Shaving is one of the most practical and quick methods for removing leg hair. Black spots, sometimes known as strawberry legs, may develop on the legs after shaving. What do strawberry legs look like, and how do you deal with them? Check out the following review.
What are strawberry legs?
Strawberry legs, also known as strawberry skin, are a skin condition in which the surface resembles strawberry skin, with black and rough areas. In medical terms, this condition is called keratosis pilaris, and it grows when keratin builds up and plugs the pores.
Strawberry legs might be caused by several factors, including:
- Shaving can result in dark spots on the skin, particularly if it's done improperly with an outdated blade and no shaving cream. The skin surrounding the follicles may also darken from irritation following shaving, presenting the appearance of black patches.
- Clogged pores. A person's feet have hundreds of pores in their skin, and like all pores, they may become clogged by debris, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Oil in clogged pores will begin to oxidize and turn black when it comes into contact with air.
- Folliculitis. Inflammation of the hair follicles is known as folliculitis. Procedures that open skin pores and induce inflammation, such as shaving, waxing, and other methods for removing fine hair, can be the cause of this condition.
Strawberry legs are not dangerous and can lead to major complications, but they make you feel uncomfortable. There is no specific medication for strawberry legs; however, home remedies may help remove black patches.
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Simple steps to treat strawberry legs
The treatment for strawberry legs can be specific to the cause and severity. Strawberry legs can sometimes be treated at home, but in some circumstances, medical or professional attention is required.
You can treat strawberry legs using the following methods:
Exfoliation
Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells and microorganisms from the pores. You may apply exfoliating skin care products such cleanser, lotion, cream, or serum. To avoid irritation, use exfoliating products as directed.
Applying moisturizer
Strawberry skin may be caused by dry skin. Applying moisturizer at least twice a day might help eliminate black patches produced by dry skin. To soothe and preserve skin hydration, use a moisturizer or after-shave lotion
Retinol
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can help promote the turnover of skin cells. Using retinoids may enhance skin tone and reduce keratin buildup in pores. You may apply a commercially available retinol cream or lotion or a retinoid treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Laser therapy
If self-treatment at home does not work to reduce strawberry legs, you may see a dermatologist in a hospital or beauty clinic. Doctors may recommend laser therapy to eliminate black spots from the skin. However, laser therapy typically requires multiple sessions to get optimal outcomes.
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How can strawberry legs be prevented?
If you experience strawberry legs from shaving, you can avoid the appearance of black spots by applying hair removal procedures that reduce the risk of keratosis pilaris, such as an epilator or a laser. You should also avoid taking long showers and apply skin care products to moisturise your skin. If you have dry skin, consider using a humidifier at home to keep the air moist and help moisturise your skin.
There are several causes of strawberry legs, or keratosis pilaris, including shaving. Enhancing your shaving technique may prevent strawberry-like black spots on your skin. If you need medical advice or consultation concerning skin problems, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Robinson, D. (2024). How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/strawberry-legs
WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2023). What Are Strawberry Legs?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-are-strawberry-legs
Brickell, S. (2023). How To Get Rid of Strawberry Legs. Available from: https://www.health.com/beauty/how-to-get-rid-of-strawberry-legs