Getting rid of strawberry legs can involve home remedies or professional treatments, such as exfoliation, moisturizers, and hair removal.
Strawberry legs is the term used for the pitted appearance of the skin on the legs. Moisturizing your legs is the simplest and most effective way to get rid of strawberry legs since dry skin can exacerbate your symptoms. If you already have the condition, it is not too late to help yourself with a good moisturizer.
The following are some common methods for getting rid of strawberry legs:
- Exfoliate: Either mechanical or chemical, just make sure you use the one that works for you because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
- Mechanical exfoliation: The removal of dead skin cells through physical force rather than chemical means. For better results, use salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, or coffee scrubs.
- Chemical exfoliation: Typically entails exfoliating dead skin cells with a skin-safe acid, such as lactic or glycolic acid.
- Moisturize: It is important to moisturize the skin after exfoliation.
- For extremely dry skin, whipped butter may be the best moisturizer.
- For oily skin, find a product that moisturizes without adding to the pore-clogging oils already present in the skin. Look for an oil-free moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.
- Remove hair vigilantly: The way you remove your hair affects the appearance of strawberry legs since the condition is most commonly caused by clogged pores.
- If you are experiencing an active flare-up of strawberry legs, it is best to avoid waxing because the irritation can make the bumps and spots more visible.
- Always shave in the direction of the hair using shaving cream with a clean sharp razor to avoid any bruises.
- For a more permanent solution, consult a professional about laser treatments.
Strawberry legs may not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter treatment options if the condition is severe. There are professional options available to help reduce symptoms.
- Electrolysis is a procedure that uses low-intensity electricity to target inflamed hair follicles. This method prevents ingrown hairs from recurring.
- By targeting the hair follicles, laser therapy aids in the permanent elimination of hair and works on one follicle at a time, making it a great treatment choice.
- If an infection is a cause, medications administered orally or topically can help treat severe illnesses and prevent strawberry legs from reoccurring.
Dermatologists say it may take two to six weeks for the treatment to show any results, whether you use home remedies or professional treatments.
What are strawberry legs?
Strawberry legs, also called comedones, are small dark spots that appear on the legs in a pattern that corresponds to your hair follicles. They are like tiny little blackheads, which are frequently misidentified as dirt. The black dots resemble the tiny seeds found in strawberries, thus the term "strawberry legs." These pores usually become visible when they become clogged with oil, dirt, dead skin, and bacteria.
Strawberry legs usually appear more prominently after shaving because the razor exposes and opens pores or follicles. These open pores allow unwanted material or bacteria to penetrate the skin, which may lead to other complications. While bad shaving habits (such as using a blunt razor) can cause ingrown hairs and dark spots, strawberry legs can also be caused by dry skin and acne. It is a condition that is more common in people with darker skin, but anyone can be affected.
- Some have larger pores due to genetics and thicker body hair. While the pores themselves are not necessarily bothersome, they can become problematic when they become clogged with bacteria, dead skin, and sebum.
- When the debris in the clogged pores is exposed to air, it dries out and darkens.
Chemical and physical exfoliation
- It is a broad term that refers to hair follicle inflammation.
- Folliculitis can appear as red and pus-filled bumps appearing due to factors, such as clogged pores and shaving.
- They can be an indication of a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria or yeast, such as staph and Pityrosporum.
- In severe cases, people may experience hair loss or scarring in the infected area. However, the majority of cases are minor and usually resolve within a few days.
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical antibiotics
- Chronic stages may require laser therapy
- This is caused by keratin buildup in the hair follicles. It is a skin condition in which tiny bumps appear on the skin.
- Keratosis pilaris is most commonly found on the upper, outer arms, but it can also occur on the thighs.
Combination of prescription-strength skincare with chemical exfoliation
- Dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation, particularly when shaving.
- Dry skin on the lower legs is more prone to razor burn, keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and clogged pores, all of which can cause a dotted appearance on the legs.
Cream and moisturizers
How effective is laser therapy for strawberry legs?
The best treatment for strawberry legs is a combination of laser and intense pulsed light therapy, also called photo facial hair removal therapy. The combination of this therapy permanently removes unwanted hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, laser hair removal could take two to six sessions to completely remove unwanted hair.