Strawberry legs are small, red bumps that appear on the legs after shaving. The technical term for strawberry legs is keratosis pilaris, and it’s a common skin condition. While harmless, strawberry legs can look unsightly and cause frustration. Many people search for ways to get rid of strawberry legs fast, including body brushing.
Body brushing is an inexpensive, natural technique that involves brushing the skin with a dry, coarse-bristled brush. Proponents claim body brushing provides numerous benefits like improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, exfoliating the skin, and reducing the appearance of cellulite. But does body brushing really help strawberry legs?
What causes strawberry legs?
Keratosis pilaris occurs when excess keratin, a protein in the skin, accumulates around hair follicles in the form of small plugs. This causes harmless inflammation and bumps. Several factors can contribute to excess keratin production and cause strawberry legs, including:
- Genetics – Keratosis pilaris often runs in families.
- Excessively dry skin – Skin that lacks moisture doesn’t shed dead cells normally.
- Harsh weather or temperature changes
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Use of drying products
- Shaving or waxing – Hair removal can worsen plugs and inflammation.
The reddish bumps tend to appear more noticeably on the upper arms and thighs. They also frequently occur on the buttocks and cheeks. The appearance often worsens during the colder winter months when skin dries out.
Does body brushing exfoliate strawberry skin?
One of the main proposed benefits of body brushing is that it exfoliates or sloughs off dead skin cells through mechanical abrasion. Exfoliation helps prevent a buildup of excess keratin that can lead to clogged pores and strawberry bumps.
In theory, the friction from brush bristles can remove some of the dead, dry skin cells accumulated on the surface of the skin. However, there are no scientific studies confirming that body brushing effectively exfoliates the skin’s outer layer.
Body brushing may provide gentle physical exfoliation for some individuals, but the effects are likely minor. It does not chemically break down and dissolve dead skin cells like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliants. Body brushing also does not remove dead cells as effectively as scrubbing the skin in the shower with an exfoliating glove or brush.
For superior chemical and physical exfoliation to prevent strawberry legs, it’s best to use a proven AHA or BHA product. Using an exfoliating scrub with a shower glove also helps remove excess debris. Focus on exfoliating the arms, thighs, and other areas prone to bumps.
Other exfoliation tips for strawberry legs
- Apply a urea cream that chemically exfoliates and hydrates skin.
- Get regular spray tans – Tanning helps conceal bumps.
- After shaving, gently scrub with a loofah.
- Try an in-shower exfoliating mitt with an AHA cleanser.
- Use a retinoid cream that boosts cell turnover.
Can body brushing improve strawberry skin hydration?
Dryness is one of the primary causes and aggravating factors for keratosis pilaris. Without adequate moisture, the rate of natural skin cell turnover slows down. Dead skin cells stick together and clog hair follicles more readily.
Some sources claim that body brushing helps hydrate the skin by improving circulation and distributing natural oils. However, no studies support that dry brushing has any significant moisturizing effects.
In reality, brushing the skin’s surface likely does very little to impact overall hydration levels in deeper skin layers. And scrubbing the skin with a stiff brush may even worsen dryness.
For optimal hydration to prevent strawberry bumps, it’s better to use proven moisturizing ingredients. Look for products containing glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or oils like coconut oil. Apply an intensive body lotion after bathing while the skin is still damp.
Tips for hydrating strawberry legs
- Apply petroleum jelly as an overnight occlusive.
- Look for lotions containing urea or lactic acid.
- Avoid very hot water when bathing or showering.
- Use an oil-based shaving gel.
- Apply a thick, creamy moisturizer after shaving.
Can body brushing improve the appearance of strawberry legs?
The primary claim about dry brushing for strawberry legs is that it reduces bumps by removing dead skin. However, as covered earlier, body brushing has minimal exfoliating effects compared to chemical exfoliants.
There is also no evidence showing that body brushing can physically slough off or smooth visible strawberry bumps. Keratosis pilaris bumps develop beneath the surface around hair follicles. Brushing the surface does not provide enough deep exfoliation to combat bumps.
Any reports that body brushing reduces or eliminates the bumps associated with strawberry legs are anecdotal. While some individuals may see improvements, body brushing has no clinical effects on keratosis pilaris or related red bumps.
Proven ways to treat the appearance of strawberry legs
While challenging to treat, there are several evidence-based ways to reduce the appearance of strawberry legs:
- Apply a retinoid cream to boost skin cell turnover.
- Consistent use of AHAs and BHAs keeps pores clear.
- Laser hair removal reduces inflammation from shaving.
- Professional chemical peels dissolve excess keratin.
- Use self-tanning products to disguise bumps.
Does body brushing reduce strawberry leg ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs often accompany keratosis pilaris on the legs. They appear when shaved hairs become trapped under the skin and continue to grow sideways. This causes inflammation and can worsen the appearance of bumps.
Manufacturers of body brushes propose that brushing can help lift and release trapped hairs. However, no research confirms that dry brushing prevents or treats ingrown hairs on the legs.
