This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
Published on August 25, 2020, strawberry legs are a common issue for many people, especially after shaving. These small black dots are caused by oil, dirt, and bacteria getting trapped in pores or hair follicles.
According to Healthline, strawberry legs occur when air oxidises the oil that gets trapped in pores, causing them to darken. Ingrown hairs can also result in strawberry legs, making them painful and unsightly.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent and get rid of strawberry legs. Here are eight steps you can take:
Prevention and Treatment ¶
- Use a sharp razor to shave as close to the hair follicles as possible, removing bacteria that could have accumulated in pores.
- Change out your razor frequently to reduce the chances of clogging up your pores.
- Use a shaving cream or gel to help the razor move smoothly over your legs, keeping them moisturised.
- Shave in the direction your hair grows to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that can result in ingrown hairs and strawberry legs.
- Apply aloe vera gel to soothe your skin, stop inflammation of pores and hair follicles, and heal any cuts.
- Use shea butter as a moisturiser with antibacterial properties to prevent infections.
- Use over-the-counter treatments containing glycolic or salicylic acid to keep your skin moisturised.
- Consider alternative hair removal methods like waxing or laser hair removal to reduce the risk of getting strawberry legs.
