‘Strawberry Legs’: What is This Pesky Skin Issue and How Do You Manage it?

Share the love!

Main image – Studiofirma/Stocksy

Have you ever noticed your legs sometimes look like a strawberry? Now there’s a sentence you don’t write every day. But seriously, IYKYK.

Strawberry legs are when the follicles on your legs resemble the little seed holes on a strawberry. It’s nothing to be ashamed of – in fact, it couldn’t be more normal if it tried. However, if it’s been bothering you and you want to know more, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, board certified dermatologists Dr Hannah Kopelman and Dr Paul Farrant, and dermatologist and medical director of EUDELO Dermatology & Skin Wellbeing, Dr Stefanie Williams, break down everything you ever wanted to know about strawberry legs.

Who gets them? What causes them? And how do you treat your legs so that they can be less bumpy strawberry, more smooth peach?! Keep scrolling to find out.

What are strawberry legs?

‘Strawberry legs’ isn’t an ‘official’ term, but more of a nickname, Dr Kopelman says. “What people are really seeing are visible hair follicles or pores that become more prominent, especially after shaving,” she explains.

Dr Farrant adds that these open pores or hair follicle openings “have become clogged with oil, dead skin or trapped hair, making them look darker than the surrounding skin.”

A fashionable woman drinking coffee and eating bread outside her house in the morning sun with plants in her side. | Live That Glow

Image – Elizaavles/Stocksy

“When you stroke the skin, it feels rough,” adds Dr Williams. “It’s similar to KP, keratosis pilaris, another form of follicular keratosis, but often combined with follicular discoloration.”

Does everyone get them?

No, but it is still very common. “People with thicker body hair, larger pores, or a tendency towards dry skin or keratosis pilaris are more likely to notice them,” Dr Farrant explains. “Women often report them after shaving, especially when using blunt razors or skipping exfoliation.”

Genetics are a consideration too, according to Dr Williams. “Genetic factors also play a role in keratinisation patterns and with that the risk of this condition appearing,” she says.

What causes it?

Clogged pores and dead skin build up causing issues with the skin – sound familiar? Strawberry legs can start the same way as a breakout on your face.

Also, “shaving [your legs] with a dull razor or not using dedicated shaving gel or foam can make the problem worse, as it leaves hair stubble and irritates the follicles,” says Dr Farrant.

“Sometimes ingrown hairs or folliculitis play a role too,” adds Dr Kopelman.

Can you every permanently get rid of it?

In a word, no. “While you can significantly improve the appearance and achieve smooth-looking legs, ‘permanently’ is challenging because the underlying causes often persist if you continue shaving,” explains Dr Williams.

“However, proper skincare and hair removal techniques can maintain results long-term. Laser hair removal may provide more lasting relief.”

How to treat your strawberry legs

Though it’s not a forever fix, exfoliation is the best place to start if you want to manage strawberry legs.

“At home, start with gentle exfoliation using chemical exfoliants like Alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA), such as glycolic or lactic acid, or Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid),” advises Dr Farrant. “These are proven to help clear clogged pores and prevent ingrown hairs.”

skincare lotion and gels textures | Live That Glow

Image – Leandrocrespi/Stocksy

Hydration is also key. “Daily moisturising keeps skin soft and reduces roughness,” he says. “I recommend using body lotions with salicylic acid or lactic acid to gently exfoliate and following with a rich moisturiser, especially ones containing urea,” adds Dr Kopelman.

“Shaving with a sharp, clean razor in the direction of hair growth (down on the limbs) and using shaving cream to protect the skin also makes a big difference,” explains Dr Farrant.

What about in a clinic setting? “Treatments such as laser hair removal target the root cause by reducing hair growth, while professional chemical peels or microdermabrasion improve skin texture and tone,” he adds.

And Dr Kopelman agrees. “For more stubborn cases, in-office treatments such as chemical peels or laser hair removal can make a dramatic difference,” she says.

How long until you see results?

Luckily not too long. “With consistent exfoliation and moisturising, many patients notice an improvement in as little as two to four weeks,” says Dr Kopelman.

“While in-office treatments such as laser hair removal take several sessions over a few months to achieve maximum improvement,” adds Dr Farrant.

The ingredients you’ll want to include in your routine

Glycolic acid/Salicylic acid: “These exfoliate inside the pores and prevent blockages,” says Dr Farrant.
Lactic acid: “Especially if your skin is sensitive as it hydrates while exfoliating.”
Urea: “Helpful for smoothing roughness,” he says.
Retinoids: “Encourage cell turnover and improve skin texture over time.”
Non-comedogenic moisturisers: “To keep the skin barrier healthy and prevent further irritation.”

The takeaway

So, whilst strawberry legs don’t need to be fixed, it’s good to know how to manage yours if they’re making you feel particularly self-conscious. Remember, exfoliation and hydration are key and re-think your shaving routine if you’re prone to using a blunt razor. It might save money not to buy a new one just yet, but using an old one could be irritating your follicles.

Remember the ingredients to add into your body care routine, particularly glycolic and salicylic acid for exfoliation and for a more long-term solution and if your budget allows, book in for some hair laser removal if you want to go down the professional route.