Have you been dealing with blemishes, blackheads, and pigmentation on your face and body? One possible cause could be a condition called strawberry skin or strawberry legs. Don't worry, it's a harmless condition, but it can be frustrating to get rid of on your own, or costly to consult a dermatologist for a non-painful skin condition.
But don't worry, with the right skincare products for the face and body, you can help erase strawberry skin and stop it from forming in the first place. With the right skincare routine, you can keep strawberry skin at bay and enjoy smooth, clear skin. Here we will discuss what are strawberry legs and how to get rid of strawberry skin
What is Strawberry Skin?
Have you noticed dark spots on your skin, particularly on your upper thighs? These spots could be caused by a condition called strawberry skin or strawberry legs. Don't worry, it's completely harmless, but it can be frustrating to deal with. These spots can appear in hair follicles throughout the skin, they may be raised or pitted, but they will always be dark, similar to the colour of strawberry seeds.
Strawberry skin is distinct from other skin disorders such as ingrown hairs, folliculitis or keratosis pilaris. These disorders often come with symptoms like pain, itching, or inflammation.
Strawberry skin can also be the slightly increased visibility in pores that doesn’t result in explicitly dark spots but can contribute to self-consciousness in people who experience it.
What Causes Strawberry Skin?
When you shave, often the hair is cut short but not completely off at the root, leaving a tiny stubble that contributes to an enhanced spotted appearance on the skin. Additionally, dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that cause clogged pores can not only be made worse by shaving but can also oxidize over time, resulting in a darkened appearance of the affected pores.
For those with mild strawberry legs that are especially noticeable after shaving, it could mean you need a closer shave with either a better or newer razor to help trim the hair down as far as possible to the surface of the hair follicle. Dull razors are also infamous for causing irritation, especially on the face, when they’re not sharp or high-quality. To avoid this, we recommend using lukewarm water and gentle shaving cream when shaving, whether in the shower or at your sink. This will help to prevent irritation and make sure you get the closest, most comfortable shave possible, minimizing the appearance of strawberry legs.
Let’s talk about these strawberry legs causes in detail.
1. Shaving
Shaving is one of the main causes of strawberry skin because when the hair is cut short but not completely cut off at the root, it leaves a tiny stubble of hair that contributes to an enhanced spotted appearance on the skin. When hair is shaved, the tip of the hair is cut off, but the hair follicle remains open, and as the hair begins to grow back, it can push through the surface of the skin, creating dark spots. Furthermore, shaving can cause irritation and inflammation, which can worsen the appearance of strawberry skin.
2. Clogged pores
Pores can become clogged with dirt, oils, and dead skin cells, which can cause dark spots to appear on the skin. When the pores are clogged, the sebum and other oils that are produced by the skin can oxidize over time, resulting in a darkened appearance of the affected pores. When this happens, it can make the appearance of strawberry skin more noticeable.
3. Lack of exfoliation
When the dead skin cells are not being removed regularly, they can accumulate on the surface of the skin, clogging the pores and resulting in dark spots.
How to Treat Strawberry Skin
Let us now discuss the strawberry skin treatment in detail.
1. Over-the-counter creams
There are over-the-counter creams and lotions that can help lighten the appearance of dark spots. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and glycolic acid are some of the active ingredients found in these creams that can help to lighten the skin.
2. Laser therapy
In some cases, laser therapy may be used to lighten dark spots. This treatment can be done by a dermatologist and involves using a laser to target the dark spots, breaking down the excess melanin and lightening the appearance of the skin.
3. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves freezing the affected area with liquid nitrogen. This can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots by destroying melanin-producing cells.
Can You Prevent Strawberry Skin?
While there is no guarantee that any treatment will completely eliminate the appearance of strawberry skin, there are ways to reduce the appearance or better manage it with over-the-counter creams, exfoliation, moisturizing, avoiding shaving with dull razors, laser therapy, cryotherapy, avoiding sun exposure, and other methods recommended by dermatologists.
1. Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
2. Moisturise the skin
Keeping the skin moisturized can help to prevent irritation, which can make the appearance of strawberry skin worse.
3. Avoid shaving with dull razors
Shaving with dull razors can cause irritation and make the appearance of strawberry skin worse.
4. Avoid sun exposure
Sun exposure can make the appearance of strawberry skin worse, so it's important to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
How to Use Makeup to Conceal Strawberry Skin
Concealer can be your best friend when it comes to hiding redness and evening out your skin tone. By choosing the right shade and formula, you can conceal redness and create a flawless, beautiful complexion. Here we'll share tips and tricks on how to use concealer to help conceal your strawberry skin and boost your confidence.
Start with a green-tinted primer or color corrector to neutralize redness.
Choose a concealer that suits your skin tone, preferably with full coverage.
Apply the concealer to targeted areas, such as the cheeks and nose, using a brush or your finger.
Blend the concealer well into your skin using a damp beauty sponge.
Set the concealer in place with a sheer, yellow-toned powder.
Finish off with a light layer of foundation and powder to even out your skin tone.
Remember to choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and provides the coverage you need. With these steps, you'll be on your way to a beautiful, even complexion in no time!
You can check out the Lakmé 9to5 Primer+Matte Liquid Concealer which comes with a built-in primer that reduces pores and blurs skin for a smooth base and natural matte finish.
Keep in mind that it's not possible to completely erase the appearance of pores without photoshopping them away. The ideal standard of beauty should be what you feel looks most naturally like you, rather than an impossible standard set by others. Follow these tips and your skin will be soft and smooth.
FAQs on Everything You Need to Know about Strawberry Skin
1. Is strawberry skin harmful?
Strawberry skin is not harmful and does not require any treatment, but in rare cases, it may be associated with underlying medical conditions.
2. What does strawberry skin look like?
Strawberry skin appears as raised, red or purple bumps on the skin. They can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.
3. Can strawberry skin be caused by hair removal methods?
Yes, hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or using razors can cause temporary strawberry skin-like bumps caused by irritation and inflammation of the hair follicles.
4. Can strawberry skin be prevented?
While it's not possible to completely prevent strawberry skin, you can reduce the risk of developing it by avoiding shaving with dull razors, using gentle exfoliants, moisturizing the skin, and avoiding sun exposure.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on Feb 01, 2023