Having beautiful and soft legs is a very desirable feature that most women want to have. It makes you feel great if you can run your hands over your legs and they feel smooth and lovely. However, getting there isn’t always as simple. Our skin gets exposed to everyday wear and tear, and it shows.
You may be wondering what the best way to exfoliate your lower body is. Luckily, it’s not that difficult.
The best way to get your legs nice and silky is to exfoliate. There are several approaches to exfoliate dry skin on the legs, and we’ll discuss the best ones in this article.
Table of Contents
- Why Exfoliate Your Legs?
- How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Skin?
- How Do You Exfoliate Your Legs?
- What To Watch Out For When Exfoliating Your Legs
- DIY Exfoliation Using Things Found At Home
- Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs With A Tool
- Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs With Chemicals
- Our Pick For Best Exfoliation Method
- Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs: A Summary
Why Exfoliate Your Legs?
We’ve previously talked about exfoliating your face and using proper exfoliants for such a task.
Again, exfoliation is the solution to the often-asked question of how to get rid of dead skin. It’s the same on the legs.
When you exfoliate, you are scrubbing off the dead and dry skin on your legs. A good leg exfoliation scrub can also get rid of pesky, small surface bumps.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive spa treatment, as you can exfoliate at home. There are many everyday products that can help you get smooth skin on your thighs, knees and calves.
After a good exfoliation session, your skin will look instantly brighter, and your other skincare products will work more effectively.
In the long run, regular exfoliation will lead to better collagen production. This means your skin will appear younger, and who doesn’t want the legs of a 21-year-old all the time? These are just some of the benefits of exfoliating your legs.
PRO TIP
Never use hot water when exfoliating, as it dries the skin cells. Instead, use lukewarm water.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Skin?
Although it’s a good idea to exfoliate regularly, there is such a thing as over-exfoliation. This can result in irritated and red skin. You could negate the positive effects of exfoliation if you do it too often.
It is recommended that you check the kind of skin you have and work from there. Normal skin can handle exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week, while sensitive skin can only handle 1 or 2 exfoliations a week.
If you have oily skin, you should consider exfoliating up to 4 times a week for the best results.
How Do You Exfoliate Your Legs?
Exfoliating your legs consists of a handful of steps. Let’s check them out.
What Are The Best Tips For Exfoliating Legs?
BEFORE
You should exfoliate before taking a bath or a shower, so you can wash away the dead cells you scrubbed off.
If you are going to shave, you should exfoliate before doing so. You will enjoy a closer shave this way.
- Start your exfoliation routine by using a brush to get the dead skin loose. You should do this while dry and use a brush with medium-soft bristles. Move it in a circular motion all the way up towards your heart. Be gentle when applying pressure.
- Then, you can get into the shower or bathtub. Stick with warm, but not hot, water. The water will help to wash away any dead skin cells that are left behind. It will also help open your pores. Lather a loofah with your chosen cleanser or scrub and use the same method of circular motions.
- Rinse your legs with warm water, and then rinse with cooler water to close your pores and prevent clogging.
AFTER
Now, you will polish or oil your skin.
- Use your chosen oil or polish product, preferably one that exfoliates. It should also cleanse and smooth skin.
- After applying this, you can move on to moisturizing your legs. Use a product you love and generously work it into your skin. This will help keep your legs hydrated and healthy.
If you follow these steps, you will be able to exfoliate your legs thoroughly.
What To Watch Out For When Exfoliating Your Legs
If you use chemical exfoliation products, be sure to read the label and follow the instructions closely. As mentioned above, avoid over-exfoliation and do not exceed the suggested recommended times to exfoliate.
People with darker skin should be extra careful, as over-exfoliating can lead to lighter patches of skin.
Dos And Don’ts Of Exfoliation
- Always be gentle. Your skin will react better if you are gentle and caring.
- Stick to simple routines for the best results.
- Do not exfoliate skin that feels irritated.
- If a product causes irritation, don’t use it again.
- Always wear sunscreen, especially after exfoliation.
- Do not go sunbathing just after exfoliation – it’s not good for your skin at all.
DIY Exfoliation Using Things Found At Home
How to exfoliate legs with baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, is an alkaline ingredient that can work well as an exfoliant.
It removes dead skin, grime, and dirt and neutralizes the skin’s acid barrier. However, can have some serious side-effects, such as severe skin irritation. It can be very abrasive, too.
If you want to use baking soda, here’s how:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with several drops of water in a small bowl. You can also add an essential oil if you want to. Mix the ingredients until a paste forms. You should rub this onto your skin in circular motions as discussed above. Do so for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse off.
How to exfoliate with brown sugar
Brown sugar is another favorite exfoliating option.
If you mix the sugar with an oil such as coconut or olive oil, you will get a lot of benefits. Together, the oil and sugar will help to moisturize and give your skin nutrition. You’ll feel soft and have a natural glow.
To exfoliate with brown sugar:
- Apply the sugar scrub the same way as the baking soda and then rinse it off.
How to exfoliate with salt
The abrasive texture of salt will help to lift the dead skin that has built up on your legs and reveal fresh and beautiful skin.
- You need to mix half a teaspoon of salt and some of your favorite body wash.
