What Is Strawberry Legs and How Do You Avoid It?

 

 

 

Strawberry leg is not exactly a medical condition. This is a term coined when the pores on your leg are enlarged and dead skin, oil, and dirt are trapped in the hair follicles. When this happens, the leg develops dark small spots or blackheads that resemble a strawberry seed, thus why it is called strawberry legs.  

 

These tiny bumps may not be harmless but can be annoying and can hinder you from getting your coveted gorgeous legs. This may even cause self-esteem issues and embarrassment for some people. Strawberry legs usually show up after shaving when the oil, bacteria, and dead skin gets trapped in the open pores or hair follicle. However, some skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris (KP) and folliculitis may also cause strawberry legs. If you experience itchiness and stinging, it would be wise to consult with your doctor.  

 

 

 

Exfoliation is one of the best ways to get rid of strawberry legs. Regularly exfoliating removes dead skin and dirt that may clog your pores. It also helps with smooth shaving and prevents possible cuts. You may exfoliate using a dry brush method or use an exfoliating body scrub. Here are some of our recommendations and top products on Amazon: 

• M3 Naturals Body Scrub (Comes include several types such as Himalayan Salt, Brown Sugar, Coffee Arabica, Charcoal, Probiotic) 
• Pure Biology Body Scrub (Comes in two variations: Probiotic Scrub and Turmeric Scrub) 

 

 

Another remedy you can try at home is to use chemical exfoliants. Exfoliants such as glycolic acids or salicylic acids can be used to reduce the appearance of strawberry legs. Glycolic acids go deep into the pores and loosen up dead skin and dissolve excess sebum for fresh smooth legs. Salicylic acids do the same thing and are good for smoothening bumpy skin and treating keratosis pilaris which usually leads to strawberry legs.  

 

 

The next ingredient to get rid of strawberry legs can be found in most kitchens. Baking soda has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help exfoliate the skin. To use this, make a paste with 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1 tsp of water. Mix both ingredients and apply on your legs for 4-5 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Do this once a day until it improves.  

 

 

Another kitchen staple that is great for reducing the appearance of strawberry legs is by using sea salt. Sea salt has anti-bacterial properties that cleanses the pores and balance oil production. Sea salt is also rich in magnesium, sodium, and other minerals that restore the skin’s pH balance. To create a sea salt paste, you will need ¼ cup of sea salt and ½ cup of coconut oil. Mix those two until you make a paste consistency. Use this to scrub your legs for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with water. 

 

 

Another natural home remedy you can try is to apply tea tree oil on your legs to prevent clogging of pores. Tea tree oil helps soothe and relieve irritated skin, especially after shaving. You can mix water, aloe vera, and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil together and massage onto your legs after shaving or waxing. You may also try the tea tree oil and jojoba oil mixture. Just mix 1 tbsp of jojoba oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the concerned area.  

 

 

Strawberry legs can easily be avoided. Here are some ways to do so: 

 

 

Your old razor may be one reason you keep getting bumpy legs. Swap your old ones and get a new one, especially if your old razor is already starting to rust and become dull. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), razors should be disposed of after five to seven shaves to prevent cultivation of bacteria.  

 

 

Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated to avoid dryness and irritation that can cause strawberry legs. Make sure to use a moisturizing lotion throughout your body especially after coming out of the shower.  

 

 

Waxing and shaving can often lead to strawberry legs. One way to do hair removal and lessen the chances of strawberry legs is to use an epilator or go in for a laser hair removal session. These two hair removal methods remove the hair from the roots and prevent ingrown hairs. These two also minimize and prevent oil and bacteria from clogging your pores.