Irritated hair follicles dotting legs with small, uniform dark or red spots (resembling strawberry seeds) are always a hot topic on skincare social media during this time of year. Strawberry skin is especially visible after shaving, but unlike razor burn, it isn’t painful. It’s just more of an aesthetic pain point. |
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| Upper Leg |
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Upper Leg |
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| Lower Leg |
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Lower Leg |
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It’s important to remember that strawberry skin is just a natural accentuation of the hair follicle, not a medical condition like acne. |
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By identifying the cause of the irritation, lessening the appearance of strawberry skin is certainly possible. |
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By identifying the cause of the irritation, lessening the appearance of strawberry skin is certainly possible. |
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Shaving is the usual suspect, as it opens up pores and follicles, creating an ideal environment for oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria to build up.
Other contributors include tight clothing, humid climates, and staying in sweaty clothes post-workout. If your skin is prone to darkening from minor scarring, sun exposure can make things worse—exacerbating hyperpigmentation and making those tiny dots even more stubborn.
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STRAWBERRY SKIN Quick facts
variety bag |
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The two keys to treating strawberry skin? Avoiding irritation and keeping skin soft. |
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Chemical exfoliation is especially helpful in flushing out pores—look for formulas with soothing ingredients as well. |
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Dull razors are bad for everything. Keep your blade fresh and shave with warm water for a smooth glide and less irritation. |
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Avoid pore-clogging buildup by showering immediately after a workout. At the very least, take off sweaty gym clothes ASAP to avoid trapping grime against skin. |
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| The two keys to treating strawberry skin? Avoiding irritation and keeping skin soft. | | Chemical exfoliation is especially helpful in flushing out pores—look for formulas with soothing ingredients as well. | | Dull razors are bad for everything. Keep your blade fresh and shave with warm water for a smooth glide and less irritation. | | Avoid pore-clogging buildup by showering immediately after a workout. At the very least, take off sweaty gym clothes ASAP to avoid trapping grime against skin. |
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See our deep-dive into potential causes, treatments, and more expert body skin advice on Mass Index. |
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Resemble a smoother fruit: a de-seeding routine |
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Resemble a smoother fruit:
a de-seeding routine |
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