Many people do not know how to exfoliate legs. Exfoliating can completely change your legs, just as it can your face and other parts of the body. By eliminating the dead, flaky skin cells that are resting on the skin surface of your leg, a thorough exfoliation is a fantastic approach to “increase circulation and minimize the appearance of leg cellulite.”

Dermatologists advise frequent exfoliating but also caution against over-exfoliating, which occurs when the skin is dehydrated. Regular exfoliation is essential if you want absolutely beautiful skin. Therefore, if you have dry skin and intend to exfoliate, remember to also hydrate.

In this article, we will discuss exfoliation and the best ways to exfoliate your legs. We will also look at how to do so naturally, as well as using the best OTC exfoliation products for your legs.

 

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Exfoliation Takeaways:

• Never exfoliate after a shave.
• Don’t scrub off a sunburn.
• Exfoliate away from any open wounds or skin breaks.
• Pay close attention to your knees and ankles.
• Massage your legs when exfoliating and your circulation will improve.
• When exfoliating, apply light pressure, but not so much that you experience pain.
• If your skin is red, irritated, or peeling, stop exfoliating.
• Take extra care around the knee and other delicate parts of the legs.
• If a product is causing you to experience stinging, redness, or an allergic reaction, consult a doctor.
• If you’re using products with retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide—all of which have exfoliating properties—avoid extra exfoliation.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of accumulated dead skin cells, which promotes the development of new cells. Your legs may appear smoother, more polished, and more radiant after exfoliating them. But you need to be careful when you are exfoliating your legs. Exfoliating your skin too frequently or vigorously might make it red or even hurt it. Before exfoliating, think about the type of skin you have.

 

Typical skin types are: 

• Skin that is sensitive and is likely to hurt or burn after exfoliating
• Normal skin is unblemished and unsensitive.
• Having dry skin that is flaky, scratchy, or rough

 

Chemical and physical exfoliation are the two categories of at-home exfoliation techniques. A brush or sponge is used in physical exfoliation to clean away the dry skin surface. Chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells by using chemicals such as mild acids.

 

Exfoliation Methods in Details

 

Chemical exfoliator

The word “chemical” is frequently misunderstood to mean “bad,” but this is not the case! Even though the best product ingredients are from nature, people tend to forget that they are formed of chemical components. Moreover, if chemicals are suitable for olive oil and coconut oil, they are also suitable for us. There are several chemical exfoliants that you can apply on your own, while others must be provided by dermatologists. Chemical exfoliants, which are available as topical lotions for the body and upscale peeling serums, rely on two main groups of hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells from your skin.

Lactic acid and glycolic acid are both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs can penetrate your skin and work below the skin’s surface because they are water-soluble acids. They are great for normalizing skin tone and removing dark spots and improving skin texture. Salicylic acid is one of the beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Because BHAs are oil-soluble in contrast to their alpha counterparts, they serve a completely different function in chemical exfoliants. These acids are good for oily skin that is prone to acne because they are made to target and dissolve the extra oil in your skin.

 

Physical Exfoliator 

You probably envision using physical exfoliation techniques when you consider exfoliating your legs. Physical exfoliation, which is most popular among adults as well as teens, uses specialized skincare solutions to get rid of stuck-on dead skin cells. There are a zillion different exfoliating scrubs available for various skin types, making it possibly the most adaptable treatment.

While some products are designed to be less harsh on sensitive skin types, others are rough, allowing for a more thorough scrub to target areas of flaky skin. Starting your exfoliation process is as simple as choosing between a delectable brown sugar scrub and a new sea salt scrub (such as Hanna’s best-selling shower scarf), depending on what your skin requires.

 

The Benefits of Leg Exfoliation

Exfoliation has many advantages beyond just resulting in a smoother canvas. You can gain the following benefits, whether you choose an AHA serum, dry brushing, or a body scrub:

 

• Improves skin tone

According to Joie Tavernise, (a medical esthetician and the owner of JTAV Clinical Skin Care), “Your skin will appear and feel softer and more youthful with regular exfoliation.” Hyperpigmentation remains a possibility, especially for people who like to shave their legs or eliminate hair in general. Fortunately, exfoliation can gradually fade freckles and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to leave the skin on the legs looking more even.

 

• Better skin-moisturizer absorption

Dead skin cells make it harder for other products to permeate your skin, which applies to the entire body, not only the legs. Your topical moisturizers will be more effective since they can better enter the skin when that accumulation is removed. And keep in mind, especially if you just exfoliated, you should always use body oil or lotion after you shower. Remember to exfoliate the day before if you’ve been applying retinol body cream. In this manner, the dead skin is eliminated, allowing the retinol to work on the skin as effectively as possible.

 

• Improved circulation

Exfoliation, like dry brushing, helps encourage blood flow throughout the legs. You will be physically circulating lymph fluid and assisting your body’s natural purification processes, especially if you are massaging the skin at the same time.

