By BR Amelia
Who else has experienced that utterly horrific moment when you’ve bared your legs for the first time in months after their being encased in stockings or leggings or denim, only to find your legs no longer belong to an earthling but to an alien lizard-like creature from the darkest deepest corner of space. Yes, legs that look dry, cracked, and kind of like a parched riverbed aren’t exactly pretty, but they’re totally fixable with a good exfoliation and moisturisation regime.
So what can turn those scales smooth? Check out our five favourite methods of exfoliation.
Not only is dry brushing a great way to remove dead skin cells, it also has the added benefit of increasing circulation to the skin and stimulating your lymphatic system. We’re such huge fans of body brushing here at Beauty Review we dedicated a whole article to it, which you can read here. The trick to effective dry brushing is to brush upwards and towards your heart, this follows your lymphatic drainage system. The only exception to this is when you brush your back, you’ll want to go from the neck down. Once done hit the shower and set those skin cells free.
Who knew the fibrous material of a fruit could be so handy at scraping off cells, yet loofahs are exactly that. These rough and ready beauty tools, which come in long stick, glove, strap and sponge form, are handy things for exfoliation, however there is a downside to them. They can get funky super quick. Yep, if you plan on loofah-ing you’ll want to get a new one every month or two. You’ll also want to ensure it dries out properly after use, and you’ll want to sanitise it to ensure fungi doesn’t grow. Bleaching it, microwaving it whilst damp, and running white vinegar over and through it are ways oft touted to do this. So if you can handle the admin this could be the exfoliation method for you.
Want to treat your body while you exfoliate? Get your hands on a scrub. Scrubs generally come in sugar or salt form, but they can also come in the forms of coffee, tea, nuts and herbs. Often they’re infused with a scented oil of some sort, which can help you smell nice while offering a kick of moisturisation. Even better, you can make your own salt or sugar scrub at home by simply adding olive or almond oil and an essential oil of your choice to salt or sugar. Simple, affordable and effective. What’s not to love?
If you’ve sensitive skin you may want to avoid any harsh exfoliants, in which case the humble flannel could be your scaly skin’s best friend. Just wet, and scrub in small circles all over your bod. Bonus – it’s gentle enough it can also be used on your face. Just remember to give it a good clean and a solid amount of drying time once you’re finished using it.
Finally we have the ultimate lazy girls hack to getting smooth skin while enjoying sunny days at the beach. Sand. Yep, sand makes for an excellent on the spot exfoliant – although fine sand is best, as anything too rough could be damaging. So you’ve found your fine sand? Simply scoop up a handful or two, sprinkle it over your limbs and scrub away.
Once you’ve found your exfoliator of choice it’s a matter of keeping it up and finding a moisturiser you love to bathe your skin in after exfoliation, and your limbs will be looking lovely in no time!
So do tell, is your body silky smooth? How do you keep it that way? Tips and tricks always appreciated! Or is it rough and ready for some tender loving care? Get chatting!
Great tips. My skin is always horrid over the winter.