Must Try: A Beauty Expert's 3-Step Guide To Dealing With "Strawberry Legs"

Smooth, glowing, soft skin is the ultimate goal. I'm constantly slathering on creams and tonics in pursuit of a glowing complexion—face and body, included. One area I particularly struggle with is my legs. For some reason, my legs have always been quite dry and even appear rough, splotchy, and red. While I can go months without thinking about it (ahem, the winter months), once I start to show a bit more skin, they're top of mind.

Well, a few years ago I discovered there's a name for my skin's appearance: strawberry skin. It's a fairly apt description: dotted visible pores, resembling the seeds of a strawberry. While redness isn't necessarily part of it, it can be as it is with my skin. These teeny dots are hair follicles clogged with dead skin cells and oil and can happen as a result of hair removal. Some folks are more prone to these than others, and I just happen to be one of those lucky individuals. 

It's best practice to exfoliate before shaving. "Gentle exfoliation can help [loosen] the free edge of hairs that may be trapped under the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. "This can give you a smoother shave and lower the likelihood of razor bumps or irritation." And on a practical level, you'll just get a better shave.

Razor quality can make all the difference with your skin. I opt for razors developed for those with sensitive skin, as they cause less irritation. To find the best razor for sensitive skin, there are a few elements you'll want to look out for: multiple sharp blades (so it can catch the hairs in one glide); a flexible, ergonomic head; and some even deposit moisturizing ingredients (like shea butter) as they float over your skin. Check out our favorite razors for sensitive skin here.

Dry, dehydrated skin can lead to strawberry skin.

Look for body creams with botanical butters, oils, and barrier-supporting extracts. A favorite natural ingredient that supports skin hydration: shea butter has been shown to seal moisture into the skin and protect the skin barrier1. One study even suggests it has similar topical effects to ceramides2—or the polar lipids naturally found in your epidermis that are responsible for sealing your skin barrier.