You know that thing called strawberry skin? It’s that dotted appearance that can show up on certain areas of the body — usually the thighs, buttocks or arms. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re far from alone: it’s actually a very common concern.
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What is strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin is a term used to describe skin with blackheads or enlarged pores that may contain ingrown hairs and impurities. It can occur after hair removal or shaving, when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, causing pores to open up. The result resembles the surface of a strawberry — hence the name.
What causes the strawberry skin effect on legs?
The causes can vary, but here are some of the most common:
Poor shaving or hair removal technique: using a razor with worn or unclean blades can irritate the skin and cause redness and bumps. Pulling hairs during waxing or epilation can also lead to irritation and redness. These reactions can create the appearance of strawberry skin by triggering inflammation around the hair follicles.
Clogged pores: when pores become blocked by impurities, excess sebum, dead skin cells or bacteria, this can lead to skin inflammation and irritation.
- Folliculitis: hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which hairs grow — can become inflamed or infected, causing itching and redness. Folliculitis can produce red or white bumps and small raised spots on the skin, resembling the seeds on a strawberry.
Dry skin: dry skin is more prone to irritation during shaving or hair removal, as it lacks the natural protective barrier that skin oils provide.
How to get rid of the strawberry skin effect?
1- Exfoliation
Start by incorporating regular scrubs into your routine to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause irritation. By sloughing away these cells, exfoliation also helps to smooth the skin’s surface and improve its overall appearance. You can use gentle exfoliants such as sugar, salt or coffee mixed with a vegetable oil. Or opt for the Cellublue Scrub, which helps smooth skin irregularities thanks to its unique blend of olive and apricot kernel particles.
2- Dry brushing
Dry brushing with a brush is a mechanical exfoliation technique that can help reduce the appearance of strawberry skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging blocked pores. By gently brushing the skin with our Massage Brush, you can help boost blood and lymphatic circulation, which may also help reduce the inflammation associated with strawberry skin.
3- Moisturising
It’s also essential to properly moisturise your skin to keep it supple and prevent dryness. When skin is well hydrated, it’s less prone to dryness and dead cell build-up, which helps prevent pore congestion and reduces the appearance of those little dots. Look for a moisturising cream rich in naturally derived ingredients.
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within.
4- Massage
You can also massage your skin with essential oils known for their ability to boost blood circulation. For example, try blending coconut oil with peppermint essential oil and gently massaging it into your skin.
5- Diet
Finally, your diet can play a role in the appearance of strawberry skin. To help reduce inflammation in the body, it’s a good idea to eat foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as berries, nuts and oily fish.