Have you ever spent an hour in a bathroom scrubbing and shaving only to notice small, dark dots all over your legs or any shaved areas after that? It appears to have the same look as clogged pores. Turns out, those are indeed ‘’strawberry legs’’. Yeap, they have a formal name for that. But what exactly are strawberry legs? 

According to dermatologists, they all agree that strawberry legs happened due to the seeds of your skin popping out after the results of ingrown hairs. Those seeds resemble the pesky dots on the skin of strawberries, hence making them share the same name. These strawberry leg problems may be noticeable to some people compared to others. 

Related article: Yesss, Butt Acne Is Annoying: Here’s How To Get Rid Of Them

There’s a reason why most skincare experts weigh in on how they detest the use of shaver or razor when it comes to cleaning your facial hairs off. Because of this. Shaving too much can result in clogged pores, enlarging the hair follicles and keratosis problem. Though waxing is no different, Beauty Insider prefers you get a laser treatment or IPL devices.

But in the meantime, how do one actually clean off their skin surface and get rid of strawberry legs temporarily, (if not permanently)? First, you’ll need to understand the sole reason for these problems. How do they occur? How to prevent them, so on and so forth? Get some berry snacks and scroll down below to learn about strawberry legs. 

What Exactly Is Strawberry Legs? 

As mentioned above, according to dermatologists, strawberry legs happen due to the seeds of your skin popping out after the results of ingrown hairs. Those seeds resemble the pesky dots on the skin of strawberries, hence making them share the same name. There’s an article from Birmingham board-certified dermatologist explaining that those black dots usually come in with hyperpigmentation problems. So if you’re commonly exposing your legs to shaving or have or had any keratin problem, that could be the reason as well. 

Related article: The Best Cream, Scrub & Lotions To Treat Your Keratosis Pilaris Problem

Even though the name highlighted ‘’strawberry legs’’, the problem can actually arise at any perimeter of your body that has a hair follicle. That includes your under arms, intimate areas, the back of your body and even your chest area. Some skincare experts even said that the more that areas are exposed to sweating, the more it gets prone to getting strawberry leg problems. Basically, be very wary of any skin that is trapped with sweat, heat and overgrowth of bacteria. 

Can You Actually Treat Strawberry Legs? 

Um, yes and no. It can be cured temporarily and be kept under control for sometime, but if you want permanent results, you will need to consult skincare professionals. This is because the hair that produces the ‘’strawberry’’ bumps is actually made from dirty follicles that are trapped underneath your skin, so of course, you will need a special treatment to clean them off from the inside. 

In the meantime, you can control the inflammation by not shaving too often. Once every two weeks is fine. There’s even a technique for shaving your legs the right way so you might want to monitor your hand movement. Also, there’s a chance that waxing treatment would leave unwanted chemical leftovers which can also lead to bacteria—so the option is out as well.

At Home Treatment

You can actually slow, (if not permanently) cure the problem away. Here are simple ways you can treat the strawberry leg problem at home. Without having to break your wallet.

1. Physical Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation, as well as using the right shaving tools, and a decent skin care regimen, may help keep these black pores at bay. Exfoliating your legs on a regular basis using a glove or body scrub that polishes away dead skin cells is what we would advise. Exfoliation may avoid strawberry legs since it softens the skin and loosens up the dirt and oil that is already in your pores, preventing the dirt and oil from becoming stuck in your pores when you shave.

2. Moisturise Daily

You should always apply moisturiser after each exfoliating session. Keeping your skin moisturised daily also will aid in the natural and normal discharge of dead skin cells. We recommend products containing rich moisturisers, such as shea butter and ceramides, for people with dry skin. Chemical peels can also be tried at any dermatologist clinic. 

3. Dry Brushing

Strawberry legs can be avoided one or two days prior to your shaving session. How? Brush your legs vigorously in circular motions with a soft dry brush before bathing or showering to aid in exfoliating. Then, before shaving, bathe your skin in warm water for five to ten minutes to help draw out impurities and release dead skin cells stuck inside the pores.

4. Laser Hair Removal

Getting laser removal or IPL is a fantastic way to prevent and cure the problem at its source. If you have thick, coarse, curly hair, waxing can likely result in more ingrown hairs and strawberry legs. Laser hair removal or IPL is better at not just eliminating hair but also thinning the hair that comes back, thus, significantly minimise irritation.

Looking for an IPL device? Go Hairless With Sweet Peachier, The Handy ‘’At-Home’’ IPL Laser Hair Removal Device

5. DIY Leg Mask

How about a little DIY at-home? Here’s our favourite DIY leg-care to do at home. 

6. Shower At Least Twice A Day

A sweaty environment can be a disaster to your skin, especially for us Asians. With an all year long of summery weather, just like your face, the rest of your body needs cooling off, too. So the moment you start to feel sweaty and warm, hop in the shower quickly to balance your temperature. This can also help prevent acne. 

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