How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs: A Practical Body Care Routine That Works

If you’re tired of dealing with dark pores, bumpy texture, or rough skin on your legs, you’re not alone. Strawberry legs—a term used to describe the appearance of dark spots or dots that resemble the skin of a strawberry—are common, especially among women with thick or coarse body hair, sensitive skin, or those prone to keratosis pilaris (also called chicken skin). These spots can be frustrating, especially when you want to wear shorts or dresses or just feel confident in your own skin.

This blog post walks you through what causes strawberry legs, how to treat it effectively, and what kind of routine can help keep your legs smooth, clear, and soft over time. The routine and tips shared here are based on research, experience, and tried-and-true products that work well for sensitive and dry skin types.

What Causes Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs usually happen when pores or hair follicles get clogged with dirt, bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells. When these get oxidized, they appear dark or black, creating a dot-like appearance on your skin. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Clogged Pores: Just like your face, your legs can have open comedones (blackheads) when the pores get clogged.
• Shaving with a Dull Razor: Using an old or dull blade can irritate the skin, cause razor burns, and make hair follicles more visible.
• Ingrown Hairs: When hair grows back into the skin instead of out of the follicle, it can cause bumps and dark spots.
• Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): A condition where excess keratin builds up and clogs hair follicles, leading to rough, bumpy skin.
• Dry Skin: Lack of moisture makes the skin more likely to trap debris in the pores.
• Lack of Proper Exfoliation: Dead skin cells that aren’t removed regularly can build up and cause clogged pores.

Knowing what’s causing your strawberry legs is the first step. The next step is to build a consistent body care routine that addresses those issues head-on.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that shows up as tiny, rough bumps—usually on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or legs. These bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects your skin. When too much keratin accumulates, it clogs hair follicles and causes small, sometimes red or brown, bumps to appear.

It’s not harmful or contagious, but it can be frustrating, especially if you want smooth skin.

What Causes It?

Keratosis pilaris is usually genetic. If someone in your family has it, there’s a higher chance you might develop it, too. It’s also more common in people with:

• Dry skin
• Eczema or atopic dermatitis
• Asthma or hay fever (due to shared inflammatory traits)

The condition tends to get worse in the winter months when the air is dry, and your skin loses more moisture.

What Makes It Worse?

Some things can make keratosis pilaris more visible or harder to manage:

• Skipping moisturizer: Dry skin causes more keratin buildup.
• Over-exfoliating: This can inflame the area and make the bumps redder.
• Tight clothing: Friction from clothes can irritate the skin and make the bumps worse.
• Hot showers: These strip natural oils from the skin, which makes dryness and keratin buildup worse.

Is There a Cure?

There’s no permanent cure for keratosis pilaris, but it’s very manageable with the right products and routine. Regular exfoliation and deep hydration help soften the bumps and improve your skin’s appearance over time. AHAs (like lactic or glycolic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid) are especially helpful when used in body lotions or creams.

Symptoms of Strawberry Legs

• Small dark dots or spots on the legs
• Rough, uneven skin texture
• Bumps that feel like sandpaper (especially around thighs and calves)
• Dry or flaky skin
• Ingrown hairs or red irritated follicles

If you notice these symptoms, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with strawberry legs, but the good news is you can treat it with consistent body care.

Strawberry Legs Skin Care Routine That Works

Consistency is key. Here’s a routine you can follow 3 to 4 times a week, with some daily habits for hydration and protection.

1. Dry Brushing Before Shower

Dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow, and prep your legs for exfoliation. Use a natural bristle brush and gently brush upward toward your heart.

• Do this 1-2 times per week
• Use gentle pressure—don’t scrub too hard
• Follow immediately with your shower routine

2. Exfoliate in the Shower with an Asian Exfoliating Mitt

One of the best ways to physically exfoliate is with a Korean or Asian exfoliating mitt. These mitts are more effective than loofahs or scrubs for removing dead skin.

• Soak your skin in warm water for 10-15 minutes first
• Gently scrub using circular motions
• Focus on areas with visible dots or roughness
• Use only 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation

3. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Avoid harsh soaps. Instead, go for a body wash that’s fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a solid choice. It keeps your skin barrier intact and doesn’t strip away natural oils.

4. Moisturize Right After Showering

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps. It helps lock in hydration and supports the skin barrier.

• Use CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream – it contains salicylic acid and ceramides to gently exfoliate and restore the skin barrier.
• Apply while your skin is still damp for better absorption

5. Always Use a Clean, Sharp Razor

Shaving can make or break your body care routine. One of the biggest tips that often gets overlooked is switching to a men’s razor. This small change can seriously improve your shave. Men’s razors are typically designed with sharper blades and more precision since they’re made to handle coarse facial hair. That means you get a closer shave with fewer passes, which reduces irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps.

