With the heatwave here, it's time to slather on the SPF and dig out the linen shorts and dresses. But while the warmer weather calls for more skin on show, there's one thing I'm less keen to reveal: my legs.
To be more precise, the real issue is the tiny dark spots peppering my calves, also known as the dreaded 'strawberry legs'. While harmless, they're not exactly the smooth, summer-ready look I'm after. So, with bare-leg season in full swing, there was only one thing to do: call on the GH book of beauty experts.
What are ‘strawberry legs?’
The hint is in the name, though it’s not quite as appetising as it sounds. ‘Strawberry legs is the term used to describe tiny dark dots on the legs that resemble the speckled surface of a strawberry,’ says top dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.
She explains, ‘in reality, these are usually prominent pores or visible hair follicles, the openings connecting the sebaceous gland to the skin's surface, often made more obvious by coarse, dense or pigmented hairs.’
‘For some people it's just the dots, but others also experience redness around the follicles or a degree of scaling.’
What causes ‘strawberry legs’?
According to Dr Sam, the most common causes are blocked follicles, keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving. ‘Shaving is perhaps the most frequent trigger,’ she says. ‘The wrong tools or technique create unnecessary friction and trauma, which inflames the follicle and makes the dots more visible.’
Check your hydration habits, too. ‘Dry skin is also a significant factor — when the barrier isn't functioning well, texture looks worse and follicles become more noticeable,’ she adds.
How do I improve the appearance of ‘strawberry legs’?
We get it, we spend so much time on our skincare routines that it can be all too easy to neglect the rest of the body (guilty). But Dr Sam says it’s all about consistency — so stick with it.
‘I recommend a routine that combines an exfoliating body wash, such as Flawless Body Cleanser, which contains gentle alpha hydroxy acids to help refine texture and support smoother-looking skin,’ she says. It's a body wash that I can very much vouch for.
Dr Sam's Flawless Body Cleanser
‘Your shaving technique matters more than most people realise,’ she adds. She recommends ditching your fragranced shaving foams and switching them out for a moisturising shower cream or foam. Before shaving, soften the hairs with warm water, use a fresh blade and avoid going over the same area more than once.
She adds, ‘if you're prone to ingrown hairs, shaving with the grain can help. Finishing with Flawless Body Therapy will also help to smooth, calm inflammation, chemically exfoliate and discourage ingrown hairs.’
Dr Sam's Flawless Body Therapy AHA Body Lotion
As for the rest of your shower routine, Dr Sam also recommends ditching the harsh, heavily fragranced scrubs. ‘People often try to scrub strawberry legs away, but that worsens inflammation,’ she says.
Instead, look for chemical exfoliants. ‘Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid are particularly effective because they can penetrate pores to help remove excess oil and dead skin cells,’ says Faye Purcell, head of R&D and product chemist at Q+A.
She recommends the Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub. ‘This features a hardworking lend of lactic acid, glycolic acid and natural corn kernel exfoliants that buff away build-up, revealing softer, smoother-looking skin without harsh scrubbing.’
What daily habits can help?
The pros tell us it’s all about moisture. ‘Skin that is well hydrated is often better able to maintain a healthy barrier function and can appear smoother and more even over time,’ says Faye.
Faye also notes that ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin are particularly effective. ‘These can help replenish moisture levels and reduce the appearance of roughness associated with keratosis pilaris and follicular congestion,’ she explains.
She recommends applying Q+A's Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser straight onto damp skin after showering.
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser
If redness is also a concern, Dr Sam says this can be counterbalanced by some good old self-tanner. ‘Try adding self-tanning drops to a body lotion and applying with a mitt for a natural, even wash of colour without drawing attention to the dots,’ she says.
Soon enough, you won’t even think twice about getting your legs out.
