Have you also been wondering how those dark, black spots came out of nowhere on your legs and arms? Years of shaving and lack of exfoliation can really affect your skin, and one of the downsides is strawberry legs. These are the darkened pores and bumps which occur due to clogging and infection. They get their name because of their resemblance to strawberry seeds on the fruit's skin.
These dark spots occur when hair follicles on the top layer of the skin get clogged with dirt, dead skin cells or sebum. While they aren’t a serious condition, they can shift the look your shaved, waxed skin could have and make women conscious. But simple changes and skincare routines can help lighten them in no time.
WHAT CAUSES STRAWBERRY LEGS
1. CLOGGED PORES
The pores or follicles on the skin can become clogged with bacteria and dead skin, trapping oil inside them. When the oil is exposed to air, it turns black and has a darker appearance.
2. SHAVING
Using an old or dull razor can cause razor bumps, which make your legs look like they have tiny red spots. Shaving can also expose the hair follicle to the air and dust, leaving room for infection.
3. FOLLICULITIS
It occurs when the hair follicles in your skin become infected. Folliculitis leads to inflamed pores, pus and bumps on the legs.
4. EXTREMELY DRY SKIN
Dry skin cannot cause strawberry legs on its own but can play a role in it. Dry skin tends to be more sensitive and is more likely to develop razor burn or irritation.
TIPS TO PREVENT STRAWBERRY LEGS
1. USING SHAVING CREAM
It’s recommended that you soften the skin with warm water before shaving or waxing to reduce strawberry skin. A moisturising shaving cream or spray is a must to prevent razor burn or inflammation
2. SHAVE CAREFULLY
Use short, light razor strokes down your legs, in the direction of your hair growth. Shaving with the grain is less irritating to the skin and reduces the risk of folliculitis and ingrown hair.
3. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN BEFORE SHAVING
Using an exfoliating scrub with natural ingredients soothes the skin and cleanses pores before shaving. This helps with smoother shaving and doesn’t leave room for clogged pores.
4. CHANGE RAZORS REGULARLY
A blunt razor increases the chances of clogging your pores and hair follicles, so always swap razors every few weeks for smoother skin and no strawberry-skin.
ALTERNATIVES TO SHAVING
Apart from shaving, there are many alternatives today to get your body hair in control and revamp your skin’s appearance post-hair removal. Here are some things to explore if shaving is cumbersome for you.
1. EPILATORS
It’s an electrical device with mini tweezers that rotate and pull hair out from the root. Because shaving and waxing can lead to folliculitis, an epilator is a good choice for those prone to strawberry legs.
2. WAXING
Regular waxing can prevent strawberry legs in some cases, as it pulls the hair out from the root, unlike shaving and prevents ingrown hair occurrence.
3. USE A CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT
Chemical exfoliants can remove dead skin cells without scrubbing your legs. Exfoliants such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid dissolve dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and wash them away when rinsed with water.
4. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
If you’re looking for a long-term, permanent solution, you could explore laser hair removal as an option. It uses lasers to deliver small amounts of radiation to hair follicles and eliminate hair growth.
CONCLUSION
Strawberry legs might not be a serious issue, but they can be annoying when you’re aiming for smooth and clear skin. The good news is that with some simple changes to your routine, you can reduce or even prevent them. Remember with a bit of care and consistency, you can say goodbye to those pesky spots and feel great about your skin.
