As the weather gets colder, many people notice their legs becoming rough, bumpy and uneven. This common winter concern is known as ‘strawberry legs’, or keratosis pilaris, which occurs when keratin blocks the pores and creates tiny bumps that become more visible when the skin is dry. From shaving habits to water temperature and the products we use, Founder of Laser Me Out, Shireen Forster, breaks down the 6 causes behind strawberry legs and how to prevent them during winter.
1) Gentle exfoliation
Strawberry legs are especially common in winter, when people often over-exfoliate their skin in an effort to reduce roughness. However, exfoliation is meant to improve the appearance of skin without compromising its barrier, which is already under stress from the temperature change in winter. Avoid physical scrubs, such as sugar or coffee grounds, common in DIY’s, as they can be too abrasive. Instead, use gentle but effective methods like dry brushing with moderately firm bristles to clear away buildup while helping release trapped hairs or ingrowns that may otherwise be missed. This is especially effective prior to shaving, waxing or laser treatments, as it creates a smoother surface for hair removal and reduces the risk of bumps or irritation.
2) Sharp razors
The condition of your razor blade plays a surprising role in preventing strawberry legs. Dull blades tend to drag across the skin, rather than cutting hair cleanly. When this happens, it can create micro-tears and inflammation, which may contribute to the bumpy appearance. Make sure to replace your razor every 5 to 7 shaves to ensure that a sharp blade glides smoothly across the skin. As well as this, use a clean, sharp razor specifically designed for sensitive skin to minimise irritation and prevent ingrown hairs. I suggest upgrading to a ‘Laser Razor’ which has 5 blades with built-in hydration strips, as it can give you a smoother, more comfortable shave that lasts longer between replacements.
3) Warm water
Many people assume that hot water helps open pores and provides a better shave. The truth is, this may work against you when preventing strawberry legs. During winter, the skin is already dealing with dehydration from indoor heating systems and colder temperatures outdoors. Due to this, hot water can strip away more of the skin’s natural oils and cause inflammation, which worsens the appearance of strawberry legs. Lukewarm water is the ideal temperature for shaving. By using the right water temperature, hair can soften without aggravating already dry winter skin, while setting up the area for a smoother pass of the razor.
4) Keratosis pilaris care
Changing temperatures in winter can make the skin drier and duller, which often makes keratosis pilaris appear more pronounced. This happens because reduced moisture leaves the bumps feeling rougher. Treating keratosis pilaris effectively requires consistency with deeply hydrating products, particularly those containing urea or lactic acid, which help soften the keratin plugs over time. Incorporate a rich, fatty moisturiser containing these ingredients to keep the skin nourished and help maintain a smoother texture throughout the colder months. Ensure your moisturiser is free from fragrance, denatured alcohol and essential oils to avoid further irritation to the skin barrier.
5) Ingrown prevention
Ingrown hairs are a primary driver of strawberry legs, and preventing them requires attention to hair removal technique and aftercare. People often forget this, but always shave in the direction of hair growth, rather than against it. Shaving against the grain can either slice the hair too close to the skin, which can make it easier for strands to grow back sideways. Many people choose waxing because they believe it will help eliminate ingrown hairs. However, waxing can actually cause even more ingrown hairs, especially when the therapist removes the hair in different directions. This can lead to hair breaking underneath the skin, which increases the likelihood of ingrown hairs developing.
Additionally, your skin needs time to settle, so avoid tight clothing immediately after shaving or waxing. If you struggle with chronic ingrown hairs, I suggest exploring longer-term prevention methods such as laser hair removal treatment. Each session removes 10-15% of hair growth, significantly decreases the risk of future ingrowns, while reducing hair regrowth over time.
6) Laser removal
Sometimes conventional prevention methods aren’t enough to manage strawberry legs. One of the most effective long-term solutions is laser hair removal. The procedure targets the hair follicle directly, reducing the need for frequent shaving and minimising the irritation that contributes to the dotted strawberry appearance. Winter is the best time to begin your laser hair removal journey, as the skin has less sun exposure, making it the ideal season for treatment. If you’re planning to book a laser hair removal session, opt for a clinic that uses the Soprano Titanium System, a laser device designed to target the follicle at its root at different depths, making it ideal for different skin and hair types. This approach addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms, making it a worthwhile investment for those struggling with stubborn strawberry legs that never fully clear.
