Strawberry Legs : What it is, Causes, Prevention and Treatment
| Authored by: Sanjana Tharwani |
| Reviewed by: Kapil Dhameja |
| Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes |
Whether it is ice creams or cheesecakes, smoothies or daiquiris, lip balms or scrubs, Who doesn't love Strawberries?
Be it whatever, when combined with strawberry, the resulting combination is absolutely PHENOMENAL!
But, since the world is unfair, there is one combination of strawberries that without a doubt nobody likes and it’s- Strawberry Legs!
Tall or not, everyone wishes to show off their smooth, radiant legs when wearing a skirt. But, unfortunately, even that proves to be an uphill battle for some.
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Strawberry legs isn’t a condition in itself. It refers to the presence of dark, dot-like spots or pores on your legs. These spots look a lot like the seeds of a strawberry and hence, it is called strawberry legs.
In this article, we’ll learn what it exactly is, why it happens, and how to prevent it so that the next time you hear the word strawberry, you think about a strawberry cheesecake and not your strawberry legs.
Unveiling the Mystery Behind the Dots - What Are Strawberry Legs?
Usually not a cause for concern, strawberry legs are actually pores that are clogged or enlarged. Due to a combination of oil, dirt, and dead skin, these pores may darken over time. Depending on the underlying causes, the strawberry skin might also start to burn and/or itch.
The darkening of these pores leads them to be more visible. This condition becomes more evident for individuals who have a lighter skin tone. The reason for this strawberry skin can be many. Keep reading to find out.
Strawberry Legs Uncovered: Understanding the Root Causes
Now, it may be a little difficult and challenging to de-seed a strawberry but de-seeding - I mean - decoding the reasons behind strawberry legs is quite an easy task. Following are the possible reasons which may be causing your strawberry skin:
1. Clogged Pores: Due to a combination of bacteria, dead skin and oil, the hair follicles or pores can become clogged. These blockages can darken due to air exposure, resulting in characteristic dark spots.
2. Folliculitis: The condition where hair follicles become inflamed or infected is known as Folliculitis. This also results in raised and darkened bumps which often get mistaken for strawberry skin.
3. Keratosis Pilaris: In this condition, the small dark bumps are formed due to the build up of Keratin - a protein in the skin - in the pores.
4. Dry Skin: If your skin lacks the moisture it needs to keep the pores clean, they may lead to irritation and add to the appearance of strawberry skin.
5. Shaving/Waxing: If the razor is dull or shaving is down without proper lubrication or if the wax used is not suitable for your skin, your skin might be irritated. This leads to razor bumps or ingrown hair, both of which resemble strawberry legs.
Identifying the Culprits: How do Strawberry Legs Look?
Following are the things you should look for when trying to identify strawberry skin/legs:
1. Dark Spots: Dark dots or spots or pitted skin which resemble the seeds on a strawberry.
2. Textured Skin: When the skin has a raised or a bumpy texture.
3. Visible Pores: When the pores on the skin suddenly start looking bigger and darker than usual.
4. Irritation: When the pores cause the skin to be red and itchy.
Smoother Days Ahead: Remedies for Strawberry Skin
1. Exfoliating scrubs: Opt for gentle exfoliators containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid to remove dead skin and unclogg pores.
2. Moisturisers: Opt for hydrating moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides to reduce dryness or irritation.
3. Chemical Exfoliants: For deeper penetration opt for products with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to remove debris and excess oil.
4. Baking Soda Scrub: Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water. This would help exfoliate the skin by unclogging pores and reducing irritation.
5. Aloe Vera Gel: Using aloe vera gel will help soothe the skin and keep it hydrated.
6. Coconut and Sugar Scrub: Make a natural scrub by combining coconut oil and sugar. This will not only exfoliate the skin but also provide hydration.
7. Laser Treatment: You can go for laser treatment for permanent hair removal, minimising the chances of clogged pores and ingrown hair.
8. Chemical Peels: You can get chemical peels done by a dermatologist to reveal a clearer and smoother skin by removing the outer layer.
9. Microdermabrasion: This is a procedure aimed at exfoliating the skin, improving its texture and thus, getting rid of strawberry skin.
Silky Skin Secrets: Preventing Strawberry Legs
1. Shave Properly: When shaving, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth. Use a proper lubricant before shaving and a good moisturiser after shaving.
2. Exfoliate Regularly: Use a gentle cleanser or scrub and exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove the build up of dead skin which can clog pores.
3. Moisturise Daily: Use a natural, chemical-free and hydrating moisturizer daily to reduce dryness and irritation.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothes: Wearing tight clothes can cause friction and sweat which can add to the clogging of pores. Hence, wear comfortable clothes which are not too tight.
5. Hair Removal Methods: Don’t shave too frequently. If not shaving, opt for other methods like waxing, epilating or laser hair removal.
6. Avoid Irritation: Avoid picking at bumps or removing them.
7. Vitamin A: Consume foods rich in Vitamin A like leafy vegetables or consider taking Vitamin A supplements as Keratosis Pilaris is caused due to lack of Vitamin A.
8. Avoid Self-Tanning Lotions: Using self-tanning lotions make the strawberry skin more noticeable, so avoid using them.
Thus, while strawberry legs or strawberry skin is harmless and not a medical concern, it definitely is a bothersome cosmetic concern. If you also struggle with strawberry legs, first try understanding the reason behind them then later adopting the preventive measures suggested. If the problem still persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice and dermatological treatments suggested. The gist of treating and preventing strawberry legs lies in consistency. A proper, consistent skin care routine made up of the right products can work wonders over time. Have the right approach and you can confidently bid farewell to this one and only bothersome combination of strawberries i.e. strawberry legs so that anytime you think of strawberry instead of thinking of your strawberry legs you end up thinking of your smooth skin exactly like the inside of a strawberry; vibrant, nourished, and glowing with a natural allure hat’s a canvas of vitality, health and care.
Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:
2-in-1 Body Wash & Scrub with Honey for Exfoliation and Hydration (10 herbs, 250 ml)
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Very informative I will try this treatment.
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