Some basic exfoliation from body brushing may help free any hairs growing close to the skin’s surface. But ingrown hairs become embedded deeper within the hair follicle. The mild scrubbing motion from a brush is not powerful enough to extract embedded hairs.
Other remedies like chemical exfoliants, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products are more effective for both preventing and treating existing ingrown hairs.
Ways to prevent ingrown hairs on strawberry legs
- Allow hair to grow out longer between shaving.
- Shave using a fresh, sharp razor.
- Apply a warm, wet compress to open pores before shaving.
- Gently exfoliate after shaving with a scrub or chemical exfoliant.
- Avoid tight clothing that can rub against shaved skin.
Can body brushing reduce redness and irritation from strawberry legs?
Along with bumps, people with keratosis pilaris on the legs often experience redness, irritation, and tenderness. This is due to chronic low-grade inflammation around affected hair follicles.
Some sources state that increasing circulation through body brushing reduces irritation and visible redness. However, no studies validate that dry brushing lessens inflammation or sensitivity from strawberry legs.
In fact, scrubbing affected skin with a stiff brush may worsen redness temporarily. And brushing too aggressively can cause microtears that lead to even more irritation.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, and niacinamide are safer for calming redness. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream also helps decrease inflammation.
Ways to reduce redness and irritation from strawberry legs
- Take lukewarm instead of hot showers.
- Avoid fragrance in skin care products.
- Wear loose cotton clothing.
- Apply a cold compress after shaving.
- Use a gentle, perfume-free moisturizer.
Can body brushing improve the appearance of strawberry legs on buttocks?
The buttocks are another common location for strawberry legs. The skin on the rear tends to have more oil glands and hair compared to other areas.
Dry brushing manufacturers claim the technique can reduce bumps and roughness on the buttocks. However, no studies support that body brushing is beneficial for treating keratosis pilaris on the rear.
Any effects are likely minimal since dry brushing only exfoliates the surface. The bum area also has very thick skin that is difficult to exfoliate. Harsher scrubbing or chemical exfoliation is needed to impact strawberry bumps on the rear.
Effective ways to improve the look of strawberry buttocks
- Use a body wash containing salicylic acid.
- Exfoliate and moisturize after showering.
- Apply a urea cream daily.
- Gently use a pumice stone or exfoliating gloves.
- Try camouflaging bumps with self-tanner.
Does body brushing prevent strawberry legs from returning?
For most people with keratosis pilaris, strawberry legs is a persistent long-term condition. While bumps may come and go, they tend to reappear easily.
Some sources suggest that body brushing helps prevent the return of strawberry legs by removing dead skin cells. However, exfoliation reaches only the surface and cannot prevent the underlying process causing excess keratin.
There is also no proof that dry brushing has any lasting effects on cell turnover or keratin production. Any positive effects end once brushing stops. Strawberry legs will likely return once the exfoliation ceases.
Ways to prevent the return of strawberry legs long-term
- Consistently use urea creams.
- Apply chemical exfoliants daily.
- Take supplemental vitamin A.
- Use in-shower body scrubs.
- Get laser hair removal on legs.
Best dry brushes for treating strawberry legs
While body brushing alone has no significant impact on strawberry legs, some people enjoy it for potential circulation or invigorating benefits.
If you want to try body brushing, look for a brush with the following features:
- Natural bristles – Bass or boar bristles are best.
- Stiff bristles – Look for extra firm brushes.
- Long handle – A long handle helps reach all areas.
- Hand strap – This gives a better grip when wet.
It’s also smart to choose a smaller hand brush to target bump-prone areas like the arms and legs.
Here are top-rated body brushes for keratosis pilaris prone skin:
| Brush | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush |
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| Rephresh Skin Firming Body Brush |
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| Aromatherapy Associates Body Brush |
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| Italmark Natural Vegetable Body Brush |
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Are there risks to body brushing?
When practiced gently, body brushing is generally safe. But certain precautions are necessary to avoid potential risks such as:
- Skin damage – Excessive pressure can cause scrapes or scratches.
- Infection – Bristles can transmit bacteria on unclean brushes.
- Allergic reactions – Natural bristles may cause contact dermatitis.
- Irritation – Body brushing can worsen sensitive skin conditions.
Other tips to minimize risks include:
- Test brush on a small area first.
- Brush lightly using short, gentle strokes.
- Keep skin moisturized before and after brushing.
- Clean brush regularly.
- Avoid broken bristles stabbing the skin.
Conclusion
Body brushing is generally safe, and some people enjoy it for invigoration or massage. However, research does not support claims that dry brushing meaningfully helps treat strawberry legs resulting from keratosis pilaris.
At best, body brushing provides minimal physical exfoliation of surface skin cells. But it does not impact deeper processes causing excess keratin production and clogged follicles.
Body brushing also does not hydrate the skin, reduce underlying inflammation, or prevent the return of bumps. More proven cosmetic ingredients and clinical treatments are required to treat strawberry legs effectively.
While dry brushing alone makes little difference, some people like including it as part of a bump-busting regimen. Focus the brush on areas prone to keratosis pilaris like the arms, thighs, and buttocks. But take care not to brush so aggressively that it worsens dryness or irritation.