If you have noticeable, dark spots on your legs, it could be strawberry legs. Named after the familiar pitted appearance of a strawberry, this skin issue can be bothersome, and it's more common than you think. The good news is it's treatable and preventable. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs occur when open pores or hair follicles trap dead skin, oil, and bacteria. The result is small black spots all over your legs resembling the skin and seeds of a strawberry. While the condition can be mildly embarrassing for some, it is not itchy or painful.
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
There are a few contributing factors to strawberry legs. Undoubtedly, once you know what causes your strawberry legs, you can take the necessary steps to treat and prevent them.
Shaving
Shaving with old, dull razors is one of the most common causes of strawberry legs. Razor burn is a known irritant, and for some people, the skin around the follicle darkens in response to the irritation of shaving. Both of these issues tend to exacerbate the appearance of dark spots.
Clogged Pores
The skin on your legs is covered with pores, and just like any pore on your body, they can become clogged with dead skin debris and bacteria. Also known as comedones, when the oil inside the clogged pore is exposed to air, it oxidizes and then turns black, leaving you with the look of strawberry legs.
5 Ways To Treat And Prevent Strawberry Legs
Exfoliate
If you find that you have strawberry legs, you should add exfoliation to your regular skincare routine. By exfoliating your legs, you'll remove dead skin cells and clear the path for new hair growth. Not only can exfoliation improve the appearance of strawberry legs, but it can also prevent them from recurring.
Moisturize
It would seem that when it comes to almost any type of skincare issue, hydration is key to turning things around, and strawberry legs are no exception. Hydrating your skin will not only help improve the appearance of strawberry legs, but it will also do its part to keep the condition at bay.
Try A Chemical Exfoliant
Glycolic or salicylic acid can be powerful allies in your fight against strawberry legs. These treatments work deep in your pores to rid them of dirt, debris, and sebum contained within.
Shave With The Grain Of Your Hair
Just as it sounds, shaving with the grain of your hair simply means shaving in the direction of your hair's growth. Shaving with the grain is less irritating to your skin, and it cuts down on the likelihood of razor burn, which can lead to strawberry legs.
Swap Out Your Razors Regularly
Using old and dull razors is a leading cause of strawberry legs, so it stands to reason that swapping them out regularly and using a fresh blade each time is one way to get a leg up on the issue.
