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Battling clogged pores that won’t budge? Two dermatologists serve the facts on how to get smooth, spotless skin, so you can step into your summer wardrobe without feeling self-conscious…
Summary
1What are strawberry legs?
They look like little bumps or dark marks on your legs that are usually because of clogged pores or hair follicles. Sometimes they look...
2Are strawberry legs more common in summer?
They can be because we usually shave more in the warmer months. Plus, in these months we usually sweat more and clog our pores with sunscreen. They...
3How to prevent strawberry legs?
“Make sure to exfoliate regularly to help remove dead skin cells, this can help to prevent oil or debris from clogging your pores. Always use a...
Ever gone through the whole rigmarole of shaving – slathering on foam and unboxing a fresh razor – only to find your silky-smooth legs are giving... strawberry vibes?
If social media is anything to go by, you’re definitely not alone. The hashtag #strawberrylegs has racked up over 145 million views on TikTok in recent months, and while those dark dots on your legs are usually nothing to be concerned about, they can be a real nuisance if you’re currently planning to ditch the winter tights.
So, what actually causes strawberry legs? Can you get rid of strawberry legs? And how do you stop strawberry legs from coming back? We called in the dermatology pros to clear up your questions…
What are strawberry legs?
Nope, ‘strawberry legs’ aren’t the latest viral beauty trend, but the nickname (actual term is keratosis pilaris) given to the dark dots that can crop up on your skin after shaving, often likened to the appearance of strawberry seeds.
“Strawberry legs are usually the result of clogged pores or hair follicles1 that create the appearance of tiny bumps or dark marks on the legs,” explains Dr Ross Perry, dermatologist and founder of Cosmedics. “They tend to look like pitted spots or blackheads, and are often most noticeable on freshly shaved skin, when open or clogged pores are easier to see.”
While Dr Perry assures they’re completely harmless,1 strawberry legs can be a cosmetic worry for many people, particularly during the warm summer months when extra skin is on show.
Are strawberry legs more common in summer?
Absolutely, they can be. Mainly because we tend to shave more frequently in the warmer months, which Dr Perry says can open the pores and highlight follicles blocked with debris.
“Strawberry legs become more noticeable in summer because people are more likely to shave regularly, wear lighter clothing and expose more skin,” he notes. “People with lighter skin tones tend to be more affected.”
Perry adds that heat, excess sweat and oily sunscreen can also contribute to pore blockages, and if you’re neglecting to exfoliate regularly, that can also show up on your skin too.2
So while underlying causes of strawberry legs can be present all year round, they’re definitely more likely to flare up when the mercury rises and our habits change.
What’s the best way to prevent strawberry legs?
Exfoliate regularly
Removing dead skin cells can help to prevent oil or debris from clogging your pores.3 “Exfoliation is very important for minimising strawberry legs, yet it’s often a step that people skip,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical director and founder of ZKIN.
Instead of reaching for a gritty scrub, she recommends going down the gentle route instead: “I always suggest a mild chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid, it’s one of my favourites for smoothing the skin without irritation.”
Use a clean, sharp razor
When was the last time you changed your razor head? Generally, most blades are designed to last for roughly five to seven shaves, but many of us are guilty of pushing them way past their prime.
“Shaving with a dull blade or without proper prep can irritate your skin and open pores further,4 making strawberry legs appear darker,” notes Dr Perry. “Make sure to invest in a clean, sharp razor, use moisturising shave gel and always shave in the direction of hair growth.”
Moisturise the right way
When it comes to banishing fruity leg texture, hydration is key, as dry skin can make everything more noticeable.
“Using a moisturiser rich in urea (a keratolytic agent that breaks down dead skin cells) or ceramides can soften rough patches and help strengthen your skin barrier,” says Ejikeme.
Turn down your shower temperature
If you’re chasing smoother skin this summer, it might be time to rethink your scorching-hot shower habits.
“I always recommend using warm water over hot,” stresses Dr Ejikeme, “as excessively hot showers strip natural oils, making skin drier5 and issues like strawberry legs more noticeable.”
Consider different hair removal methods
Hair removal can be messy, time-consuming business, and shaving often brings along unwanted side effects like ingrown hairs, as well as strawberry legs.
“Epilation can be a good alternative, as it removes hairs from the root, which means there’s less exposure of the pore,” explains Dr Perry. “Laser hair removal is another great option for people prone to strawberry legs. Over time, it permanently reduces hair growth, which in turn minimises the chance of clogged pores and follicle-related bumps.”
