Summer is just around the corner, which means shorts, skirts, and bathing suits are, too. If you want to look good in the latest warm weather fashions, you need to make sure your legs are looking their best. You can start by taking care of them with these 8 tips for gorgeous legs:
1. Skip the sun-bathing.
Tan legs are a sign of summer, but sun-bathing should be a thing of the past. Not only can it lead to problems like painful burns and even skin cancer, but over time, sun-bathing can age your skin prematurely. Instead of spending hours in the sun, opt for a self-tanner or tinted lotion or moisturizer with an SPF.
2. Work your legs when exercising.
Even if you do not need to lose weight, regular exercise is essential for a healthy body. A half hour of cardiovascular exercise daily, like swimming, biking, and walking, can help improve circulation and potentially keep varicose and spider veins at bay. Take it a step further by doing squats and calf raises. These exercises can also improve your circulation and add tone to your lower body.
3. Consider laser hair removal.
Regularly shaving your legs can lead to dry skin, razor burn, and even cuts and nicks that cause scars. Waxing and creams are a little better, but investing in laser hair removal can save you time and money, as well as prevent damage.
4. Exfoliate your skin.
Exfoliation removes the dead, dry skin from your legs, which helps to keep them smooth and glowing. There are many products available to help with exfoliating, but you can also look in your kitchen pantry. Mix some seat salt or granulated sugar with water, honey, or coconut oil. In a warm shower, massage the mixture onto your skin in a circular motion, working from the ankles up to your thighs.
5. Moisturize.
Once you get out of the shower, apply lotion or moisturizer immediately. This can lock in some of the moisture from the shower, and help prevent dry, scaly skin. Consider a moisturizer with an SPF to protect your legs from the sun.
6. Drink plenty of water.
All of your organs need water to thrive, and that includes your biggest organ of all: your skin. While lotions, creams, and serums help with moisture on the outside, drinking water can help keep your skin moisturized from the inside. The water will also help flush toxins. Your skin will look great.
7. Get a pedicure.
Pedicures are not just for your feet. A professional pedicure means soaking and massaging your legs, which can increase blood flow. Not only does this keep your legs looking good, but it can help you maintain healthy legs, as well.
8. Address varicose and spider veins.
If you have varicose and spider veins — and nearly one third of the popular will in their lifetimes — they can lead to blue, ropey, and swollen places on your legs that make you want to cover up. Even more importantly, they can be a sign of a significant health problem. Get them checked out by a doctor. Most of the time, you can have them reduced or removed throughout outpatient procedures. They may even be covered by your insurance policy.
