How To Get Smooth Legs In 9 Easy Steps

Having soft, smooth legs is all any of us want, which explains why we’re a little too quick to reach for our razors when summer—and the need for shorter hemlines—peaks around the corner. But, poor shaving habits can actually lead to dry skin or—even worse—the dreaded razor bumps and irritation. Don’t let your skin suffer from incorrect hair removal tactics and instead follow our tips below. Keep reading for 9 easy steps to achieve soft, smooth legs that you’ll want to show off all season long.

9 Easy Steps For Smoother Legs

Step 1: Exfoliate

Dead skin cells can cause your skin to feel rough, so sloughing them away is the first step. Using a body exfoliator before hair removal can help. Make sure to exfoliate your legs a few hours before any hair removal regimen, and use an exfoliant that is gentle. One of our favorite body exfoliating products is the Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Oatmeal Bar Soap. This bar soap stands out from the rest for its gentle exfoliating formula that helps soften your skin without causing irritation.

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Oatmeal Bar Soap, $6 MSRP

Step 2: Pick out the right razor

Not all razors are created equally. Some razors are formulated with moisture strips to help keep irritation at bay on your legs. Grabbing a top-quality razor can make a huge difference to the skin on your legs. To help avoid nicks, tugs, and scrapes, do your research on your razors before you purchase them. 

Step 3: Wet your legs before shaving

You should never—under any circumstance—try to shave your legs when they’re dry. Dry shaving can result in irritation and itchy bumps. Make sure you let your legs soak in water before you shave. If you’re shaving in the shower, give your skin some time to get wet first.

Step 4: Use a gentle body wash

Before shaving, wash your legs with a mild body wash that’s formulated with hydrating properties. The Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Softening Body Wash is formulated with almond oil and can give your skin a boost of moisture while cleansing your body skin.

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Softening Body Wash, $10 MSRP

Step 5: Use a shaving cream

We can’t tell you enough how important it is to use a shaving cream when shaving. It differs from your average soap because most shaving creams are formulated to reduce friction between the razor and skin. If you want to help prevent cuts and scrapes, you should always use a shaving cream before picking up the razor.

Step 6: Shave cautiously

While you’re shaving your legs, do so with caution. Shave gently, and shave small sections at a time. Always rinse off your razor after shaving each small area, and make sure you’re shaving in the direction of your hair growth. Shaving in the direction of hair growth helps avoid pulling and tugging that can cause ingrown hairs and cuts.

Step 7: Use a body cream

To make sure your legs get all the hydration they can, use a moisturizing body lotion immediately after you step out of the shower. One of our top picks for moisturizing is the Carol’s Daughter Body Jelly All Natural Multi-Tasker. This body jelly is formulated for straight out of shower use, and is a multi-tasking formula that hydrates, soothes and nourishes skin with sweet almond oil and jojoba.

Carol’s Daughter Body Jelly All Natural Multi-Tasker, $12 MSRP

Step 8: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen

Your face isn’t the only place that needs UV protection. Skipping on sunscreen on exposed areas of skin can leave your skin open to sun damage. If you’re wearing a dress, skirt, or shorts with your legs exposed, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors, and reapply at least every two hours. 

Step 9: Change your razor head

Using a dull, old razor head likely won’t end in a clean shave. Not only can this dull razor head end up causing ingrown hairs and irritation, but it’s also extremely unhygienic. If you shave frequently, make sure you change your razor head after every five uses to keep your shaving routine clean and efficient.