Here's Why You're Experiencing Strawberry Legs

Unlike the "strawberry birthmark" infants can develop (via HealthyChildren.org), "strawberry legs" aren't red in color as the name suggests. Instead, "strawberry legs" is a term used to describe those tiny, black spots that pop up every now and again after shaving your legs (via Byrdie). Why are they referred to as "strawberry legs"? Because these dark dots resemble the outer layer of a strawberry, i.e. the seeds (via Healthline).

"Strawberry legs describes the appearance of dark spots in the skin occurring in a pattern that corresponds to hair follicles or pores," dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, told Byrdie. According to Murphy-Rose, the cause of this seemingly strange skin condition typically includes shaving (with dull or old razors or without shaving cream), enlarged hair follicles, clogged pores, and keratosis pilaris — a harmless skin condition that causes "dry, rough patches, and tiny bumps" to appear on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks (via the Mayo Clinic).

Luckily, these pesky spots can be prevented, or treated if you're already experiencing symptoms. How? Well, the first thing you should do is throw out your old, dull razors and buy a new supply of shaving cream (via Medical News Today). If you don't have shaving cream, it's safe to use an antibacterial soap like Lever or Dial to eliminate any bacteria on the surface of your skin (via Women's Health).

"Shaving improperly with old, dull razors or without shaving cream can sometimes cause strawberry legs," board-certified dermatologist Leonard Bernstein, MD, told Women's Health. "Razor burn can lead to strawberry legs and may cause folliculitis to develop."

You should also moisturize daily (before and after shaving), exfoliate your legs regularly, and use high-quality razors whenever possible. To help speed up the process, consider using a soft, dry brush before getting into the bath or shower (via Byrdie).