Why do my legs always look like this after shaving?!

[Elphabaisnotwicked]

It looks dreadful, and they always look like this, even with exfoliating beforehand, and then moisturising etc. Any tips? They were shaved today too!

I’m not really sure on the science but my legs are definitely less ‘dotty’ since I read to moisturise legs in a downward direction only. Think it’s something to do with direction of hair growth and not blocking pores or something. Random, but it works!

It’s a bit of razor burn/folliculitis. The pore/hair follicle has become inflamed probably in reaction to a bit of trauma (the razor). Same can happen with waxing - the hair being tugged out is the trauma there.

Some razors are better than others, single use razors are possibly the worst, and some waxes are better than others. As a pp above said, shaving in the direction of the hair growth can help. Make sure to use v non-irritant lotions and potions after shaving. Consider another method of hair removal.

I don't think it's from too much shaving, I often don't shave my legs for weeks on end thank you for all your comments, some things to research and try out

What razor are you using? I get this when I use really cheap disposable razors. I am ok using the ones with a moisturising strip on

I used to have this. I thought (and was told by various beauticians) that it was due to shaving, waxing, plucking) but apparently not. It's due to having thin skin (normally fair) and dark hair - mine's mousy - so the root of the hair shows through and when the root is pulled out by waxing/epilating, it's the root pit that shows and gets clogged with dirt/fake tan.

This is the main reason I got a Lumea. Worked wonders on my shins and I only do it once or twice a month now.

I think that's totally normal... shaving irritates the skin a little, mine are always like that after shaving, I never even considered it wasn't a normal thing?

I use hair removal cream, Superdrugs own is the best I've found.
I get no spots or rashes just baby soft skin highly recommended!

use a clean razor, if you are using a razor a second time rinse it with alcohol or dettol solution to disinfect,

To avoid shaving rash I have found aesop aftershave balm amazing. Maybe try that?

This used to happen to me too. I tried everything and eventually I resorted to removal by laser. It was the BEST thing I’ve ever done. There is now no hair on my legs or the dreaded hair shadow to tolerate. I think I had about 5 sessions at about £100 each, it’s really not as extortionate as you might think (and I got my under arms done at the same time - cost included in the leg sessions). Hope you might be able to consider this option too.

I don't think it is keratosis. I have got keratosis on my upper arms and it looks different.

I've got really white legs and very dark and thick hair, so I have the same 'problem' on my legs. It seems to me that the dark hair roots are still showing after shaving. A bit of gradual tan helps to blend them in or, as mentioned above, IPL as that destroys hair roots and it works better on dark hair.