A cold climate can make your legs scaly and silky, and we have to admit that they might need a little extra attention. Even though it has to be looked after, it is one of the body parts that is often paid the least attention. One reason might be that it can be hard to take care of when it is extremely dry and when you are not sure how to look after them.
Having lived in the UK for a little over 5 years, I can attest to that. The truth is, it’s not always possible for most of us to have smooth, soft, golden legs during the cooler months. No matter how much product we use, normally soft legs become dry, rough, and flaky in harsh temperatures. The good news is that you can achieve them with the right guidance.
I have researched and learned a few tips that have helped me, and I am sure you will find them helpful as well. It’s one thing to already suffer from dry and sensitive skin and having to deal with it during winter is another!
In this post, I will be sharing with you guys some of the tips that I have learnt and studied. 🙂
But before looking at the tips that I would like to share with you guys, let’s first briefly look at what causes dry skin on the legs. (Bear with me guys I want you to learn as much as possible and take as much knowledge as you can 😉 ).
Quick declaimer: as the owner of the website I have tracked down some of the products and services mentioned. Therefore, when using the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure.
Why are our legs dry during the winter?
It is common to experience dry, flaky, and cracked legs during the winter months. Although it comes and goes, it can cause irritation and pain. A lack of moisture in the air is often responsible for dry skin, including low humidity levels, cold air, cold winter winds, and dry indoor heat.
As reported by Harvard Health, dry skin occurs when the skin cannot retain moisture due to frequent bathing, harsh soaps, ageing, or certain medical conditions. In winter, the humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, and the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) tends to reflect the surrounding humidity. Due to this, winter is a particularly difficult time for our legs’ skin.
The following tips will help you avoid dry skin on your legs during the winter months.
Are your legs dry during the winter?Â
Here are some tips to help keep your legs hydrated.
-You should take shorter baths
For the skin to stay moist, avoid taking long baths or showers every day. A long bath can strip the skin of its oily layer, making it dry. 5 to 10 minutes is ideal! I know it can be tempting especially in winter to take longer showers but it is important to keep that in mind. Even if you cannot limit yourself to 10 minutes try to at least shorten it.
-Instead of hot water, use lukewarm water
It can be hard not to use hot water in cold weather, but this can cause more harm than good to your skin, and you should be careful. Taking a bath with hot water may strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water. You can effectively remove dirt from your skin with lukewarm water without damaging your skin’s oil balance.
The two following tips are perhaps the most relevant ones not to skip:
*Make sure you exfoliate regularly
For fresh-looking legs, exfoliation is quite important.
By using an exfoliant in the shower or bath, you will be able to reveal the fresh cells underneath the flaky, dry build-up on your legs.
As a result of exfoliation, blocked pores are cleaned out and minimised. The skin becomes more porous, making it easier to absorb products, such as moisturizers, into the skin.
*Make sure you moisturize every day
Just like all the other organs in the body, the skin on your legs requires hydration. And you should always moisturise your legs after a bath or wash to lock in moisture.
Whenever you wash your skin, it loses its natural oils, which keep it moisturized. The loss of moisture can be compensated for by replacing it with moisturizing creams.
Moisturizing your skin not only adds water but traps the water you already have, plumping, protecting, and maintaining the youthful appearance of your skin.
Using this oil every morning and night will nourish the skin, keeping it smooth and free of dry flakes.
As an additional tip, you should:
-Make use of oils
There are several differences between body oils and regular moisturizers, such as the fact that they contain plant oils, vitamins, and fatty acids. Because moisturizers contain mostly water and fillers, oils penetrate the skin more deeply. Coconut oil, olive oil, and essential oils can easily be used to make your own body oil!
Also remember to:
*Ensure maximum moisture by layering products
Layer on your products for maximum moisture. Apply a few drops of body oil after showering and allow it to soak into the skin for about two or three minutes. For extra hydration, apply your favourite moisturizer after the oil has been absorbed.
Whenever possible, use moisturizing soaps such as Olay, Dove, or Basis, or soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil, Aveeno and Cerave.
Related:
*Reccomended body washes for dry sensitive skin according to experts
Natural oils can be stripped away by deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and alcohol products.
What to avoid?
Avoid using bath sponges, scrub brushes, or washcloths to reduce the risk of trauma to your skin. If you still want to keep them, use a light touch. Towel-dry the skin by patting or blotting (but do not rub).
It is never a good idea to scratch. The itch can usually be controlled with a moisturizer. For itchy spots, a cold pack or compress can be used.
Try also to avoid fabric softeners and use fragrance-free laundry detergents. Check the ones here that Amazon is offering.
Also:
Dry brushing may be helpful
If you dry brush your legs every morning before you shower, the results will speak for themselves within a few weeks.
You can use the brush to improve circulation, break down cellulite, and break down lumps and bumps on your legs by drawing fluid strokes upwards towards your heart.
It is best to avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate your skin.
-Shaving
This is a quick one. However, one thing to remember before shaving your legs is to apply shaving cream or gel to your skin and let it sit for several minutes.
For more insights check the article here.
Another tip is to:
-Regularly apply sunscreen
It is just as important to apply sunscreen in winter as it is in summer. Even in winter, harmful UV rays can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for maintaining skin health and hydration.
Also, as the last point, it is to
-Keep hydrated
Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. It will keep your skin smooth and prevent dryness. Don’t drink excessively, though, as it can lead to other health complications.
To maintain beautiful skin, you need to keep hydrated, regardless of how diligently you brush, exfoliate, and wax.
Here are the ultimate tips to keep in mind that can help your legs glow and hydrated all year long! 😉
To recap remember to:
As we have seen in the post, maintaining hydrated skin on the legs is not that difficult. Throughout the winter, take the necessary measures to prevent dry and itchy legs.
The ultimate guide I have provided can help you achieve smooth, shiny legs and improve your hydration during winter!
Of course, I forgot to mention that you should consult a dermatologist if you experience severe skin dryness.
Having said that, I hope you can use it to your advantage and have the guidance you need to maintain healthy and glowing legs during winter!
I have a quick question though, which aspect of winter makes you the most uncomfortable? Comment below with your thoughts. 🙂
