How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs

What are strawberry legs you might be asking? Well, if you have noticed dark spots on your legs that resemble small black dots, those are most likely strawberry legs. If this is the case, today we will tell you all about this condition, what causes it and how to get rid of strawberry legs!

The condition is called strawberry legs because the dotted or pitted appearance resembles the seeds of a strawberry. What causes the appearance of strawberry legs are enlarged pores of hair follicles that contain a trapped mixture of bacteria, dead skin and oil. When these pores or follicles are exposed to air after shaving, it can darken. But, there are many other causes of strawberry legs. Keep reading to find out more about how to get rid of strawberry legs!

Strawberry legs symptoms can be the following:

• Pitted or dotted appearance on the skin of your legs.
• Open pores darkening on the legs.
• Clogged pores on the skin.
• Rough, dry, and irritated skin.
• The appearance of black or brown dots on the legs after shaving.

What Causes Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs refer to a singular appearance but there are different conditions that can cause the appearance of strawberry legs to occur.

Clogged Pores:

The thousands of pores the skin on your legs contains, can become clogged with debris, dead skin and bacteria. These clogged pores are called open comedones which can turn dark after being exposed to air. The open comedones turn dark because of the debris and oil inside the pores darkens once it’s dried, just like the blackheads on your face. Strawberry legs are easier to spot if you have large pores on your legs or thick/dark body hair.

Keratosis Pilaris:

This skin condition appears on the upper arms and thighs. At first, it looks like tiny pimples, chicken skin or goosebumps, and they are hard and rough to the touch. The bumps caused by keratosis pilaris can be dry and itchy but can be treated with moisturizers. These bumps are the tiny accumulations of dead epithelial skin cells and protein keratin.

Keratosis pilaris is a seasonal condition that appears more frequently during dry winters than during summer. Swimming pool chemicals tend to dry the skin and if you swim often during summertime, you might experience keratosis pilaris. This can also happen if you live in a climate with low humidity.

Shaving:

Another cause of strawberry legs can be shaving with improperly dull, old razors or without shaving cream. Shaving can also result in ingrown hair which can cause the appearance of strawberry legs. Also, razor burn can lead to this condition and may cause folliculitis. When the skin irritates from shaving, in response, the skin around the follicle may darken and this increases the dark appearance. This are also classified as razor bumps.

Folliculitis:

Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicle becomes infected and inflamed. Folliculitis can be the result of waxing, shaving and other hair removal methods. It can also occur if you have been exposed to yeast, fungus or bacteria. Other causes of folliculitis, can be using a hot tub with chemicals and pH that haven't been regulated properly.

This condition starts as a small blister or red bumps that may later develop into scars that don’t easily heal. Folliculitis can sometimes be related to ingrown hairs, which can lead to darkened skin appearance (strawberry legs).

Dry Skin:

Overly dry skin can exacerbate or cause the symptoms of strawberry legs and other conditions that resemble it. When your skin is super dry, you are more prone to irritation when you shave. Irritation can leave you vulnerable to develop strawberry legs, folliculitis and razor burn.

The dryness in your skin can also tend to encourage the darkening of pores. It can also make other conditions like open comedones, keratosis pilaris, razor burn and folliculitis more obvious.

How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs With Natural Remedies

Fortunately, you can get rid of strawberry legs with some natural remedies. Check the following list of these natural remedies below to cure your strawberry legs.

#1. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin on a regular basic helps remove dead skin cells and get rid of any bacteria. Exfoliating can also eliminate the changes of ingrown hair and strawberry legs. Check out this homemade body scrub below to exfoliate your skin.

DIY Coffee Leg Exfoliator

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coffee grounds,used
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar such as raw sugar or coconut sugar, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
• 1/2 cup coconut oil

Instructions:

• If the coconut oil is hardened, begin by melting it over a double boiler, or in the microwave.
• Once melted, stir in the used coffee grounds and sugar.
• Apply while in the shower, over wet skin, massaging into legs in slow, circular motions.
• If you wish, you can use a wash mit.
• You can also use this scrub on other rougher areas of the body such as elbows, shoulders, and buttocks.
• Save any leftover scrub in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

#2. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin thoroughly and daily prevents skin irritation and dryness. Moisturizing will improve the appearance of your skin and prevent the symptoms of strawberry legs. Check out the natural moisturizer recipe below!

Homemade Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil or 6 drops tea tree oil (lavender oil for sensitive/aging skin, tea tree oil for oily/acne prone skin)

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Transfer to a clean pot or jar.
3. Apply the mixture to your legs slowly, massaging it deep into the skin.
4. Apply every night before bed or even in the morning.

Tips to Prevent Strawberry Legs:

• Shave properly avoiding dull razors on dry skin. Make sure to use a moisturizing shave cream or lotion.
• Keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized at all times.
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Use an epilator instead of razors to shave your legs. This method is safer because it removes the hair from the root and prevents ingrown hair. Alternatively, you can also do a sugar wax, which is quick, cheap, and very effective.
• Drink plenty of water daily.
• Get regularly massages to keep the circulation going.
• Eat healthy to provide your body with necessary nourishment.