Strawberry legs (otherwise known as comedones) are those little dark bumps you get on your legs that look similar to the seeds on the skin of a strawberry. They’re often confused with a shaving rash, but they are actually caused by clogged pores and hair follicles. While improper shaving habits (like using a dull razor) could cause ingrown hairs creating the dark spots, strawberry legs can also be a result of dry skin, acne or folliculitis. It’s a condition more commonly found in people with darker skin, however, anyone can be affected. Thankfully, here are some easy ways to treat your skin to get rid of any unwanted blemishes.
Baking soda
Make a paste out of baking soda and warm water (about 1 tablespoon of soda per 1 teaspoon of water) and apply it to your legs on the problem area. Let it sit for about three to five minutes before rinsing off the mixture with cold water. The baking soda works as an anti-inflammatory and also exfoliates the area. If you want to add more texture to make this paste more effective, add a tablespoon of ground oatmeal. Repeat each day and notice results.
Sugar scrub
To open up your clogged pores while also providing soothing moisture, make a scrub out of brown sugar and aloe vera. Start with about 2 tablespoons of sugar and add the aloe gel until you form a thick paste. You can also make a scrub using a cup of sugar and a half cup of oil (coconut, olive, avocado… your choices are endless). Add a few squeezes of lemon or choose your favorite essential oil for a simple yet effective exfoliator.
Aspirin
You can also use aspirin to make a paste that can lighten the color of the dark spots on your leg. This method is most effective for strawberry legs caused by acne because it reduces inflammation, but the powder can also act to exfoliate the area. Mash up two capsules and mix with a few drops of water. Apply to your legs and rinse off after about two to three minutes.
Moisturize
After using one of the above methods to clean out and clear up your skin, keep your skin hydrated to prevent dead skin cells from plugging your newly opened pores. By regularly applying lotion to your skin, you protect and nourish it. Additionally, treating your legs periodically to an oil massage can also help combat the symptoms of comedones. Mix a couple teaspoons of castor oil with aloe vera or add a few drops of tea tree oil to olive oil. Coconut or almond oil mixed with sandalwood oil also make a great blend. Massage your mixture onto your legs for about five minutes.
Out with the old
Since the blemishes are mostly caused by obstructed vesicles in your skin, there are simple actions you can take that require very little effort. First, get rid of dull razor blades that may be causing you to develop ingrown hairs. How often you replace your blade will depend on how often you use it. If you store your blade in a cool, dry place between uses, you can help prevent rust which will cause it to last longer. If you use a loofa or a washcloth when you bathe, make sure to switch it out frequently so you’re not introducing bacteria or dead skin cells onto your newly washed skin.
Sources:
Beverly Hills MD. (2018, February 7). HOW TO GET RID OF STRAWBERRY LEGS (8 REMEDIES TO TRY). Retrieved April 6, 2018, from Beverly Hills MD: https://beverlyhillsmd.com/how-to-get-rid-of-strawberry-legs/
Durable Health. (2017). Strawberry Legs, Get Rid, Before and After, Rash, Cure & Prevention. Retrieved April 6, 2018, from Durable Health: https://durablehealth.net/skin/strawberry-legs-get-rid/
Health Rave. (2018). How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs. Retrieved April 2018, from Health Rave: https://healthrave.org/skin/how-to-get-rid-of-strawberry-legs/
Jillee. (2016, August 17). HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE EXFOLIATING SCRUB FOR YOUR SMOOTHEST LEGS EVER. Retrieved April 6, 2018, from One Good Thing: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-make-exfoliating-scrub-for-silky-smooth-legs
Sullivan, L. (2017, July 20). How to get rid of Strawberry Legs, Fast, Home Remedies. Retrieved April 6, 2018, from SkinCare: https://www.skincareorg.com/strawberry-legs/get-rid-dark-strawberry-gets-dark-pores-legs-fast/
