“Strawberry legs” describes a skin condition where little dark spots cover the skin in an evenly spaced pattern - like a strawberry - and doesn’t itch or hurt. But strawberry legs isn’t actually a skin condition. It’s an umbrella term for visible hair follicles. If you want to get rid of strawberry legs, the first step is to identify what exactly is causing those little black dots to pop up all over your legs. Here are a few of the most common causes and what you can do about each.
Clogged Pores
This is the most common cause of strawberry legs. Dirt, oil, and bacteria become trapped in the pores on your legs and leave them looking darker than usual.
What to do: Exfoliate regularly, but skip the scrubs - they can actually make strawberry legs worse. AHA BHA pads like Buff & Brighten are a gentle but effective way to remove the dead skin and debris that can clog pores. Or, try a gentle exfoliating powder like this one to remove buildup without harsh abrasives.
Shaving
If you’re dragging an old, dull razor across your legs or skipping shaving cream entirely, you could be damaging your skin - leading to strawberry legs or even painful razor burn.
What to do: Swap out your razor every 3 uses, and use a shaving cream every time to help prevent friction. If you’re prone to strawberry legs, try Microbiome Balancing Cleanser as a shaving cream to help keep bump-causing bacteria in check.
Waxing
Waxing your legs exposes the natural oils in your pores to the air, leading to oxidation and causing the pores to darken.
What to do: 24 hours before your wax, exfoliate with Buff & Brighten to prep skin. Repeat 24 hours after you wax to keep debris from building up.
Dry Skin
If you’ve got dry skin, you’re more likely to see strawberry legs because your skin is more prone to shaving irritation.
What to do: Always exfoliate before you shave, and leave shaving until the end of your shower to soften hair and skin. Be sure to use a sharp razor and, of course, shaving cream. Use short, gentle strokes and shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize friction and help get rid of strawberry legs. Finish with a lightweight moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
Hyperpigmentation
Regular shaving or waxing can trigger a stress response that makes your skin increase production of melanin, and leaves you with little dark spots like strawberry legs.
What to do: Regular exfoliation prevents dead skin cell buildup, making skin less prone to irritation like dark spots.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition where the hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed. It can happen when bacteria or fungi get into the pores through shaving/waxing, and is common for those who live in hot, humid climates. It usually looks like little clusters of red or white pimples that itch, and is sometimes mistaken for acne or even razor bumps.
What to do: Check the labels on your personal care products. Certain “star” ingredients like ceramides could actually be triggering folliculitis. Microbiome Balancing Cleanser is the only intimate and body wash formulated without common folliculitis triggers.
Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a skin condition that is technically different from strawberry legs, but is often referred to as such because it can cause similar-looking small, rough bumps on your legs. It’s caused by plugs of keratin and dead skin trapped in the hair follicle, and is sometimes called “chicken skin.” KP is a genetic condition, and is benign but can be annoying.
What to do: If you suspect you have KP, regular exfoliation with active exfoliants like PHA can help, but be sure to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
SSL Solutions for Strawberry Legs
1. Exfoliate with Buff & Brighten
Get rid of strawberry legs for good with Buff & Brighten AHA BHA Exfoliating Body Pads.This miracle multi-tasker with Triple Exfoliating + Triple Soothing Complex exfoliates to prevent strawberry legs and brightens the dark spots that inflammation can leave behind.
2. Shave with Microbiome Balancing Wash
If your skin is prone to strawberry legs, avoid dry shaving. Lather well before shaving with Microbiome Balancing Full Body Cleanser. Its conditioning, Triple Protection formula will prep skin for a smooth shave while helping protect from dull blades and bacteria entering open follicles.
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