- Once it’s mixed, apply it to your legs in – you guessed it – circular motions.
- Remember to target your knees, too, and then rinse off.
Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs With A Tool
How to exfoliate legs with a loofah
Instead of using a brush, you can use a loofah to remove dead skin.
Using a loofah is very simple.
- As always, use circular motion.
- Start at your feet, working your way up.
The Vive Loofah Sponge Scrubber is a great choice, as it comes on a wooden stick and is convenient for controlling your exfoliation.
How to exfoliate with a leg brush
If you want to use a leg brush, it’s just as straightforward as you think it is.
- You should dedicate 30 seconds to a minute to the circular motions.
- Rinse off after applying your preferred exfoliation product.
- Remember that you cannot exfoliate if you’ve got open wounds, cuts or have been sunburned.
Consider using the Dry Brushing Brush by Rosena. It’s made from natural boar bristles.
How to exfoliate with a glove
Exfoliating gloves are great for your legs because they are literally made for this purpose. You can buy 2 gloves or a double-sided product with a rough side. Exfoliating gloves are often considered the best body exfoliating tools.
- You have to get the glove wet before using it.
- You can even skip using a scrub when using a glove, and exfoliate using a shower gel.
- Remember to apply a moisturizer afterwards.
The EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Glove is a good, effective product. To use it, you have to apply gentle pressure in circular movements.
How to exfoliate with a stone
This isn’t a very common way to exfoliate, but using a pumice stone can work for exfoliation. You just have to make sure to apply very gentle pressure. When scrubbing your legs while dry, do it very softly. Pumice stones are rough and can cause irritation or damage.
For the most part, you use a pumice stone the same way as a loofah. The KuuCare Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone is a good choice for exfoliating your skin.
Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs With Chemicals
Chemical exfoliation makes use of acids or enzymes to remove the dead skin cells. Those with acne-prone and sensitive skin should avoid using chemicals.
What Chemicals To Choose
Enzymes
You get enzymes from natural sources, such as fruit. They are acid-based. However, they are gentle and safer than other acid-based products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
These are normally found in light chemical peels. You will find them in sugar, milk and fruit.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Another popular ingredient in light chemical peels, BHAs are made from the same source as aspirin. It is a synthetic product.
How To Exfoliate With A Body Scrub
You can make a body scrub for your legs by mixing sugar and lemon or sugar and oil (as mentioned above).
- You will use it by applying with a loofah, glove or your hands.
- Then, you will rub it onto your skin in circular motions for 30 seconds or so.
- You then rinse it off with warm water.
If you don’t want to create your own, there are plenty of pre-made scrubs in the market, like this Dove version:
How To Exfoliate With A Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can be rather pricey, but they are only necessary once or twice a year, which makes up for the price.
You have 3 options to choose from: mild abrasion, intermediate and deep peel.
If you have very sensitive skin, you may not want to go with a deep peel.
- Your legs will be prepped with alcohol to prepare for the peel.
- Then, the chemical peel will be applied with a brush. You will feel your skin start to tingle within a few minutes.
- Once it has dried, your skin will have a yellowish appearance. The color will remain until the peel is washed off, which could take as long as 24 hours.
- You have to make sure that you keep your skin out of the sun for about 10 days after the peel.
Our Pick For Best Exfoliation Method
Although a chemical peel lasts a long time, it can be bad for your skin.
The best option would most certainly be a natural one. Using a mixture of sugar and olive oil is our best bet. It will remove all the dead skin cells, while also nourishing your skin with the oil.
Final Tips And Tricks
If you want to exfoliate, it is recommended that you do so right before showering or taking a bath. This way, you don’t have to struggle with rinsing off the exfoliant.
You should always do your homework and make sure you treat your skin with care and love. You can use any tool such as a loofah, glove or just your hands.
However, a glove is the most recommended option.
Important note
You should know that, when exfoliating your legs, there may come a point when you might have to stop. If you have started to exfoliate and experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop and rinse off thoroughly:
- Red skin
- Inflammation
- Peeling skin
- Irritation
Do not exfoliate again until your skin has recovered. Also, consider using a different type of exfoliation next time.
You should not play with the health of your skin. The effects of doing so could be lasting and ugly. Also, note that if you are using acne products, exfoliation can worsen your skin problem.
Exfoliate Dry Skin on Legs: A Summary
Exfoliating your legs is a great idea. You will be left with glowing skin that will make you feel like a Hollywood star. Plus, your legs will look fantastic with a healthy and natural glow.
If you’ve been wondering how to exfoliate skin at home, you now know.
Sugar mixed with oil is considered the best product to exfoliate the body, including the legs. You should always dry exfoliate first to get rid of most of the dead skin cells. Then, you can use your preferred product with your favorite tool in the shower or bath.
Remember to start at your feet or ankles and work your way up. Don’t forget to use circular motions!
Once you’re done, don’t skip applying a good body moisturizer. This will help your skin look amazing for longer.
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What are your favorite ways to exfoliate dry skin on legs?
Thank you so much for your tips on exfoliating legs!
I always try to exfoliate my legs at least twice a week, and my legs have never been smoother! In the winter, I use the dry brush method, but in the summer I just use a simple homemade sugar scrub of sugar and olive oil, and it works wonderfully!