 

• Reduced ingrown hairs or acne

Exfoliating should always be done before shaving, for those who are susceptible to leg pimples or ingrown hairs. Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. once told mbg that “gentle exfoliation can loosen the edge of hairs that could be trapped under the skin.” This can make shaving more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation or razor bumps.

Choose a body wash or salicylic acid exfoliating serum if you are more prone to breakouts than ingrown hairs because it is also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, and can reach deep within pores.

 

• Beneficial for KP and “strawberry legs”

KP can appear anywhere on the body, but behind the arms and legs is where it most frequently appears. Chemical exfoliants can help to lessen its appearance (though cannot be completely treated). To enhance skin texture, it is frequently advised to apply an alpha-hydroxy acid, such as glycolic or lactic acid, which is why exfoliation is the primary treatment for keratosis pilaris, according to Garshick.

Skin that resembles a strawberry, or more especially, its seeds, is referred to as having “strawberry legs.” Technically, the tiny spots are open comedones with a “plug” of germs and debris obstructing the pore. They may also become darker for the same reason. Comedones darken when exposed to oxygen. These hair follicles can be unplugged by exfoliation.

Finally, healthy circulation generally enhances the color, texture, and functionality of the skin’s surface. “The more dependent areas (such as the ankles and feet) are more susceptible to swelling and excessive dryness due to less circulation. However, good circulation encourages a healthy shine and makes the legs look younger.

 

How to Exfoliate Legs at Home

There are several techniques you can use to exfoliate your legs. The secret is to avoid going overboard. Exfoliating is a terrific way to get rid of dry, flaky skin, but too much of it might harm your skin’s protective barrier. It is advisable to do this only 2 to 3 times per week.

Now, let’s discuss some methods for exfoliating the legs right away.

 

• Apply a body scrub

One of the most widely used exfoliants is a body scrub, which might be a salt or sugar scrub. This type of manual exfoliation uses rough particles to remove dead cells naturally from the skin’s surface. Body scrubs are a favorite of Arnold’s because many contain “amazing essential oils that moisturize the skin.” To use a scrub correctly, you should start with your feet. Additionally, applying a moisturizer afterward will help restore the skin’s protective barrier and give you extra-smooth skin.

 

• Use a washcloth or a loofah

Body scrubs can occasionally be overly abrasive, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Using a washcloth or a loofah is always a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something less harsh. These techniques are milder on all skin types, therefore Arnold advises using them daily. However, you should use an exfoliating scrub if you’re interested in something with a little bit more exfoliating power. It’s crucial to use a clean loofah or washcloth when utilizing them, according to Dr. Zeichner.

It is advisable to avoid reusing washcloths. Instead, use a fresh one after each shower. The chance of germ contamination increases when a damp washcloth is left in the bathroom. Make sure your loofah completely dries between uses, and change it up every few weeks. It works similarly to an exfoliating scrub in that you rub it over your legs from the bottom to the top to exfoliate. Your regular body wash will do a good job when used with a loofah or washcloth. There is no need to scrub with a loofah or washcloth. Following your leg exfoliation, you should apply a moisturizing body lotion.

 

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• Utilize a scrubbing glove

Because they are gentle but a little more potent than a washcloth or a loofah—and because they are so simple to use—Arnold adores exfoliating gloves. I recommend exfoliating gloves to everybody. You can use it alone, together with a body scrub, or with body wash, says Arnold. Additionally, since it is reusable, beginning your exfoliation routine is simple.

 

• Dry brushing 

Dry brushing improves lymphatic drainage and promotes circulation and helps with cellulite, and exfoliates the skin. The best way to do it is by stroking your body upward and toward the heart while using light pressure.

 

• Body polish

A multipurpose body polish that cleans, exfoliates, and smooths flaky or rough skin is the perfect complement to your dry-brushing routine. All skin types can benefit from this treatment, but people with keratosis pilaris respond particularly well to it.

 

• Put oil on

After you’ve polished your legs, moisturize with oil to replenish the moisture in your skin and strengthen the barrier. The best product for this is the Bio-Oil, which is a terrific choice for people who want a lot of hydration.

 

• Moisturize

Apply moisturizer to your skin immediately after the oil is absorbed to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The Lather’s Cooling Leg Lotion provides a cooling sensation that we believe is fairly necessary given the mini-abrasions that frequently occur as a result of over-exfoliation or shaving.

 

• Use a chemical exfoliant

Although they are the most popular, manual exfoliants are not the only ones available. Because manual exfoliants can irritate the skin and harm the skin barrier, Dr. Joshua Zeichner strongly discourages using them. She advises against using any physical exfoliating techniques because they are extremely abrasive. Instead, “use a gentle chemical exfoliant, like beta hydroxy acid (BHA), alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or a retinol-containing product.”

According to Dr. Zeichner, a chemical exfoliant also makes it easier for dead skin cells to shed since it uses hydroxy acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid to break down accumulation. Chemical exfoliants may also be applied less frequently, ideally no more than 1 or 2 per week. Since freshly shaved legs are extremely sensitive and adding any kind of acid will irritate them unnecessarily, they must be used constantly before shaving.