• Use a fresh men’s razor with a moisturizing strip and multiple blades.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Rinse your blade often while shaving.
• Never shave dry skin.

6. Sunscreen on Exposed Legs

If your legs are exposed to the sun, don’t skip SPF. Sun damage can make dark spots worse.

• Use a body sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Reapply if you’re spending time outdoors

Best Products for Strawberry Legs

Here’s a list of effective products that many people have had success with. These products are easy to find and work well for sensitive and dry skin:

• CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream – gentle exfoliation with salicylic acid
• Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion – contains lactic acid to exfoliate and deeply hydrate rough, dry skin
• Korean Italy Exfoliating Mitt – removes dead skin without harsh scrubbing
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash – fragrance-free and non-drying
• Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub – great for occasional use, not daily
• Tend Skin Solution – helpful for ingrown hairs and bumps
• Flamingo Razor or Billie Razor – sharp and smooth, designed for body shaving
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – great for added hydration

Other Tips to Reduce Strawberry Legs

• Wear breathable fabrics: Tight synthetic clothing can cause friction and irritation.
• Avoid picking at ingrown hairs: This can cause scarring and more irritation.
• Try chemical exfoliants: AHA or BHA body lotions can help over time.
• Stay consistent: Results take time—stick to the routine for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
• Use a humidifier at night: If you have dry skin, a humidifier can help keep moisture levels balanced.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most people see visible improvements in 2 to 4 weeks, but for some, it may take longer. The key is being consistent and gentle with your skin.

What Not to Do

Sometimes, the way we treat our skin does more harm than good. Avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference when it comes to strawberry legs:

• Don’t exfoliate every day. Whether it’s scrubs or exfoliating acids, overdoing it can damage your skin barrier and lead to even more irritation and roughness.
• Don’t shave with a dry razor. Dry shaving increases friction and irritation, and it raises your risk of cuts, razor bumps, and clogged follicles.
• Don’t pick or squeeze ingrown hairs. This can push bacteria deeper into the skin and cause dark marks or scarring.
• Don’t skip moisturizer. Dry skin is more likely to trap debris in your pores. Applying a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer every day is essential—especially after exfoliating or shaving.
• Don’t expect overnight results. Most people need a few weeks of consistent care before noticing major changes. Being too aggressive early on can make things worse.

Small changes in your routine and habits go a long way when you commit to them regularly.

Lifestyle Habits That Affect Your Skin

How you take care of your skin on the outside is only part of the story. Some habits and internal factors also play a huge role in how your skin looks and feels.

• Hydration: Drinking enough water helps your skin stay soft and hydrated from within. If your skin is dry and flaky, it becomes easier for pores to clog and dark spots to form.
• Diet: A high-sugar or processed food diet can contribute to inflammation, which may make skin issues worse. Try including more whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.
• Exercise: Moving your body regularly helps improve circulation, which supports skin renewal and healing. Plus, it can help regulate hormones, which impact skin health too.
• Shower habits: Long, hot showers strip moisture from your skin. Stick to lukewarm water and limit showers to about 10 minutes.
• Stress and hormones: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can affect your skin barrier and worsen conditions like keratosis pilaris. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and balancing hormones naturally with lifestyle changes can all help.

These lifestyle changes aren’t about being perfect—they’re about giving your skin the right environment to stay healthy long-term.

FAQs About Strawberry Legs

Can I use exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid on my legs?
Yes, especially if you’re not over-exfoliating with physical scrubs. Products with salicylic acid can help clear out clogged pores.

Is shaving or waxing better for strawberry legs?
It depends. Shaving with a sharp razor and good technique is usually safe. Waxing removes hair from the root and may reduce ingrown hairs, but it can also irritate sensitive skin.

Can men get strawberry legs too?
Yes, strawberry legs aren’t gender-specific. Men with coarse body hair or dry skin can get them too.

Does laser hair removal help with strawberry legs?
It can. By reducing hair growth, there’s less chance of clogged follicles or ingrowns. Results vary depending on your skin and hair type.

Are strawberry legs permanent?
No, they’re not permanent. With proper care, you can improve your skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark dots.

Taking care of strawberry legs isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building a routine that supports your skin’s needs. Focus on exfoliation, hydration, gentle shaving, and protection. Your skin won’t change overnight, but with the right steps, you’ll notice a big difference.

If you want a step-by-step body care routine that covers everything from exfoliation to long-term hydration, check out my post on Soft and Glowy Skin: A Complete Body Skincare Routine.

You can also read this helpful breakdown on strawberry legs and body skincare from Healthline: What Are Strawberry Legs and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the content coming – thank you!