How to Treat Strawberry Legs and Make Them Silky Smooth: 4 Tips

Strawberry legs are a harmless skin condition that doesn’t necessarily cause a person any discomfort. However, some people see it as an aesthetic problem and are always looking for ways to get rid of it. 5-Minute Crafts examined the reasons why strawberry legs appear and found effective solutions for this beauty problem.

Why strawberry legs appear

Strawberry legs may appear because of different reasons, and sometimes they may overlap each other.

• Improper shaving techniques may cause razor burn and lead to ingrown hairs. Sometimes, the skin around the hair follicle may become darker because of the irritation, making strawberry legs more visible.
• Clogged pores are open comedones that become blocked with bacteria and skin oil. When such pores are exposed to air, they may turn darker.
• Dry skin doesn’t directly cause strawberry legs, but dryness makes skin more prone to irritation and razor burn.
• Folliculitis is a skin condition that manifests itself with inflamed hair follicles. It may cause itchiness and the appearance of red bumps.
• Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition when red bumps or dry patches appear on the skin. They usually don’t itch or cause any discomfort.

How to get rid of strawberry legs

1. Shave correctly.

Since the wrong shaving technique is one of the reasons for the appearance of red bumps on the legs, it’s important to remember a few rules on how to avoid this irritation.

• Use a really sharp razor. If the device you’re using pulls your body hair while shaving, it’s time to replace it. Using dull razors damage the skin, increasing the chance of irritation.
• Make sure you soften your hair before shaving. Take a warm (not hot) shower to hydrate your skin.
• Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel. This product will help your razor blade slide easier.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth with long and steady strokes. Don’t press the razor blade too hard and rinse it with water after every stroke.

2. Exfoliate your skin properly.

Regular exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs and reduces the visibility of strawberry legs.

• It’s better to opt for gentle exfoliators, especially if you already have skin irritation. For example, you can use a washcloth or a loofah. If you want to use a body scrub, go for a gentle one.
• You can also try products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients act like chemical exfoliators and help reduce the appearance of clogged pores.
• When you treat your strawberry legs and want to maintain the result, you can try more harsh exfoliating methods, like dry brushing.

3. Moisturize your skin.

Moisturize your legs regularly — especially after shaving them — to replenish the skin’s moisture. It’s better to opt for moisturizers that don’t contain preservatives to avoid any possible side effects, like stinging.

4. Seek professional help.

If home remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of your skin condition and find the most suitable treatment method. A doctor might suggest different options, including electrolysis and laser therapy, which help remove hair and prevent irritation.

Bonus: The first pic of the keratosis pilaris was 148 days ago, then fast forward to today!

• “Take a shower (not a bath) every day without fail (even if I don’t feel like it, I force myself). I bought a sponge with a rough/scour side and really TAKE TIME to go over my legs, sometimes multiple times, making it a priority. Moisturize straight out of the shower. Stay away from fake tans. I think they clogged my pores a lot! Getting a natural tan over the summer months also helped to even out the skin tone a little. ” © Ok_Butterscotch1996 / Reddit