These teeny dots are technically open comedones, a “plug” of bacteria and debris clogging the pore. That’s also why they may take on a darker color, as comedones tend to darken when they’re exposed to oxygen. In severe scenarios, you could even face some folliculitis, a bacterial or fungal infection that causes the hair follicles to become inflamed (usually due to shaving). You’re probably thinking: “But the dots on my legs are dark! Like blackheads!” But take a good look at those bumps: Do they come to a “head” as blackheads typically do, or is the darker color seemingly under the skin? If it’s the latter, you may just be noticing the hair becoming trapped within the follicle, not necessarily a blackhead. Even if you have lighter hair, when the follicle is exposed to air (after you shave, for instance) the open pore may oxidize and become dark. That said, invest in an exfoliating cleanser in the shower, and those bumps should go without a trace. If you don’t have a proper dry brush, Ciraldo also suggests using a loofah at least twice a week on dry skin before you shower. “This will physically exfoliate a lot of the dead cell bumps,” she explains. It may sound obvious, but be sure to always use a shaving gel, cream, or oil—you never want to take the blade to bare skin—or worse—dry shave. Also: Don’t forget to moisturize after! We recommend applying a lotion or oil post shower on damp skin; that way, you can lock in all that water after your rinse. Check out our favorite body lotions and oils to slather on, or make your own jar of body butter at home.
