How To Get Rid Of Leg Acne

Summer is here and while the sun might not be out consistently, you're likely lining up your favourite hot-weather attire for when it does make an appearance. That means the chance of getting your lower limbs out – and, with it, you possibly wondering how to deal with any spots on your legs that have made an appearance.

When it comes to this beauty bugbear, there are a few different types of spots that you could be dealing with: acne-type spots, shaving or heat rash, or dark spots.

What's interesting is that these different types of spots occur on your legs in exactly the same way that they do on the rest of the body. But tight sweaty clothing (we're looking at you, leggings), getting your legs out in the sun whilst not being diligent with your SPF, along with certain hair removal methods, can make things a whole lot worse.

To get to the bottom of this subject, WH called on two skin experts to reveal what causes these different types of spots on your legs and how to deal with them.

Why am I getting spots on my legs?

'Pigmentation and acne in legs have a similar cause as anywhere else in our skin,' says Dr Raul Cetto, skin consultant for ZO Skin Health.

Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics UK, explains: 'acne type spots on the legs can occur when hair follicles are clogged up with excess skin oil, dirt and other debris. The oil in our skin keeps it hydrated and smooth and we need to cleanse and exfoliate the leg area to keep it looking fresh. When a big build up occurs it can result in acne type spots appearing.

'Brown spots on legs tends to occur when the skin produces or contains more melanin than the surrounding skin. Melanin is what gives your skin its colour, meaning the more melanin you have the darker your skin. Freckles and dark spots mean those areas have more melanin. Getting too much sun is a common cause of brown spots and there's a chance it's due to sun damage.'

Dr Cetto notes that: 'This is also an area which is commonly exposed to the sun (UV radiation) and not regularly protected with sun block.

AMELIORATE Exfoliating Body Mitt

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Give skin a gentle scrub in the shower daily with this handy exfoliating mitt.

A passion For Natural Aloe Vera Lotion 200ml

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Keep skin hydrated without clogging pores by looking to lightweight lotions with aloe vera like this.

OxeDerm Body Care Wash 100ml / 3.4 fl oz with 2% Salicylic Acid

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Keep spots at bay with a pore unclogging salicylic acid body wash like this one.

NATIO WELLNESS BODY SCRUB (450g)

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A gritty scrub will make light work of sloughing away dull, dead skin.

Acnecide 5% Gel Benzoyl Peroxide 30g

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This peroxide cream will obliterate even the most stubborn blemishes.

Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Remover

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Switch from razors to lasers if shaving rash causes red spots to appear.

Glycolic Body Lotion

Packed with the AHA glycolic acid, this will exfoliate throughout the day for brighter skin and fewer clogged pores.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body Lotion SPF50+ 250ml

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If sun spots and pigmentation are your issue be sure to slather on SPF 50 if legs are bare, even on cloudy days.

'In this particular area, this is made worse by direct trauma caused by shaving and hair removal which can disrupt the [hair follicle] with inflammation blocking pores leading to the formation of spots. Pigmentation spots are often caused by the post inflammatory process of acne spots and also the trauma to skin by shaving.'

How do you get rid of leg acne?

Because leg acne is the same as the acne you get anywhere else, the way you treat it is very much the same.

'Oil must be reduced, inflammation must be suppressed and most importantly here the method of hair removal should be reconsidered as this mechanical trauma caused to the skin and pilosebaceous unit (the hair follicle) plays a significant role,' says Dr Cetto. He recommends trying laser hair removal.

Dr Perry recommends using a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid. 'Salicylic acid is an oil soluble acid that penetrates deeper than any other acid to treat acne.

Glycolic acid is made of tiny molecules of carbohydrate that break down the top layer of skin cells, as well as assisting the disintegration of sebum - the skin oil that can contribute to blackheads. For mild to moderate leg acne you can also try using Benzoyl peroxide.'

He adds that you should, 'keep legs hydrated by using a moisturiser and SPF, which are oil free. Also, try to avoid wearing tight clothes for too long especially if you're exercising, as this won't help with the oil and sweat build up. Keep sun exposure at a minimum and always use a high SPF of at least 30.'

What causes red spots on the legs?

'Folliculitis is the most common skin problem that causes red dots on legs and other parts of the body,' says Dr Perry. He explains that: 'it is caused by the inflammation of hair follicles and occurs when the skin is triggered by irritating chemicals and shaving methods.

Razor bumps are likely to be caused by friction from the razor and ingrown hairs. The ingrown hairs are caused when hair grows into your skin instead of out and can cause pimple-like bumps on the skin.

'Razor like spots generally go away on their own after a few days. However, you can also try to cut down on how frequently you're shaving, use a good moisturiser with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or shea butter and look at regularly exfoliating the leg area to unblock hair follicles,' he suggests.

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'Heat rash on the legs tend to happen when the sweat ducts are blocked as the sweat is unable to come to the skin's surface to evaporate and then becomes trapped resulting in small red, raised bumps.

'This type of heat rash normally goes away on its own but to lessen the symptoms you can try taking a cool shower and using calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream or after sun cream containing aloe vera to treat the itching and burning sensation,' adds Dr Perry.

How do you get rid of spots on your legs?

Stock up on the following types of products and ingredients:

Cleanser with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to use a few times a week and a mild fragrance-free cleanser to use in between
For acne you could try a product with benzoyl peroxide
Body scrub (Dr Perry suggests steering clear of heavily perfumed scrubs if you have sensitive skin)
Get a moisturiser with aloe vera, calamine or hydrocortisone cream for generic rashes on the legs
SPF: this will prevent dark spots from getting darker

Anything else we should know about spots on the legs?

'Normally, spots occurring on the legs isn't too worrisome, however on occasion skin conditions can become more serious and if you're concerned seek the advice from your GP in the first instance,' advises Dr Perry.

If dark spots are your concern, he suggests consulting a dermatologist, 'they can discuss laser treatments, depending on the cause of your dark spots. You may need multiple treatments to see an improvement and they may be used in combination with topical skin lightening therapy.'

And if it's acne-type spots on your legs that are your issue, Dr Cetto recommends you 'avoid the use of moisturisers and shaving agents with a high protein and lipid content as they disrupt the skin barrier and could clog pores.'

Amy Lawrenson WH contributor Amy Lawrenson is an established health and beauty journalist with over 13 years experience working for titles including ELLE, Women's Health and Byrdie.

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