Ah…if only we could return to those youthful days of smooth, unblemished skin and slender legs ready to be bared at a moment’s notice. If you shudder at the thought of showing your legs, it’s not too late to stand up and retrieve the healthy, strong, and attractive legs that you dream of. Sculpting attractive legs begins with making a commitment to treat them the way they deserve to be loved.
Shave
Most women agree that the first step to prepping your legs for a day at the beach or in your best leg-baring dress is to get rid of the hair. Whichever method you choose, don’t forget to exfoliate beforehand.
Shaving is the most popular method for most women. Perform in the shower or while taking a bath with a high-quality razor for best results. Using a shaving gel or cream will help prevent post-shave irritation.
Waxing is another method. Because it can be a little painful, experienced waxers take ibuprofen about 30 minutes before applying the wax — stay away from ice and numbing creams. Wash your legs with soap and water to remove body oils and lotion, and then apply the warm wax. We recommend a sugar-based wax for minimum mess.
Depilatories are also another easy method. Simply apply the cream to legs and let remain for the length of time recommended on the label. After it’s done “cooking,” wipe down your legs with a wet cloth and enjoy your sudden lack of hair.
If you’re ready to say good-bye to hair forever, consider laser hair removal. It usually requires several treatments to kill the follicles, but it’s not painful and the end result is SO worth it.
Moisturize
Dry legs tend to be itchy, but the skin can get flaky and overall doesn’t look very attractive. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Make moisturizing your legs a regular part of your beauty routine, preferably multiple times a day. The ideal times to apply lotion is right after showering, after removing hair, and before bed. For best results, use a high quality lotion that absorbs easily, like Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion with Aloe.
Another option for keeping your skin sleek and hydrated is skin oil. The best ones don’t leave your skin greasy, yet lock in moisture all day. They also tend to contain fewer artificial additives, which is a definite plus. Avoid mineral oils and opt for naturally-derived oils like sweet almond, jojoba, avocado, or even coconut oil.
Exercise
Your legs are made for walking, so they should be used! Get out the exercise bike, a pair of running shoes, or even hop in the pool for about 30 minutes a day to get an excellent aerobic workout that forces blood through every part of your legs. Better blood flow = healthier tissues = better looking legs!
Strength-oriented workouts target your muscles, but they also get your blood moving. Try squats, lunges, step-ups, and calf-raises to get started, hitting the gym at least 3 times per week. Strength exercises tighten and tone the leg muscles, revealing a slimmer and more shapely leg, while also reducing cellulite.
Vein Treatment
Do you have swollen blue or purple veins on your legs? Do you experience pain while sitting, standing, or even laying down? You probably have varicose veins — a form of cardiovascular disease that is not only unattractive, but more importantly compromises the health and function of your legs.
If this sounds familiar, make an appointment with your doctor. There’s plenty of options for varicose vein treatment at facilities like the Ivein Vein Center to fit every lifestyle and preference. Treatment is best pursued sooner rather than later to prevent complications.
By this point you might be thinking, “That’s it?? But I’ve tried all of this and my legs still look terrible.” If that’s the case, what needs to change isn’t your legs at all — it’s the way you see them. Your legs are part of your body, and therefore part of yourself. And at the end of the day, they are gorgeous because you are gorgeous.