Did somebody sound the summer klaxon? With warm weather incoming, layers are coming off and skin will finally be on show again. If you’re suffering from strawberry legs though, you might be more hesitant to join your scantily clad friends.
The good news is that while it may seem scary, strawberry legs is very easily treated and, even better, easily avoided with a few simple steps. So before you decide that your summer has been totally ruined – don’t panic! – we’re here to help.
With time of the essence now that the start of summer is looming, we asked Dr Leah Totton, medical and cosmetic doctor and founder of Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics, everything to know about strawberry legs and how to get rid of them.
What are strawberry legs?
If you haven’t heard of the term before, you’ll probably recognise the red spots that give strawberry legs its name or “small dark spots on the skin which cause it to resemble the seeds on a strawberry”, explains Dr Leah. “It usually appears as tiny dark dots or bumps on the thighs, calves and other leg areas which are often noticeable after shaving or waxing.”
Strawberry legs occur when the skin is clogged or the hair follicles become inflamed. “These spots can darken as oil, dead skin cells and bacteria accumulated within the hair follicles become exposed when the skin comes into contact with the air,” she continues. While they might look quite aggressive, they tend not to cause any other symptoms besides feeling rough and dry. If you’re noticing itching, burning or tenderness, it may be folliculitis or another issue rather than strawberry legs.
What triggers strawberry legs?
According to Dr Leah, there are a number of causes that can lead to developing strawberry legs, “including enlarged pores or hair follicles that trap dead skin, oil and bacteria, often after shaving”. She continues: “Clogged pores and keratosis pilaris can also cause strawberry legs, as can dry skin and genetics. It’s an extremely treatable condition and one that can improve dramatically with the right treatment.”
While the numerous potential causes can make it difficult to pinpoint what might cause strawberry legs, Dr Leah advises some good practice in your beauty routine to help avoid causing it in the first place. “Not using a clean and sharp razor can keep strawberry legs from improving as dull blades can cause irritation and open pores, making legs appear darker,” she says. “Not exfoliating regularly can also prevent them from improving and dry skin can also make the condition more noticeable so it’s important to moisturise regularly. Dry brushing can also help to keep pores clear and reduce ingrown hairs.”
How do you get rid of strawberry legs?
Now that we’ve got to the bottom of what it is and how it’s caused, we can move onto the most important thing to know: How to get rid of strawberry legs. While typically, people might lean towards more traditional physical exfoliants, like scrubs or exfoliating cloths, chemical exfoliants can be much more effective. “Chemical exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs tend to provide a deeper and more consistent exfoliation which helps to prevent the clogged follicles which can often be a cause,” says Dr Leah.
“Glycolic acid and lactic acid are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin surface and also the middle layers, breaking down keratin plugs and improving texture while retinoids improve cell turnover and improve skin texture,” explains Dr Leah. “Salicylic acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), penetrates pores to dissolve dead skin cells and reduce follicle clogging and ingrown hairs. The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Wash and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner are all great choices for treating strawberry legs.
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Meanwhile, keeping your legs well moisturised – particularly formulas that include hyaluronic acid and squalane – can also help to prevent the skin from becoming too dry and causing strawberry legs.
If you’re finding that your strawberry legs are more difficult to get rid of or if you’re looking for longer term solutions, Dr Leah suggests some in-clinic treatments that can also help. “Chemical peels can help to exfoliate skin and unclog pores,” she says. “Laser hair removal can also help to reduce hair density and make hair follicles less visible, minimising the impact of shaving and helping to prevent ingrown hairs.”
How long will it take to get rid of strawberry legs?
Thankfully, treating strawberry legs is a fairly straightforward process and it shouldn’t take too long before you start seeing results. “It depends on a number of factors including genetics, the regularity and effectiveness of the topical skincare regime and also habits such as shaving and hair removal,” explains Dr Leah. “If a multifaceted approach is taken, most people will start to notice results within a few weeks, but consistency is key to maintaining this.” In other words, don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately notice results – keep at it and you’ll banish your strawberry legs in no time.
