the skin.
4. Moisturizing
Exfoliation should always be followed by moisturizing. Hydration is vital for your skin's natural ability to shed dead skin. Dry skin benefits from shea butter coupled with ceramides.
Rough & Bumpy Skin ($10) is highly recommended by many people for its gentleness and effectiveness on dry skin.
In Glytone's Kp Kit ($68), you'll find an AHA body wash coupled with a lotion. Chemical peels can also be recommended by a dermatologist who is board-certified.
5. Quality Razors for Shaving
Inappropriate shaving techniques can result in dark pores, so use quality products and shave your legs properly.
The blade edge of cheap razors often gets nicks and isn't as sharp as those made of higher quality materials.
Thus, it is more likely that you will repeat razor strokes several times at the same place, which will result in the skin becoming even more irritated as well as highlighting pores that are clogged with oil.
A razor that forces your hair to pull back rather than allowing you to shave close to the skin can result in ingrown hairs.
The two best safety razors that we recommend are the Oui the People Rose Gold Safety Razor ($75) and the Billie Razor Starter Kit ($10).
The hair that grows on your legs should be softened and your skin made more receptive to shaving if you soak them in warm (not hot) water before shaving.
6. Moisturizing Shaving Cream
It is common for shaving products to be gels or creams. A thin lubricating layer forms on the skin surface after using hair conditioner, which results in a smooth, clean shave, without any irritation.
Whatever product you leverage to prepare your legs, you should avoid getting water on them while shaving. The product won't be able to protect your skin because it will be washed away.
7. Shaving Direction
It is advised to shave the legs in the line in which your hair grows so that strawberry legs can be avoided. It is worth noting that too many passes over the same region will cause the skin to become irritated.
When shaving, it is important that you do not stretch your skin too much. After washing your legs, if you would like to use a moisturizer or even an oil on them, don't rub them when you are drying your skin.
Pat dry instead. Coconut oil exhibits comedogenic properties, so avoid it if you are using an oil. Even if you haven't just shaved, this advice is good.
Use a lotion that is devoid of fragrance, after-shave cream, or moisturizer to decrease redness.
8. Waxing
Hair removal by waxing is among the most effective and common methods. This solution can also be used to prevent strawberry legs. By waxing, not shaving, the hair is removed from the roots of the follicle, not just cut at the surface.
In addition to removing the hair, this also exfoliates the surface layer of skin. Spacing out hair removal sessions will prevent strawberry legs since waxed hair grows back thinner as well as softer over time.
In terms of waxing, it's best to leave it to the professionals. In case you are already vulnerable to irritation, waxing yourself improperly can aggravate it.
9. TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
For a brighter, more even complexion, consider body peels. The acids present in TCA multi-acid body peels can inhibit clogged pores and they include lactic acid, salicylic acid, phytic acid, glycolic acid, and finally, TCA (trichloroacetic acid).
Apply thinly to clean, dry skin using cotton or fan brush. This peel does not require rinsing off.
Your skin will become smooth and brighter as pores continue to fade as you use this product weekly.
10. Leg Masking
Additionally, you can make a DIY mask for your legs to soothe them. We like to DIY the following:
- Half a cup of chickpea flour
- Half a cup of yogurt that is full-fat (ideally, organic)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (ideally, organic)
- Lemon juice freshly squeezed from ½ a lemon
- Water (keep adding 1 tablespoon at a time till a paste that is thick in texture forms)
- Once you've prepared the mask paste, apply it evenly to your legs, massaging them gently as you go.
- You should leave the mask on for around 15 minutes after applying it to your legs. Wash using warm water and dry by dabbing a soft washcloth.
Due to their lactic acid content, chickpea flour can easily exfoliate dead skin, and yogurt can dissolve them with its lactic acid. Lemon is an antifungal and astringent, reducing the amount of oil your skin produces. Honey provides antibacterial properties.
11. Laser Hair Removal
As with waxing, hair removal with the help of a laser targets the root of the hair rather than just the surface. It is better to remove the hairs at the source in order to avoid or resolve the problem immediately and effectively.
Depilatory creams, sugaring, and thermolysis may also accomplish this, but I generally do not recommend them because they may irritate the skin.
Further, laser hair removal can be beneficial for people with dense hair that is coarse and curly (particularly in the case of dark hair). Having such hair may also result in ingrown hairs as well as strawberry legs from waxing. The hair that re-emerges is also drastically thinned, so that irritation can be reduced as well.
See how you can use at home laser hair removal devices to get rid of strawberry legs.
12. Body Icing
A frozen roller or other kinds of frozen objects can help soothe inflammation on your body when you notice red color and irritation. You are free to freeze your own formulation based on your condition with Nicole Caroline's Facial Ice Spheres ($32).
Make a paste of water and pure aloe vera mixed with some tea tree oil, and apply it to your legs following shaving or waxing them. The product keeps pores clear, soothes, and hydrates the skin.