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Must Try: A Beauty Expert's 3-Step Guide To Dealing With "Strawberry Legs"

Alexandra Engler
Author:
September 07, 2024
Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
By Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior beauty and lifestyle director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
Woman scrubbing her legs
Image by Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
September 07, 2024
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Smooth, glowing, soft skin is the ultimate goal. I'm constantly slathering on creams and tonics in pursuit of a glowing complexion—face and body, included. One area I particularly struggle with is my legs.

For some reason, my legs have always been quite dry and even appear rough, splotchy, and red. While I can go months without thinking about it (ahem, the winter months), once I start to show a bit more skin, they're top of mind.

Well, a few years ago I discovered there's a name for my skin's appearance: strawberry skin. It's a fairly apt description: dotted visible pores, resembling the seeds of a strawberry. While redness isn't necessarily part of it, it can be as it is with my skin.

These teeny dots are hair follicles clogged with dead skin cells and oil and can happen as a result of hair removal. Some folks are more prone to these than others, and I just happen to be one of those lucky individuals. 

Well, recently I've figured out how to manage it—all thanks to a superstar hydrating product, mindbodygreen's body lotion. Here, my three-step routine for dealing with strawberry legs: 

1.

Exfoliate just before shaving 

It's best practice to exfoliate before shaving. "Gentle exfoliation can help [loosen] the free edge of hairs that may be trapped under the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. "This can give you a smoother shave and lower the likelihood of razor bumps or irritation." And on a practical level, you'll just get a better shave.

I like Kora Organics' Invigorating Body Scrub, which uses mineral powder and sugar for a very gentle physical exfoliant. It's also infused with certified organic turmeric for brightening properties. However, if scrubs aren't your thing, there are many ways to exfoliate the legs: dry brushing, AHA body treatments, or even an exfoliating loofah. 

2.

Shave with a fresh, sensitive-skin-safe razor 

Razor quality can make all the difference with your skin. I opt for razors developed for those with sensitive skin, as they cause less irritation.

To find the best razor for sensitive skin, there are a few elements you'll want to look out for: multiple sharp blades (so it can catch the hairs in one glide); a flexible, ergonomic head; and some even deposit moisturizing ingredients (like shea butter) as they float over your skin. Check out our favorite razors for sensitive skin here.

I'm also meticulous about swapping out my razor every five or so shaves—old, dull blades are not only ineffective, but they're not great for the skin. 

3.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Dry, dehydrated skin can lead to strawberry skin.

Look for body creams with botanical butters, oils, and barrier-supporting extracts. A favorite natural ingredient that supports skin hydration: shea butter has been shown to seal moisture into the skin and protect the skin barrier1.

One study even suggests it has similar topical effects to ceramides2—or the polar lipids naturally found in your epidermis that are responsible for sealing your skin barrier. 

The mango seed butter is another natural option that's source of vitamin C, the brightening and collagen-boosting antioxidant. There's also vitamin E to fight off free radical damage and aloe for additional brightening properties. 

The takeaway

We all have our own unique skin issues and needs from hyperpigmentation to crepey appearance to strawberry skin. For the most part, many of these concerns are harmless (meaning, they're a relatively normal function of the skin and aren't something to be alarmed about).

However, they can certainly affect how you feel about yourself, as I know it does me. With this three-step routine, I'm able to better manage it—and feel much better about my legs. 

We all have our own unique skin issues and needs from hyperpigmentation to crepey appearance to strawberry skin. For the most part, many of these concerns are harmless (meaning, they're a relatively normal function of the skin and aren't something to be alarmed about).

However, they can certainly affect how you feel about yourself, as I know it does me. With this three-step routine, I'm able to better manage it—and feel much better about my legs. 

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