Strawberry Legs? Prevention & At-Home Remedies

For a condition with such a cute name… strawberry legs are not so cute. The girls who know, know – strawberry legs can be super uncomfy, and they can even distract from how hot your legs are. 💁🏼‍♀️

Strawberry legs are a common cosmetic concern, named after brown, black, or red spots on legs that look a bit like strawberry seeds. They’re caused by clogged pores and hair follicles.

If you’ve started to notice visible dark spots and rough texture on your legs, you should know: switching up your skincare and hair removal routine can help prevent or reduce the appearance of strawberry legs. Opting for Lumi permanent hair removal can help reduce hair growth, improve skin texture, and offer a long-term solution for strawberry legs. (So you can feel confident rockin’ the microshorts that are so trendy these days!)

Here’s a breakdown of how to get rid of strawberry legs and how to prevent them from making an appearance in the first place.

How to Prevent Strawberry Legs

The old adage applies here, too: an ounce of strawberry legs prevention is worth a pound of cure. But there’s no need to rearrange your whole entire life to avoid strawberry legs, either –  good skincare habits & some small mindful swaps can totally do the trick. (And they’ll be good for you in other ways too!) Here’s our best advice:

#1 Tip: Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine

We’re willing to bet you have a targeted, intentional skincare routine for your face – your legs could really benefit from the same. 

Avoid harsh, drying soaps in the shower, and always shower or bathe with warm (not hot) water.

Exfoliate legs 1-2x each week with a physical exfoliant like the Glow Glove or a gentle chemical exfoliant featuring AHAs or BHAs.

Glow Glove

Exfoliating Body Glove

$20$40

Dry skin is a common culprit of strawberry legs – apply body lotion at least once a day to keep your legs smooth and soft. Always moisturize immediately following shaving and exfoliating, ideally with a body lotion containing gentle, hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.

Shaving Tips for Preventing Strawberry Legs

You might already be way, way too familiar with this, but frequent shaving often causes razor burn, ingrown hairs, or strawberry legs. If shaving is still your #1 hair removal method of choice, here are a few tips to prevent strawberry legs:

• Exfoliate before shaving, either right before or 24 hrs before.
• Use a moisturizing shaving cream to help your razor glide seamlessly against your legs. 
• Replace your razor every 5-10 shaves, and clean it after every use by running it under warm water. 
• Apply lotion right after shaving to prevent your skin from drying out.

Consider Alternatives to Shaving

If you’re a shaving pro who’s still experiencing strawberry legs, it may be worth considering alternative hair removal methods that don’t clog pores. Both in-clinic laser hair removal and IPL handsets like Lumi involve targeting and eliminating individual hair follicles, which means they can work exceptionally well for those with dark and coarse body hair and those who are prone to strawberry legs or folliculitis.

Lifestyle & Preventative Measures

No, eating fewer strawberries won’t decrease your chance of getting strawberry legs – but some habits can help promote skin health.

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet of vegetables, lean proteins, fatty acids, and – yes – fruits. (Strawberries actually can help!)
• Make sure you’re adequately hydrated – skin hydration can work from the inside out.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure – always use SPF 30+ or cover up when your legs will be in direct sunlight.

How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs

As with prevention, getting rid of strawberry legs is a matter of addressing skincare and hair removal habits. It may take some time to see results, but simple swaps can lead to smooth, strawberry-free skin long-term.

Are there any products that quickly reduce the appearance of strawberry legs?

Need to get rid of strawberry legs fast? Time to exfoliate. A gentle yet powerful physical exfoliant can instantly scrub away dead skin cells and minimize clogged pores, revealing healthier, glowier skin. Just one exfoliating sesh may not get rid of strawberry legs altogether, but it can certainly help!

How long does it take to see results from treating strawberry legs?

To treat strawberry legs, follow the same prevention recommendations above – exfoliate weekly, moisturize daily, avoid harsh, drying soaps, and practice proper shaving technique or opt for hair removal alternatives. It may take a few weeks for strawberry legs to disappear, but you’ll likely start seeing results even after exfoliating just once! 

(But even once your strawberry legs start to go away, be sure to continue those good skincare habits to keep them from popping up again!)

What Causes Strawberry Legs? 4 Most Common Causes

1. Shaving

Shaving with a dull razor is the most common cause of strawberry legs, especially when your hair is dark and coarse and your skin is dry.

2. Folliculitis

That’s a fancy word for infected, inflamed hair follicles, usually occurring after hair removal. Folliculitis bumps are often itchy and irritating.

3. Acne

Clogged pores on legs may result in acne, blackheads, and ingrown hairs.

4. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition that is characterized by rough, itchy, and bumpy skin. This usually pops up on people who have dry and flaky skin and is generally found on the arms and thighs. 

When should I see a doctor or dermatologist?

Strawberry legs are obnoxious, but they’re harmless. That being said, if you try these home remedies and don’t see results after 6 weeks, or if you experience additional symptoms like itching, scabbing, irritation, or inflammation, see a doctor or dermatologist. You may have a different condition or infection that resembles strawberry legs.

How often should I exfoliate to prevent strawberry legs?

Exfoliate legs one to two times per week to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil buildup. (Same advice goes for exfoliating your face, btw!) For best results, time your exfoliating sessions to go along with shaving – exfoliate either immediately before shaving or up to 24 hours before.