Quick Question: What Are 'Strawberry Legs,' And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

strawberry legs: st ives fresh apricot scrub

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If there's one thing the internet is good at, it's making skincare issues sound ~*good*~. One example of this is "strawberry legs." The term may sound cute and endearing, but it's actually a common skin condition that can cause discomfort and stress to anyone who may be experiencing it.

READ MORE: The One Thing You Have To Do To Get Rid Of 'Strawberry Legs'

Having strawberry legs is not actually a serious medical condition, but they can be a cosmetic concern. They're nothing to be ashamed of, TBH, but if you'd like to swap out your dotted legs for smooth, bump-free limbs, we have the 411 on what the eff they really are, what causes them, and treatments you can try to get rid of them. Keep on reading to learn more:

What are strawberry legs?

For the uninitiated, strawberry legs is the name given to the pesky red or pink dots that run up and down the limbs and bear a striking resemblance to the skin and seeds of the fruit. According to Sophia Reid, MD, "It's a term used to describe the appearance of legs that have red dots at the hair follicles." It can be easy to think that they are hair follicles or even dirt, but they are actually the result of clogged pores, among many other things. Oof.

What causes strawberry legs?

• Shaving: If your chosen method of hair removal for your legs is shaving, then you might spot pesky red dots on your limbs, especially if you don't do it correctly. This can cause folliculitis, which is the inflammation of hair follicles, FYI! Common shaving mistakes include going against the hair growth and not exfoliating beforehand. (P.S. Here's how to properly do it.)
• Dry skin: This can exacerbate the appearance of strawberry legs, as dry, flaky skin can lead to clogged pores and hair follicles.
• Clogged pores: Yep, the pores on your legs can also get congested with oil and bacteria. Also known as open comedones, when the oil inside the pores gets exposed to air, they can oxidize and turn darker in appearance.

What treatments can you do to get rid of strawberry legs?

1. Use physical exfoliators.

While we advise you to steer clear from using physical exfoliators on your face, the skin on your legs is a different story. Since the skin in that area is thicker, it can tolerate the more abrasive nature of scrubs. Do this regularly to help soften the skin and loosen the dirt in your pores, as they can get trapped in them when once you shave.

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2. Try out dry brushing.

Dry brushing is another thing you can add to your pre-shaving ritual. Gently buff your limbs with a soft dry brush before showering with warm water to help soften the skin and draw out impurities.

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3. Moisturize your legs after shaving.

This is key if you want to keep the bumps and dots at bay. Well-moisturized skin will allow dead skin cells to shed naturally. We recommend using a lotion or body cream with shea butter or ceramides that strengthen and replenish the skin barrier.

4. Consider waxing.

One of the most common and effective hair removal techniques is waxing. Compared to shaving which just cuts the hair at the skin's surface, this method pulls the hair *straight* from the root. It also has the added bonus of removing the layer of dead skin cells—you get to hit two birds with one stone.

5. Splurge on laser hair removal.

If you have a little more money to spare, consider splurging on laser hair removal for your legs. ICYDK, this procedure involves shining a concentrated beam of light on hair follicles. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light, thus destroying the hair. (P.S. This treatment doesn't stop hair from growing, it just slows it down!)

6. Consult your dermatologist.

If all else fails, it might be time for a visit to your derma. They can provide you personalized professional advice on the cause of your strawberry legs and prescribe you with any necessary treatment.

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