Our favourite products for tackling strawberry legs
Q+A
€8.49
€3.40/100 ml
If you can’t be bothered with the faff of exfoliating, save time by investing in a body wash that does the hard work for you. This gel-based formula contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient6 that works to exfoliate pores, brighten the skin and help improve your overall skin texture.
“When it comes to strawberry legs, you definitely want to avoid harsh scrubbing at all costs,” affirms Dr Ejikeme. “I’d recommend switching to chemical exfoliation instead.”
Scented with a juicy blend of watermelon and agave, this refreshing wash also contains soothing white willow bark extract, calming aloe vera and antioxidant-rich green tea to leave post-shave pins feeling cool and calm. Just simply massage directly into wet skin, avoiding contact with your eyes and rinse clean.
Q+A
€10.50
€4.20/100 ml
As we’ve already discussed, chemical exfoliants are your ticket to baby-soft skin, and this body scrub combines a blend of multiple ingredients to refine texture and boost suppleness.
“Exfoliation is the best treatment for strawberry legs, and AHAs are particularly useful for removing the top layers of dead surface skin and debris,” says Dr Perry.
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are water-soluble acids that work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, making it easier for them to shed naturally.7 Inside each tube, you’ll find a hardworking duo of lactic acid and glycolic acid, along with a physical exfoliant made from upcycled corn.
Simply massage gently into wet skin and rinse clean.
Q+A
€10.00
€7.50
€3.00/100 ml
After you’ve done the hard work lathering up with your active exfoliants, you’ll want to lock in hydration, and this clever lotion is made to be applied to damp skin straight out of the shower, when your body’s at it’s most absorbent.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, a type of humectant that draws moisture from the environment to the top layer of the skin, which helps support your skin barrier. You’ll also find nourishing avocado oil, fast-absorbing hazelnut oil and strengthening prebiotics in the mix to keep skin soft and balanced.
“After shaving, it’s important to moisturise the legs. However, the key thing is not to rub in your moisturiser, but apply it in a north to south wiping direction, so that it doesn't go against the grain of the hair follicles,” Dr Perry advises.
So, make sure to massage it into wet skin after showering then towel dry as normal.
Q+A
€13.00
€9.75
€3.90/100 ml
Think of this handy lotion as your skin's reset button. If you're dealing with bumpy texture, blemishes or other unwanted body blemishes (hello, strawberry legs), this lotion will be your new BFF.
Salicylic acid8 is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), a type of active ingredient that works a little deeper than AHAs. It’s oil-soluble, which means it works deep into pores to clear out build-up and help keep spots at bay. “Products containing salicylic acid help reduce the build-up of sebum,8 which is predominantly what’s sitting in clogged or open pores,” notes Dr Perry.
Alongside actives, this lotion is balanced with calming colloidal oatmeal and white willow bark extract to help reduce redness, plus moisture-boosting Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated after you’ve massaged into your clean skin.
We recommend doing a patch test on the above products before use to avoid any irritation.
The final say
Strawberry legs might be common, but as our experts prove, they’re easier to smooth away than you might think.
With the right exfoliation, smart shaving habits and a moisturising routine that actually works, you can absolutely keep blocked pores at bay. No more sweating through the good summer weather in stuffy trousers…
Up next? How to get rid of a heat rash.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- Keratosis pilaris [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/
- Sweat - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Internet]. www.sciencedirect.com. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/sweat
- Șoimița Emiliana Măgerușan, Hancu G, Rusu A. A Comprehensive Bibliographic Review Concerning the Efficacy of Organic Acids for Chemical Peels Treating Acne Vulgaris. Molecules. 2023 Oct 22;28(20):7219–9.
- Boodoo C, Dragos Duta, Swift N, Hunter P, Khimchenko A, Leung G, et al. Multispectral near‐infrared spectroscopy study evaluating the effect of razor design on shaving‐induced erythema. Skin Research and Technology. 2024 Jan 26;30(2).
- Tinto WF, Elufioye TO, Roach J. Waxes. Pharmacognosy. 2017;443–55.
- Lynch SA, Schwarz KA. Chemical Peeling and Dermabrasion. Elsevier eBooks [Internet]. 2010 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 14];549–53. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/chemexfoliation
- Green BA, Yu RJ, Van Scott EJ. Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids. Clinics in Dermatology [Internet]. 2009 Sep 1;27(5):495–501. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X09001564
- Salicylic Acid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Internet]. www.sciencedirect.com. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/salicylic-acid
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