Strawberry legs

If you have noticed small dark or red dots, bumps or visible pores across your legs, you may have experience what is commonly known as "strawberry legs."

The good news? You're definitely not alone - and there are ways to improve your skin. 

"Strawberry legs" is a common term used to describe the appearance of dark spots or dots around the hair follicles, particularly on the legs.

They can become more noticeable after shaving, when the hair within the follicle becomes visible beneath the skin. For some people, the appearance can also be associated with blocked pores, ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris or irritation.

Common factors include:

• Frequent Shaving
  Shaving can irritate the skin and leave hair follicles looking more noticeable, particularly if the hair is coarse or dark.
  
• Hair follicles and re-growth
  When hair grows back after shaving, the darker hair beneath or just below the surface of the skin can create the appearance of tiny dark dots.
  
• Ingrown hairs
  Hair that curls back into the skin can cause bumps, redness and inflammation.
  
• Build-up around the follicles
  Dead skin cells and excess oil can contribute to blocked follicles and make the appearance more noticeable.
  
• Dry or irritated skin
  Dryness can make uneven texture and visible pores appear more prominent. 

For many people, laser hair removal can significantly improve the appearance of strawberry legs when visible hair and frequent shaving are contributing factors.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment within the hair follicle. Over a course of treatments, this can reduce hair growth, meaning less shaving and less irritation for the skin. 

As hair growth becomes reduced, you may notice:

• Less visible hair beneath the skin
• Fewer shaving-related bumps and irritation 
• Less frequent need to shave 
• Smoother-looking skin 
• A more even overall appearance
  

It's important to remember that strawberry legs can have different causes, so laser isn't a treatment for every underlying skin condition. However, when shaving and hair growth are a major contributor, reducing the hair can make a noticeable difference. 

Laser hair removal works progressively rather than overnight. Hair grows in different stages, and laser is most effective when the hair is in the appropriate growth phase. 

This is why a course of treatment is needed rather than a single session.

Your results will depend on factors such as your hair colour, skin tone, hair density and individual response to treatment. 

If you're tired of constantly shaving and dealing with visible dots, bumps or irritation, laser hair removal could be worth considering.