Strawberry legs may sound like a sweet nickname, but the miniature marks that appears on your legs, arms, and various other body parts are more anxiety-inducing than aw-worthy for most.
Fortunately, they’re not a threatening medical condition and not something you need to be concerned about. Nevertheless, if you find yourself feeling self-conscious about this skin problem - we’re here to help.
So, what is strawberry skin? Strawberry skin is not actually a medical condition, but rather an umbrella term for the appearance of small red, brown, or black spots on the skin, resembling strawberry seeds.
In this article we explore how to treat it and what to do to achieve smooth-looking and spotless skin every season. So, read on to find out what causes strawberry arms and legs and the best ways to prevent and completely get rid of strawberry skin.
Strawberry legs causes
The appearance of strawberry skin can be caused by:
Ingrown hairs (trapped under the skin’s surface) leading to clogged pores.
Folliculitis (hair follicles that are inflamed, irritated or infected).
Body acne.
Dry skin.
Keratosis pilaris (excessive keratin build up in the skin).
How to get rid of strawberry legs?
While it’s tricky to get rid of strawberry legs in one day, there are many remedies that provide a noticeable difference before and after your strawberry legs treatment.
How to get rid of strawberry skin caused by a skin condition
If your strawberry skin is caused by a long-term dermatological condition such as acne or keratosis pilaris, the best course of action is to speak to your dermatologist for a bespoke solution in addition to the guidance below.
How to get rid of strawberry legs at home naturally
If you’re looking for a home fix to get rid of strawberry legs, try using a homemade exfoliator twice a week. Choose ingredients that are naturally antibacterial such as sea salt, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, black castor oil, and aloe vera. Using these types of ingredients to create a homemade salt scrub will help you build an exfoliation routine.
How to avoid getting strawberry legs again
Good news! Most causes of Strawberry legs are preventable with some lifestyle changes and updates to your usual grooming habits. The best way to get rid of strawberry legs for any skin type is to regularly use an antibacterial cleanser and avoid irritation flare ups. If they occur as a result your shaving routine, be sure to follow the tips below:
Don’t shave too often – this can lead to irritated and inflamed skin.
Use a high-quality body hair razor that’s kind on skin. If your razor is dull, it may irritate the skin as you’ll need to shave more to see results which could lead to rougher skin.
Prepare skin for shaving properly by exfoliating and softening hairs with warm water prior to shaving to soften hairs.
Rinse out hairs from your razor before and after shaving to avoid reinfection.
Apply shaving gel/cream when shaving and a moisturiser post-shave to avoid dry skin.
To avoid these issues, you can explore one of Braun’s electric epilators, which come with exfoliating brushes that help prevent ingrown hair and rough skin and also reduce the need to constantly switch out razor blades.
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Key takeaways
The most important thing to remember about strawberry skin is that it's a completely normal, naturally occurring, and non-serious skin issue.
However, if you're prone to strawberry legs and feel awkward about it, you can combat its appearance. Review your skincare and shaving routines: if you can, include more antibacterial products to help clean your skin. If you're struggling, seek out dermatological advice.
Secondly, ensure you're exfoliating enough and using skincare products that are humectants to keep skin hydrated for longer. Finally, review your grooming tools. A dull razor blade could be your cause of strawberry legs, so it might simply be time to switch to a new blade!