How To Get Rid Of Strawberry Legs, According To A Dermatologist

The key to eliminating noticeable dark spots is to exfoliate and moisturize. Here are the best products to use.
Getty Images/CherriesJD

Though it sounds like a snack you can only find on eBay or a peculiar indie rock single, “strawberry legs” is a term that actually has nothing to do with eating acidic red fruit or music. Instead, it refers to the strawberry-like appearance of some people’s legs.

Unlike other unique skin care trend names like jello skin and slugging, strawberry legs are typically not sought after; there’s a ton of TikTok videos on how to get rid of them. But as someone who has them — and hadn’t realized there’s a name for them — I was interested in the possibility of making mine less noticeable. I set out on a journey to learn more about strawberry legs and started by chatting with Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers.

So, what exactly are strawberry legs?

“Strawberry legs refers to the accentuation of the pores or hair follicles that can appear on the legs as a result of other conditions,” Garshick said. “This can make the legs appear similar to a strawberry.”

These conditions include folliculitis (the inflammation of hair follicles), pseudofolliculitis (ingrown hairs) and keratosis pilaris.

What causes strawberry legs?

“Simply having dark or coarse hair can predispose you to strawberry legs, as when the hair is shaved, it can still leave behind a dark dot that appears visible since the hair is a darker color,” Garshick said.

In addition to your hair color and texture making you more susceptible to the appearance of darker pores, you may also see a strawberry-like effect if your pores are clogged.

“If the pores become clogged with dead skin, oil or debris and are open, then they are exposed to the air and oxidize and turn dark,” Garshick said. “This is what happens with a blackhead and why it is known as an open comedone and can give rise to the strawberry appearance.”

How do you treat them?

Since having strawberry legs isn’t technically a condition, but is rather a side effect of other skin situations, the best way to reduce the appearance of it is to examine your general skincare routine, including how you shave.

“Make sure to shave in the direction of the hair or with the grain to minimize irritation and the potential for ingrown hairs, and ensure your skin is damp,” Garshick said. “It is also important to use a shaving cream to minimize friction and use a razor that is sharp. If the blade is dull, it can increase the chance of irritation.”

Aside from upgrading your shaving routine, incorporating exfoliants into your skin on a regular basis can aid in reducing the likelihood of having strawberry legs.

“It can help to gently exfoliate the skin on the legs to help eliminate dead skin cells. This can be done with an alpha hydroxy acid (such as lactic acid or glycolic acid), or a beta hydroxy acid (such as salicylic acid), which also helps to unclog the pores,” Garshick said.

And if you suffer from keratosis pilaris and are no stranger to the annoying bumps it causes that further emphasize the strawberry nature of your skin, Garshick explained there’s one additional step you should definitely prioritize.

“While exfoliating dead skin cells is important, it’s also important to moisturize your skin as well to keep it soft and smooth,” Garshick said. “Harsh or abrasive scrubs can actually be irritating and make the skin more inflamed or red.”

Below, you’ll find Garshick’s top product picks for reducing the appearance of strawberry legs that will leave your skin hydrated and polished.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
Amazon
Eucerin Roughness Relief lotion
This rich lotion is formulated specifically for dry skin and delivers 48 hours of hydration. It contains urea for exfoliation and other moisturizing ingredients (in other words, amino acids that are found naturally in your skin) that relieve rough, bumpy skin.
2
Ulta
Bliss Texture Takedown skin smoothing body butter
Designed for bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris, this daily-use body butter has 10% alpha-hydroxy acids and squalane that moisturizes and softens your skin, in addition to preventing irritation and helping fade the look of dark spots.
3
Amazon
Glytone KP kit
Another option for those with keratosis pilaris, this kit includes an exfoliating body wash and lotion that help to soften and smooth your skin, improving the overall texture on your legs. Both products use glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and alleviate rough and dry patches.
4
Target
Eos Shea Better pomegranate raspberry shave cream
As Garshick mentioned, shaving properly can reduce the look of strawberry legs. She recommends this delicious-smelling shaving cream to help reduce the friction between your skin and the razor blade, minimizing the potential for irritation or ingrown hairs.
5
Amazon
CeraVe salicylic acid cream for rough and bumpy skin
If you’re interested in a cream that contains salicylic and lactic acid, this one works to eliminate dead skin cells while also unclogging your pores. It's also formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which helps to hydrate and calm your skin.
6
Amazon
Amlactin daily moisturizing lotion
In case you haven't noticed the trend, most products geared toward rough and bumpy skin can help with strawberry legs, and such is the case with this moisturizing lotion. The lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin and will leave your skin smooth, soft and hydrated.
7
Target
Dove gentle exfoliating nourishing body wash
If you prefer a physical exfoliant, this body wash contains sea minerals and moisturizing ingredients to remove dead skin and leave you feeling and looking revitalized.
8
Thirteen Lune
Selfmade True Grit resilience scrub
As a sufferer of strawberry legs and sensitive skin, this gentle exfoliant is my editor's pick. Though it can be used to exfoliate your scalp, I only use it on the rest of my body. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like holy basil and microfine bamboo powder that acts as a physical exfoliator and doesn't get trapped in your pores. It also has vitamin C to brighten your skin and reduce the look of strawberry legs.
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