Buff Away Bumps With Physical Exfoliants
Don’t forget to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.
For some people, however, physical exfoliation can worsen strawberry legs.
“Exfoliate with caution,” says Dr. Zalka.
Stocksy
If you’re sensitive to salicylic acid, she suggests products containinglactic acidorglycolic acidas an alternative.
Key Ingredients
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that loosens bonds between dead skin cells.
It helps stimulate collagen production and acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin.
We love body scrubs that combine powerful AHAs and BHAs with crushed physical exfoliants for a 360 experience.
Most importantly, Dr. Zalka says to never dry shave your legs.
“Only shave with a shave gel, cream, or other lubricating product.
Also, regularly change your shaver as a dull blade can contribute to the problem,” she adds.
Use a razor that provides a closer shavewithout forcing the hair to snap back and cause ingrown hairs.
Avoid passing over the same area too many times, which will irritate the skin.
Also, be careful not to stretch your skin tight while shaving.
Apart from making your body appear more radiant, the antioxidants will also protect your skin against free radicals.
Try Waxing
Waxingis one of the most common and effective hair removal techniques.
It’s also a viable solution for nipping strawberry legs in the bud.
When it comes to waxing, call a professional.
This peel does not need to be rinsed off," she says.
This helps to soothe and hydrate your skin and keeps your pores clear."
That being said, not all strawberry legs are the result of hair follicles.
Some are due to enlarged pores or keratosis pilaris.
Lasers also dry out the skin, which can make strawberry legs more prominent.
So if you do target pigment with lasers, be sure to moisturize after.
Soothe With Warm Compresses
If a flareup does occur, treat the skin with a soothing routine.
She also suggests applyinghypochlorous acid sprayto the affected areas.
“Avoid wearing very tight or restrictive clothing which might exacerbate strawberry skin,” adds Dr. Zalka.
Consider Cortisone
For more extreme measures, Dr. Zalka suggests reaching for topical steroids.
“For short-term software (only like 3-5 days), applyCeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream,” she explains.
Laser therapy can also help, though it will require several treatments.
Ingrown hairs or clogged pores should clear up on their own within a few days.
“DO NOT pick the lesions as this can lead to infection and/or scarring.”
Cleveland Clinic.Q&A: expert explains best way to handle your ingrown hair.
Updated February 10, 2020. doi:10.1007/s00403-021-02283-2
Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
