How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs? Natural Remedies
October 18, 2021When enlarged pores get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin, this buildup often oxidizes and turns dark in colour. When these kinds of dark spots are visible on your legs, they are termed ‘strawberry legs.’
In other words, strawberry legs is a skin condition in which small pigmented spots emerge all over your legs. The term is based on the pitted or spotted appearance of the strawberry fruit.
Causes of Strawberry Legs
Clogging Of Pores
Our skin contains millions of pores. Hence, it is fairly natural for them to get clogged with sebum, dirt, dead skin, bacteria, sweat, product buildup, and grime from time to time. When oil gets trapped in these pores, it oxidises and turns black when exposed to air. These black spots appear in the form of strawberry legs.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition that is marked by infected and inflamed hair follicles. It is often a result of hair removal methods that expose the hair follicle to oxidation which leads to a scab or brown patch on your skin.
Shaving
Using old or blunt razors for shaving your legs, or shaving without any moisturising routine can lead to razor burns, folliculitis and ingrown hair. In such cases, the hair follicle gets inflamed and aggravates the surrounding skin, leading to the appearance of black spots. Improper hair removal also leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which resembles strawberry legs.
Ingrown Hair
Sometimes when you have thick body hair, the presence of ingrown hair in the skin may cause it to appear as strawberry legs. In some cases, ingrown hair may also lead to painful bumps, blisters and skin darkening. The most common cause of ingrown hair is improper hair removal.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris, commonly known as ‘chicken skin,’ is a skin condition in which you get tiny bumps on your skin that look like goosebumps on the skin of a chicken. These bumps are hair follicles that are clogged with dead skin. They can either be red or brown in colour.
Dark Spots
Scattered hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by sun damage, injury, underlying diseases or inflammation can also resemble strawberry legs.
Dryness
Overly dry skin often means that your dermal barrier is weak. Hence, it is more prone to getting dark spots, folliculitis, razor burns and clogged pores, all of which resemble or lead to strawberry legs.
How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs At Home?
Remove Body Hair Carefully
All methods of hair removal, including shaving, waxing, threading or plucking, can lead to irritation or inflammation. This is why pre and post hair removal care is important.
Refrain from shaving on dry skin. Use a nourishing cold-processed soap for its rich and creamy lather to soften your legs before shaving. Shave in the direction of your hair growth, and not against it, in order to treat your skin’s barrier gently.
Have An After-Care Routine
- Wrap an ice cube in a soft cloth, and press it gently against your skin after the hair removal process. You may also use a frozen massage roller on your skin instead of the ice cube. It soothes and cools freshly shaved or waxed skin.
- Organic Aloe Vera Water that is chilled in the refrigerator can be sprayed on the affected area to soothe razor burns and calm down sensitive skin.
- Moisturising your skin after the hair removal process provides emollient properties to the skin, soothes inflammation and redness, and promotes wound healing. Use a moisturiser that is made with calming oils such as lavender, chamomile and tea tree.
- Moisturise your skin every night for a week after shaving or waxing. Pick an oil with essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties to repair and soothe your skin.
Moisturise Daily
Hydration and nourishment helps to keep your skin barrier strong, prevents chances of strawberry legs and keeps your skin healthy. Hydrating yourself internally is equally important. Remember to drink water every hour, and eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in moisture. Try to include nuts, seeds, and healthy fats in your food to get antioxidants.
Exfoliate Regularly
Regularly exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, so that they can be replaced by new skin cells faster. It increases cell turnover rate which reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and spots. Regular exfoliation also prevents ingrown hair. It promotes blood circulation in your skin which improves the tone and texture of your skin.
Practice Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice of stimulating the lymphatic system in our body to expel waste. It is known to exfoliate the skin, improve blood flow, soften rough patches on our skin and prevent the chances of getting hyperpigmentation, ingrown hair and cellulite. An alternative to using body brushes is to use a natural loofah or bath mitt.
Home Remedies For Strawberry Legs
DIY Rose Body Polisher -
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup organic jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon hibiscus powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
Method:
- In a clean, dry bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- While you are in the shower, massage the prepared scrub on damp skin. Use gentle, circular motions to spread the scrub all over your legs and continue massaging.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
- Avoid using soap afterwards. Follow with an organic body oil.
DIY Hemp Body Oil -
Ingredients:
- ½ cup organic sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon organic hemp seed oil
- 4 drops organic lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
Method:
- In a clean, dry bottle, mix all the ingredients together.
- After bathing, pat your skin dry. Massage the prepared oil on slightly damp skin to moisturise your skin, promote barrier repair and benefit from its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
DIY After-Shave Gel
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons organic aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon organic rose water
- 1 teaspoon organic lavender hydrosol
Method:
- In a clean, dry bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- After your hair removal process, apply the prepared mixture to your skin to experience the cooling benefits of aloe vera gel and clinically proven brightening property of Juicy Chemistry’s organic rose water.
Juicy Chemistry Products That Help With Strawberry Legs
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Try Juicy Chemistry’s natural serum for strawberry legs. Our AHA Polishing Serum is rich in natural alpha hydroxy acids and flavonoids that gently exfoliate your skin, improve its texture and leave it more radiant. Our BHA Clarifying Serum prevents clogged pores, controls body acne and eruptions, fights oxidative stress and promotes clear skin. Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum reduces dark spots and promotes even toned skin.
Sugarcane And Grapefruit Organic AHA Rich Soap exfoliates your skin gently and leaves it smooth and moisturised.
Saffron, Rose And Australian Sandalwood Scrub is a gentle scrub that helps to unclog pores and promote even skin tone.
Copper And Linen Bath Mitt is made with natural fibres. It can be used for exfoliating your skin in the shower, or dry brushing in winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keratosis pilaris the same as strawberry legs?
Strawberry legs are characterized by small, red or brown spots that are caused by clogged hair follicles. Keratosis pilaris causes your skin to develop dry, rough patches with ‘raised’ bumps. A person can have both or either of these skin concerns.
Which hair removal method is best for my skin?
All hair removal methods cause trauma to our skin to some extent. The best way to repair the effects of this trauma is to be gentle with your skin during the hair removal process as well as afterwards by following a post-care routine of moisturising and soothing your skin.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/