Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
I only wish the term “strawberry legs” resonated more with the yummy flavor of the fruit than the skin. But alas, those pesky dark spots and bumps are anything but delicious.
If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about your legs, especially when you want to flaunt them in that cute summer dress or those chic shorts, I’m here to help you say goodbye to those tiny, dot-like blemishes and hello to smooth, flawless skin. Because let’s be real—life’s too short to hide your legs! 😘
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
I always say, before finding how to tackle a “problem”, know what’s actually causing it.
1.Clogged Pores: Those dark spots you see on your legs often stem from clogged pores or hair follicles, which can fill with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria—akin to mini blackheads. Shaving can accentuate their visibility.
2. Dry Skin: Parched skin plays a significant role, leading to irritation that can worsen the appearance of what’s commonly referred to as “strawberry legs.”
3. Shaving Technique: Your shaving habits matter. Rushing, using a dull blade, or skipping shaving cream can contribute to the problem, leaving your skin less smooth and more prone to dark spots.
4. Folliculitis: In some cases, those dark spots are a sign of folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria or fungi. This condition results in red, irritated, and bumpy skin.
Few things to note before starting treating strawberry legs –
- You don’t have to try everything at once. It’ll only make things worse. Follow a simple routine like a hot shower < exfoliation < shaving < cold shower < and skin slugging. Or Hot shower < exfoliating body wash < cold shower < AHA toner < BHA moisturizer.
- The number one rule to exfoliate better is to moisturize nicely after. And to not overdo it.
- Shave once in the direction of your hair and once in the opposite. Do not go back and forth in the same area.
Now, onto the best tips & remedies for strawberry legs
1. Hot and Cold Showers to Open and Close Pores
Who doesn’t love hot showers after a long, tiring day? I know no one! And they’re essentially good for strawberry legs ad the heat helps open up your pores, making it easier to clean out all the dirt and oil.
Exfoliate with a body scrub or exfoliating mitt to get rid of the buildup, while the pores are open.
But wait, don’t just stop there! Ending your shower with a burst of cold water is like sealing the deal – it closes your pores, locking in all that cleanliness and freshness.
2. Dry Brushing Twice or Thrice a Week
Dry brushing might sound fancy, but it’s really just a simple and effective way to exfoliate your skin. It gently brushes away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant layer underneath. Plus, dry brushing helps improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Just grab a natural bristle brush and, starting from your feet, brush upwards using circular motions. Do this twice or thrice a week before showering, and you’ll start noticing a serious glow-up!
3. Exfoliating with AHA Toners Daily
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are like magical potions for your skin. They work by gently sloughing off dead skin cells, making way for newer, healthier skin. Using an AHA toner daily can be THE game-changer for the strawberry legs that you’ve been waiting for.
Just soak a cotton pad with the toner and swipe it over your legs after showering. It not only helps with strawberry legs, but ingrown hair, pigmentation, scars and just radiant skin in general.
Two treatments I adore
4. Using Single-Blade Razors
Ever thought about how many blades your razor has and how it might be affecting your skin? I’m sure you have no idea.
Multi-blade razors can cause irritation and ingrown hairs, which are major culprits behind strawberry legs. So, switching to a single-blade razor offers a cleaner, closer shave with less irritation.
5. Shaving Twice a Week and Not Every Day
Okay, we all love the feeling of freshly shaved legs, but shaving every day? Not so much! Over-shaving can lead to irritation and those dreaded strawberry legs.
Basically, when you’re shaving ever so often, your skin’s pores are not getting enough time to close and heal. And when that starts to happen over and above, your skin’s cry for help becomes razor bumps.
Instead, try shaving just twice a week. And don’t forget to slug moisturizer later. (I have more to say on this).
6. Using AHA/BHA Body Wash
AHAs and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are powerhouse ingredients when it comes to fighting strawberry legs. Incorporating an AHA/BHA body wash into your routine can help exfoliate and unclog pores without you making any extra effort, leaving your skin smooth and bump-free.
Use it a few times a week in the shower, and you’ll notice a significant improvement. I have tried two exfoliating body washes, and I loved both of them for what they were supposed to do. One is Chemist at Play’s, and the other is Mario Badescu’s.
7. Exfoliate with a Rich Body Scrub Before Shaving
Directly from the skincare Bible, exfoliating before shaving removes dead skin cells that clog pores and hair follicles, leading to those annoying dark spots and bumps.
Try using a rich body scrub with ingredients like sugar, coffee, or sea salt. Massage it onto your skin for 5-10 minutes, in gentle, circular motions before you shave. This will help prevent ingrown hairs and ensure a closer, smoother shave.
My absolute FAVORITE body scrub recepie is mixing aloe vera gel + 10-12 drops of tea tree oil + fine sugar + baking soda in such a way that it forms a heavy body scrub. Easy and simple!
8. Try Skin Slugging Right After Your Shaving Session
Slugging might sound odd, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! This K-beauty trend involves slathering on a heavy-duty moisturizer or petroleum jelly to lock in moisture overnight.
After shaving, apply a THICK layer of your favorite hydrating lotion and keep massaging it in until it’s fully absorbed. It can take up to 5 minutes but it’s totally worth it!
9. Finish Off with Salicylic Acid Moisturizers
Salicylic acid is your BFF when it comes to tackling strawberry legs. It’s a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to exfoliate and unclog pores from within. Using a salicylic acid moisturizer can prevent those tiny dark spots from forming.
Apply it daily to keep your skin smooth and bump-free. Also, it helps with acne and other skin blemishes. Who doesn’t love a multi-tasker?
10. Wearing Soft, Natural Fabrics
Did you know that the fabrics you wear can affect your skin? Synthetic materials can irritate your skin and exacerbate strawberry legs. Opt for soft, natural fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo that allow your skin to breathe and reduce friction.
11. Budgeting for Laser Hair Removal Sessions
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to strawberry legs, laser hair removal might just be the answer. While it requires an upfront investment, it can save you time and effort in the long run.
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles and reduces hair growth over time, ultimately leading to smoother skin.
I had thick, long, manly hair on my body and no hair removal method was up to the mark. Shaving them off would mean hair coming back THAT night and waxing/epilating was way too painful.
And yes, laser does work! So, if you can, consider setting aside a budget for a few sessions—it’s an investment in yourself!
12. Coconut Oil Massages Once a Week
Coconut oil is a miracle worker for many skin woes. Treat yourself to a luxurious coconut oil massage once a week to keep your skin hydrated and soft. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of strawberry legs.
Warm up the oil and massage it into your legs in gentle, circular motions.
I do not suggest doing more than once , because after all, coconut oil is comedogenic in nature and for some, it can clog pores even more. So, do this in moderation only!
