Everybody loves strawberries, but not if they’re on your legs! Those little black spots that appear after shaving are called strawberry legs. And unlike the fruit, it’s nowhere near desirable! The spots can make your legs look uncared for.
Though these sports don’t normally itch and aren’t painful, it can be embarrassing. Does that mean that you have to skip shaving? Not really. Though these spots are primarily caused by improper shaving practices, you can still do something to prevent it.
In this article, we’re going to discuss how to get rid of strawberry legs and you may be surprised that it’s quite simple. And you might have everything you need in your cupboard.
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs may look a lot like blackheads, but they’re not. Strawberry legs are a result of clogged pores. Those black spots are actually open comedones. These papules can form when there is a blockage caused by too much oil, dirt, and sebum. And when it mixes with air, the color of the opening turns into black. And that’s when it resembles the seed of strawberries.
So these papules can have a lot of dirt and oil underneath them. The good news is, you can do something to prevent strawberry legs from forming.
Here are some common causes
- Keratosis pilaris
This happens when there is an abnormally large amount of keratin that gets stuck in the hair follicles.
- Cheap razors
And with that comes the dull blades too. Dull blades can cause razor burns. And this can lead to folliculitis, the inflammation of the follicles.
- Not using shaving cream and gel
Dry shaving can cause more friction and can increase your chances of getting burns. And this can inflame the follicles.
How to Prevent Strawberry Legs
So before you hit the razor do these simple steps.
1. Use a dry brush
Use a dry brush to gently slough off the dead skin cells. You might want to do this two to three days before you shave. Using a soft dry brush, vigorously brush your legs in circular motions.
2. Afterwards, soak your eggs in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes before you shave. This will help dislodge or draw out any impurities or debris that may clog your skin.
3. Improve your shaving routine. If your dry shaving before has caused you strawberry legs, it’s time to shift to wet shaving.
- Wet shaving will soften your hair and prevent friction.
- Use sharp blades. Never compromise your shaving with dull blades. Dull blades can make the hair curl back and clog the pores.
- Always use a soothing moisturizer after you shave. It lessens the irritation.
4. Always shave in the direction of the growth of your hair. We’ve been told this so many times! Just don’t go against the grain even if it can give you a closer shave. Otherwise, it can result in inflammation and infection.
5. After shaving just pat dry your skin, never rub a towel against it as this can cause inflammation.
More Tips!
More good news! Just do this daily and you’re on your road to smoother legs again.
- Wear loose clothing
Tight fitted clothes can rub on our skin and cause inflammation. This causes the red appearance that you see around the spots. Sweat and friction can further irritate your strawberry legs so learn to love loosely fitted clothes.
- Don’t pick on ‘em
While it’s tempting to pick on each spot, as you would on a pimple, better not. Picking on the spot can cause inflammation. And can even lead to permanent scarring.
- Exfoliate regularly
You should include exfoliation in your skincare regimen. This can ensure that the pores on your skin are free for excess sebum, impurities, and dead skin cells.
This makes it easier for new hair to grow. In addition, exfoliation can also prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
- Don’t scrub the keratin plugs off!
While it’s also tempting to do so, it would cause more harm than good. Though you can slough off the keratin plugs it’s just a band-aid solution. It will inflammation and make the spot more noticeable.
- You can also use over the counter salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These are also used to alleviate acne and pimples.
- Always use shaving cream or gel when shaving
- Consider epilating
Epilating causes less damage to the skin. And this hair removal method is less likely to cause ingrown hairs compared to shaving. But it can be a bit painful. But eventually, you’ll get
accustomed to the sensation.
How to Get Rid of Pores on Legs Naturally
If you’re not much of a fan of commercial exfoliants and moisturizers, scour your cupboard and you can find something you can use for your strawberry legs. These natural concoctions are geared towards preventing razor burns, which is one of the causes of strawberry legs. And these black spots on your skin can also on other parts of your body like your arms and back.
1. Apple cider vinegar
ACV has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your skin. Furthermore, the alpha hydroxy acid in ACV can also help unclog ingrown hairs.
How to apply ACV? Mix equal parts of water and ACV. Do take note that ACV is highly acidic so it should always be used diluted. Get cotton and soak it into the ACV mixture and gently dab on your legs.
Though if you have extremely sensitive skin, this concoction is not for you. But we have several more tips below!
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Moreover, its moisturizing prowess is over the roof. So this concoction can hydrate, soften, and nourish your skin. And when used with sugar, you have your homemade exfoliant.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can safely calm your irritated skin. You can mix it with olive oil to come up with an antibacterial and softening concoction.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is good for your heart and it can do good to your skin too. And if your strawberry legs are itchy, an oatmeal bath can soothe the itch and inflammation naturally. You can mix oatmeal with yogurt to make a paste and rub it all over your legs.
5. Cucumber and milk
This veggie milk combo can soften your skin and soothe inflammation. It can also moisturize your skin and prevent burns.
6. Strawberry
Strawberry for your strawberry legs, why not? Strawberries have inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin after shaving. The small seeds can also aid in exfoliating.
Medical Treatment For Strawberry Legs
But sometimes, when there is an underlying condition, simple exfoliation and improving your saving technique would be futile.
So you can consider these medical interventions in such cases. These medical procedures are more permanent hair removal methods. In the absence of hair on the legs, you won’t be concerned with strawberry legs anymore.
1. Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the removal of hair by the root with the use of electric current. This in return will also lessen the chance of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are another risk factor for having strawberry legs.
2. Laser therapy
Laser therapy removes hair by a beam of light. This method is more effective in removing hair permanently. But it can be more costly.
FAQs:
Strawberry legs are primarily caused by inflamed pores. But there are cases in which fungi and bacteria can cause your follicles to become clogged. If this is the case, your doctor will have to treat the bacteria or fungi first.
Not really, strawberry legs aren’t itchy nor painful. But if there’s an underlying condition such as bacterial or fungal infection, it can be both itchy and painful.
Yes, especially if you have thick air, ingrown hairs can cause strawberry legs.
Strawberry legs aren’t really much of a medical concern, but it can really be embarrassing. How would you be able to flaunt that mini back dress with a lot of black spots on your legs? But not to worry, it can be easily managed with just regular TLC and proper shaving techniques.