Just about every time we sign onto our social accounts, turn on Netflix, or watch The Real Housewives of Dubai, we *all* see images of perfect, even-toned-looking legs. Why then, are our legs (and a few of our besties) covered with little dark dots? Turns out this condition is known as strawberry legs, and the good news is, that it can be treated.

We chatted with Kate Shapland of Legology to find out more info on this berry-important (#sorry) topic.

strawberry legs

Via Instagram @bertrannajay

Cosmo ME: What are strawberry legs?

Kate Shapland: The term comes from the appearance of the pores on your legs rather than your legs themselves. It’s a condition where pores look dark – so a little like the seeds in strawberries – because the hair follicles have become congested and often inflamed or irritated. (Alprazolam)

C: Why do strawberry legs happen and what skin type is most prone to getting them?

KS: The medical term for this is folliculitis and it can be caused in different ways, including as a result of shaving (especially if body hair is dark), as ingrowing hairs which infect the follicles, or as acne (which extends to the sebaceous glands of hair follicles). Whatever the cause, the effect is to bring redness, darkness, bumpiness, and itchiness to pores which can be noticeable, and the treatment is the same – to deeply cleanse, heal and soothe the area.

Via @legologyofficial on Instagram

C: Can we get rid of or minimise strawberry legs? 

KS: “No matter what the cause, strawberry legs can be treated.  If skin is infected it’s best to consult your GP because you may need an antibiotic, but generally, the advice is to keep the skin clean – so limit the bacteria present on the skin’s surface with an antibacterial cleanser and even moisturiser, and after a bath or shower be sure to apply moisturiser to skin to keep it soft.  It’s best to give leg shaving a miss for a few days while you treat the area, and when you start again remember to shave in a way that won’t aggravate the skin.”  

C: What products should we use?

KS: GPs normally recommend antibacterial skincare products if the skin is inflamed and irritated – usually products containing ingredients like tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide; if not, a fine body exfoliator and light moisturiser will help to limit the condition and restore healthy skin. Be gentle with exfoliation though, massage it into the skin in small circles. Body brushing helps greatly too; don’t use your brush to scrub at the skin, just flick it lightly over your skin before, during, or after a bath or shower, then moisturise with a light lotion.

C: Is there anything else we can do to treat strawberry legs?

KS: Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea and it can certainly help bring clarity and glow to your skin.  It can help to avoid sugar because this tends to aggravate congestion that occurs due to hormone activity or gut imbalances. 

Avoid tweezing hairs – this can be a bit tough on the skin and can cause pore irritation, and avoid shaving at least until you’ve restored the equilibrium. When you start shaving again, apply warm water to the skin first to soften it before you shave, shave with the grain of your hair instead of against it, use a shaving cream or gel and try not to pull your skin tight when you shave. 

Try to keep your skin cool and avoid wearing too-tight clothes – leggings, tights and even skinny jeans can aggravate if you’re prone to strawberry legs.  

One other route worth trying if the condition persists – especially in the form of acne, is laser or light therapy, or a chemical peel.  Most important though, is to endeavour to clear strawberry legs up quickly so it doesn’t scar or extend to other areas of your body.

To treat strawberry legs, Legology products can be purchased at beautysolutions-me.com.