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Writer's pictureLana Skyn Team

What to do about strawberry legs? Causes, remedies, and prevention

If you have ever seen dark spots or a rough surface on your legs, you may have experienced ‘strawberry legs.’ It occurs most commonly after the hair has been shaved or waxed. It is the pigmentation of dark spots or pores on the skin resembling a strawberry's seeds. 


Though people in Amsterdam do not consider strawberry legs a significant issue, they still prefer smoother skin. That is why they look for ways to mask or make this condition go away. 


In this article, we will explore the causes of strawberry legs and how to treat them. It can help you get healthier skin on your legs. 


Primary reasons for strawberry legs

What to do about strawberry legs

The development of strawberry legs depends on certain hair removal practices and their effects on hair follicles. Before treating strawberry legs and their prevention, we first need to know the causes:


1. Shaving

Strawberry skin legs are primarily caused by the unhealthy habit of shaving. While you are shaving, a razor often cuts the hair beneath the skin and exposes the hair follicle. Usually, it leads to irritation, blocked pores, or even the formation of ingrown hairs. The hair's growth tends to cause dark spots in the pores.


2. Waxing

Like shaving, waxing removes hair from the root, aggravating hair follicles. That is another reason why the area surrounding that hair follicle may darken and make strawberry legs.


3. Ingrown hairs

Ingrown ‘hairs’ or rash-like dark patches are more irritating to the skin than actual hair. An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin as opposed to the follicle. These blocked hairs enhance the strawberry appearance of the legs. There are especially a lot of cases of ingrown hair after the person has been shaved or waxed.


4. Clogged pores

With dead skin, debris, or oil blocked in the pores, hair can be trapped due to pore inflammation. These clogged pores persist due to frequent shaving, waxing, or friction from clothing.


5. Dry skin

High skin dryness causes rough and dry skin, leading to narrow blocked pores and more ingrown hairs and strawberry legs. If suitable scrubs or moisturizers are not used, dead cells will be built on the skin's outer surface. It causes stress and dark patches.


6. Keratosis pilaris:

This is popularly known as chicken skin. The problem involves the growth of minute bumps in the skin due to keratin accumulation in the pores. Though it commonly occurs in the arms, it may also manifest in the legs. 


How to deal with strawberry legs

Fortunately, strawberry legs are manageable with proper skincare and a few regular practices. Here are a few suggestions from Lana Skyn to help you minimize and get rid of the strawberry legs:


1. Exfoliation

Exfoliation helps to remove excess dead skin cell buildup and helps reduce clogged-up pores and ingrown hairs. One can use scrubs, towels, gloves, or chemical agents like salicylic acid and AHAs. We suggest exfoliating the legs at least 2–3 times per week.


2. Moisturization  

Another step to prevent strawberry legs is keeping the skin moist. Dry skin can lead to flaking and block pores. Apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Moisturize after exfoliation and shaving to maintain the skin's elasticity, smoothness, and hydration.


3. Use an ingrown hair remedy 

Strawberry legs may also be affected by ingrown hairs. We advise applying tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid on the affected areas. These are exfoliants that help reduce inflammation and irritation to the skin, causing an ingrown hair follicle.


4. Shaving techniques  

Proper and skillful shaving reduces the chances of irritation and strawberry legs. Always use a new blade razor and shave the hair in the same direction as the growth. Apply shaving cream or gel to aid in lubrication. It helps eliminate friction and irritation, thus resulting in smooth skin after the shaving session.


5. Alternative treatments

Waxing has the drawback that this hair removal method pulls the hair from the root. It pulls out the hair and minimizes the chances of developing strawberry legs. We recommend salon waxing to avoid skin irritation. Also, one can go for laser hair removal for long-lasting effects.


Tips for the prevention of strawberry legs

Treating strawberry legs is important, but prevention is essential for long-term skin care. In this regard, we recommend the following ways to prevent the development of strawberry legs:


Know the perfect shaving or waxing procedures

Proper ways of shaving or waxing help minimize strawberry legs. Use a good razor, patiently shave toward hair growth, and avoid excessive shaving. For people who love waxing, using high-quality products is encouraged to prevent irritation.


Use an exfoliator regularly

Blocked dead layers of skin cells are less likely to form when the skin is regularly scrubbed. It limits pores from being blocked. Regularly using exfoliators will effectively polish your skin and prevent the formation of strawberry legs.


Moisturize without hesitation

Aside from making skin healthier, regularly putting lotion on legs helps prevent their skin from drying out. Along with that, it can help with unclogging the skin from deep pimples and hair. We advise finding a body lotion or oil that hydrates the skin and applying it after each shower based on your skin type.


Avoid wearing tight clothes

Tight clothing can cause the skin to rub against itself, creating friction that can clog its pores. Looser clothes help in air circulation, especially after shaving or waxing. It reduces the chances of such legs occurring.


Laser hair removal for strawberry legs: How does it help?

Strawberry legs typically result from ingrown hairs and clogged hair follicles. But, it can be reduced effectively by getting laser hair removal treatments. 


Laser uses focused light and targets hair follicles to slow down their growth. As a result, it reduces the number of ingrown hairs and enhances the overall skin texture. It can help in eliminating the bumps and spots seen in strawberry legs. 


Laser treatment is an excellent option because it is also pain-free. You will not require razors or wax, which causes irritation and bumps. Multiple laser sessions will give long-term results as your skin will be smooth, flawless and even. 


Conclusion

Strawberry legs are prevalent but very easy to treat across all skin types. Knowing the concern and treating the condition can help minimize the darkened pores and skin roughness. No matter how you treat it, whether with home remedies or cosmetic procedures, the most important thing is to be patient.


You can talk to our experienced laser therapist in Amsterdam for further tips and long-lasting solutions. We will guide you through the fantastic journey of laser hair removal to treat your strawberry legs. It will let you show off your legs without fear, even in the cold seasons!


Frequently Asked Questions


Do strawberry legs occur only on the legs?

It is most common on the legs. However, a similar condition can occur in other areas with hair follicles, such as the arms or thighs. It depends on the reason behind it.


Are strawberry legs harmful?

No, strawberry legs are typically harmless. They are more of a cosmetic concern than a medical issue.


Can laser hair removal work with strawberry legs?

Yes, laser hair removal reduces hair growth and minimizes irritation. It makes it an effective option for preventing and treating strawberry legs.


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