Many people struggle with blackheads and enlarged pores, not only in their T-zone but also on their legs. This common condition is called strawberry legs, due to the reddish skin and small dark spots that resemble the seeds of a strawberry.
These spots are hair follicles or enlarged pores that contain a mixture of oil, bacteria, and dead skin. When exposed after shaving, the air comes into contact with the oil, and it oxidizes and becomes dark.
Strawberry legs are usually not itchy or painful, but they can certainly embarrass a person. We have done the research to find out what can cause strawberry legs and what we can do to get rid of this condition.
Causes Of Strawberry Legs
Shaving
Although “strawberry legs” are considered a genetic condition and occur more often in people with thick hair, shaving is one of the main reasons for this uncomfortable condition.
If you shave with an old razor or without shaving cream, burning the razor can cause skin irritation. In response to irritation, the skin around the hair follicle darkens and black spots appear on the legs.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a common skin disease in which the hair follicles become inflamed. It has various shapes and can result in the appearance of strawberry skin.
A mild form of folliculitis is caused by razor bumps. This leads to ingrown hairs and maybe what is causing the appearance of strawberry legs.
Dry Skin
Although excessively dry skin does not cause pores to darken, it makes it more vulnerable to the development of razor burns and irritation.
Dry skin also makes dark, seed-like spots more visible. The strawberry leg look develops more easily when your skin is lacking in moisture.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that creates the appearance of dry patches and small bumps, usually on the upper arm, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks.
It is caused by the accumulation of keratin and forms a plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle, which can result in a strawberry-like skin.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when the skin is very dry and is more common in people who live in low humidity climates or who frequently swim in pools that contain many chemicals.
How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs
Shaving the right way
Before shaving, wet your skin and hair to soften it and apply a shaving cream or gel. Be sure to rinse after each swipe of the razor and be sure to change the blade regularly to minimize irritation.
Shave in the direction the hair grows to help prevent bumps and burns that can cause “strawberry legs.”
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and facilitates the growth of new hair. Helps prevent ingrown hairs and can reduce the appearance of strawberry legs.
Regular exfoliation also helps prevent the reappearance of strawberry legs.
Professional Treatment
If home remedies are not effective, you can try medical treatment options for strawberry legs that include electrolysis and laser therapy.
Electrolysis uses electricity to attack irritated hair follicles and prevent hair growth. It prevents ingrown hairs and can reduce the likelihood of strawberry legs.
Laser therapy is a safe hair removal method that targets multiple hair follicles at the same time.
Have you tried the strawberry legs? Do you know of other ways to reduce this problem?
