The hashtag #strawberrylegs currently has over 144.9 million views on TikTok. But what are strawberry legs? Why is it trending on social media?
The term strawberry legs refers to the small black dots that appear after shaving your legs. It’s incredibly common, but it can be annoying after you go to the trouble of waxing, only to be left with dots on your legs.
So what are these points? How do you get rid of them? And how do you keep them from coming back? We asked a whole host of experts who gave us the lowdown.
What are strawberry legs?
According Medical news today, strawberry legs occur when enlarged pores or hair follicles trap dead skin, oil or bacteria. As a result, the hair follicle darkens because the oil and dirt have oxidized. The small black dots then resemble the seeds on the outside of a strawberry, hence the name.
What causes them?
Shaving is a common cause, but strawberry legs can also be a symptom of other skin conditions. Folliculitis (inflammation and often infection of hair follicles), acne and keratosis pilaris are also associated with it.
“The Latin term keratosis means ‘scaly skin’ and pilaris means ‘hair,'” he explains. Emma Coleman, dermatology & aesthetics RGN (Registered General Nurse). “Keratosis pilaris usually begins in childhood, but becomes more apparent during adolescence and adulthood. It is harmless and not infectious.’
How do you treat strawberry legs?
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. With a little moisturizer thrown into the mix. “Use an exfoliating sponge or scrub in the shower,” says Coleman. “Products that contain urea will hydrate, and ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids will help loosen follicle adhesion.”
It is also recommended to use shaving gel every time you shave, as it helps the razor glide more smoothly over the skin. Changing your razors regularly will also help matters immensely.
“How strawberry legs are treated depends on whether the cause is folliculitis, acne or ingrown hairs,” she says. Ejiro Owusu, sugar expert and founder of Ejiro Studio. “However, my advice at home is: make sure you exfoliate regularly, using a salicylic acid body wash such as CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser (£12.50 | Looks fantastic). Additionally, use a moisturizer that can combat dryness. Something like CeraVe Hydrating Lotion (£10 | Boots) it will help keep the skin hydrated. CeraVe is my absolute favorite, especially for summer as it feels light on the skin. Heavier creams can block the follicles when combined with the excessive sweating we experience in the summer.’
However, if none of the above seems to work, seek medical advice, either from your doctor or a dermatologist.
How do you prevent further problems in the future?
You may need to rethink your hair removal option. If you’re a regular shaver, why not try epilation? If you like the idea of laser hair removal, give it a try. Our guide to the best IPL hair removal devices will help you choose an at-home option if price is a concern.
“I recommend that anyone with strawberry legs stop shaving or use a moisturizing shaving cream,” says Owusu. “This is very common in people with thicker or curly hair types, so I recommend waxing or sugaring as this can reduce the hyperpigmented follicles that can appear after shaving.”