Raven-Symone, an actress and talk show host, suffers from this condition. She refers to the dark pores that resemble dark dots on the legs as “strawberry legs.” Dark pores on the legs, like strawberries with tiny spots covering the fruit’s surface, can be quite noticeable, especially on light or olive skin tones. Open comedones is the medical term for these pores. These are open pores in the skin that have excess oil, dirt, and bacteria trapped inside. When exposed to air, the oil reacts with oxygen, causing the pores to darken or blacken.
Camouflage makeup is a quick fix, but if you don’t properly remove it, you may end up worsening the problem by clogging the pores or irritating the skin with chemical ingredients. Who wants to apply and then remove leg makeup on a daily basis? There’s also a chance that the makeup will get all over your clothes and other items that your legs come into contact with. So, what are your options? Here are some suggestions to help you get rid of dark pores on your legs.
Shaving
After shaving their legs, women frequently notice the appearance of dark pores. This can be caused by using a dull razor that pulls at the hair but does not completely remove the follicle. The opening of the hair follicle becomes clogged and blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Stop shaving is one thing you can do. If that isn’t an option, shave less frequently.
Alternatives to Shaving
While shaving is the quickest, easiest, and least expensive method of hair removal, it may be necessary to discontinue shaving. You can try alternative methods such as depilatories, waxing, or laser hair removal, but keep in mind that each has its own set of issues.
Depilatory creams are a simple and inexpensive method of hair removal. Simply apply the cream to your legs and wait for the formula to break down the hair. For sensitive skin, we recommend using an aloe-based formula. Amazon.com sells Veet Depilatory Cream.
If you decide to wax your legs, we recommend using a kit designed specifically for waxing your legs, such as Parissa Wax Strips. They’re simple to use, especially if you’re new to waxing, and they’re suitable for all hair types. Amazon.com sells Parissa Wax Strips for Legs.
Keep Pores Clean
Reduce the likelihood of dark pores appearing by exfoliating the skin on a regular basis to remove dead skin and blockage from sebum, dirt, and impurities that can enter the pores. These ingredient combinations are excellent for exfoliating the skin and reducing dark pores on the legs.
- Mix 2 tbsp. of sugar with 4 tbsp. of olive oil.
- Mix 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tsp. of warm water.
- Mix enough salt with buttermilk to make a paste.
- Mix 2 tbsp. of brown sugar, 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel and 1 tsp. lemon juice into a paste.
- Blend equal parts of brown sugar and baking soda with water to make a paste
Instructions
Natural, mildly abrasive scrubs can be used to exfoliate the skin. Massage the scrub into the affected areas (or the entire leg) with small circular motions for several minutes, starting at the ankles and working your way up. Warm water should be rinsed or gently wiped away. Splash cold water on your skin.
Massage
Massage your legs with healing oils or lotions containing healing ingredients such as aloe vera to improve circulation and keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Consider the following alternatives:
- Add pure glycerin to vitamin E oil, almond oil, jojoba, or coconut oil and massage into the legs.
- Peel and mash a cucumber and apply the cucumber juice to the affected areas. After a few usages, this will help reduce the color of the dark pores.
- Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of olive oil and massage into the area for a few minutes.
- Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to olive oil or coconut oil to massage the legs.
- Apply equal parts of lime (or lemon) juice, cucumber juice, and rose water to the legs.
- Apply egg whites on pores and leave on for several minutes, rinse with cold water
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) help to shed dead skin for smoother skin, reduce inflammation from razor bumps, improve skin texture, and reduce discoloration. Sugar is used because glycolic acid was originally derived from sugar cane. Lactic acid (milk) and citric acid are two other AHAs (lemons, limes). Before using glycolic acid and AHAs on sensitive skin or skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation, consult with a dermatologist who specializes in treating ethnic skin. Avoid using abrasive scrubs as well.
Lime is a milder astringent than lemon and is gentler on the skin. Cucumbers, aloe vera, rosewater, and sandalwood oil are anti-inflammatory foods. Avocado and olive oil are both excellent emollients. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Although salt is effective for exfoliation, sugar is a gentler exfoliant for sensitive skin. Brown sugar is preferable to white granular sugar for sensitive skin.