 

The Best Exfoliating Scrub for Legs

Now that you’ve understood the fundamentals, finding the best body scrub to offer you soft, radiant skin is ahead of you.

 

Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub: Best for Everyday

 

The skin is gently exfoliated with this rich and opulent body scrub without becoming overly dry. Its formulation includes aloe vera or apricot seed to smooth the skin’s surface and prepare it for the remaining steps of your routine.

 

L’Oréal Paris Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub: Best Energizing Scrub

 

With this coffee scrub, you can invigorate your skin, thanks to Kona Coast, Hawaii, coffee grinds. There’s no reason why you can’t use it as an exfoliating scrub on your body, even though it’s appropriate for your face. It smooths and awakens the skin by removing dirt, oil, and pollutants.

 

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Body Polish: – Best Aromatic Scrub

 

With the help of this scrub made with incredibly nourishing monoi oil, you can moisturize while exfoliating. The polish smells divinely like Tahitian flower fields and is soft enough to apply from head to toe.

 

Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub: Best for Rough Patches

 

The exfoliating efficacy of this scrub, which is a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and physical exfoliant in one, is unmatched by rough spots and skin bumps. In addition to softening and relaxing, AHAs, PHAs, and microcrystals also clear out bumps and clear out pores. Calming ingredients such as tea extract and cucumber also help.

 

AMELIORATE Smoothing Body Exfoliant – Best Chemical Exfoliant

 

This body exfoliant is shouting the name of anyone struggling with lumps, dry spots, and rough patches all year round. With AHAs to remove dead skin cells and biodegradable bamboo granules, this product will give you smoother legs almost immediately. Even after you wash it off, your legs will continue to feel moisturized because of the addition of coconut oil and shea butter. Your legs will appreciate you leaving it on for about 1 or 2 times a week for a short while.

 

 

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How To Exfoliate Your Legs Naturally

Sugar Scrub

 

• Put 225 grams of sugar in a cup – White, brown, or raw sugar are all acceptable. Use brown sugar instead of white or raw for those with sensitive skin because it is kinder to the skin.
• Add 80 milliliters (or 1/3 cup) of oil – You may use any kind of oil, but you might want to try grapeseed, olive, almond, coconut, or baby.
• Think about including some additional substances, like vitamin E oil or aroma – You currently have everything you need to make a simple scrub in the jar. By including some additional components, you can give your scrub a more distinctive touch. Here are some ideas to get you going.

• • Vitamin E oil in the amount of 12 teaspoons (2.5 milliliters) will hydrate and soften your skin.

• • 3 teaspoons of lime or lemon juice will give your skin a fragrant addition and work to “tighten” it.

• • Your scrub will smell nice if you add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil, such as lemon, lavender, or peppermint.

• • The aroma of your scrub will be beautiful thanks to 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.

• • Your scrub will smell toasty if you add 12 teaspoons of ground pumpkin pie spice (2.5 grams) or cinnamon.
• Using a spoon, combine the ingredients and adjust as needed – Add extra oil if you find the scrub to be too dry. Add extra sugar if you find the scrub to be too wet. Add additional, if necessary, after adding one tablespoon of each ingredient at first.
• • A moist, gritty scrub is great.
• Step into the shower or bathtub and soak your legs for five minutes – You can multitask and go in the bath at this moment. This will make your sugar scrub more effective by assisting in softening the skin on your legs.

 

Sugar and Lemon

 

• Pour one lemon’s juice into a bowl after you’ve squeezed it – Natural skin brightener and toner, lemon juice. Remember that lemon juice increases our skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It is preferable to use the scrub at night and avoid going outside in the sun thereafter.
• Add between 55 and 115 grams of sugar – Sugar is excellent for your skin despite being terrible for your health. Dead skin cells will be removed as a result, exposing the softer skin beneath.
• Step inside the shower or bathtub and immerse your legs for five minutes – Your skin will get softer as a result, which will increase the scrub’s efficiency. Start your typical showering or bathing routine if you’d like.
• Pat your skin dry, and then apply moisturizer – This mixture works well at exfoliating and toning, but it can also be a touch drying, so be careful to moisturize when you step out of the shower. Using the moisturizer on damp skin will help seal in the moisture better if you have extremely dry skin in general.

 

How frequently should one exfoliate?

The frequency of your exfoliation varies entirely on the type of skin you have. People with oily skin or those who are prone to ingrown hairs might have to exfoliate times a week, whereas those with sensitive or dry skin may want to stick with it once per week. If you’re just getting started with exfoliation, don’t do it more than twice a week. Plan your exfoliation a day in advance if you want to concentrate on getting a close shave.

 

Wrapping Up

You now know how to exfoliate legs both naturally with OTC products. So, if you are not exfoliating, you’re skipping an essential stage in body maintenance. Exfoliating the legs and the entire body is a procedure you won’t want to skip. People with sensitive skin can use a washcloth or light chemical exfoliants. Sugar together with dry brushes, are the ideal answer for individuals seeking a deeper scrub.