Your Guide to Getting Smoother Legs

2. Use a Dry Brush

There’s more than one way to exfoliate. Body scrubs are a great in-shower option, but dry brushing can be a helpful way to prep skin before it gets wet. Use a natural-bristle brush or loofah to gently rub skin; start at your feet and rub in small circular motions or brisk strokes, moving up your body as you go. Dry brushing shouldn’t hurt and shouldn’t be done for long periods of time. Keep the process quick and use a light hand to avoid irritation.

It’s also best to avoid following up a dry brushing routine with another physical or chemical exfoliant; give your skin a break by rotating your preferred methods of exfoliation. Dry brushes come in a few different forms, but we love the Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush for its ergonomic design. The ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush is another good option. This hand-held brush is comfortable and easy to use, especially for beginners. 

3. Pick the Right Razor

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. We like the Billie Razors, which are encased in a charcoal soap for a smooth, close shave.

Some experts say that the more blades, the better. The BiC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Women's Disposable Razor may not be the fanciest tool, but the five-blade count helps guarantee a closer shave that lasts. Plus, it’s disposable (more on that later). However, not everyone’s skin loves a multi-blade shave. Our favorite alternative is a safety razor. A learning curve does come with a one-blade razor, but as soon as you get the hang of it you’ll notice how smooth and nick-free your skin is. Bonus: You’re less likely to experience ingrown hairs in uncomfy places with a single-blade razor. We love the Hanni The Weighted Razor for its curved and weighted design, both of which contribute to this razor’s gentle approach to smooth skin.

4. Use a Gentle Body Wash

Before shaving, wash your legs with a mild body wash that’s infused 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 it cleanses.

People with sensitive skin may prefer the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body and Face Wash. It not only offers 24 hours worth of hydration but also leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

5. Use a Body Oil

Moisturized skin is smooth skin, and nothing helps to lock in moisture better than body oil. While body oil helps skin to glow during summer, it can expertly prevent dry patches in the winter. Whether your dry skin is perennial or seasonal, body oil can help ward off cracked dry patches. How? Body oils contain emollients, which help to soften the outer layer of skin. For maximum hydration, layer body oil over your favorite body lotion or moisturizer.

For oils, we love the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil. The fast-absorbing oil sinks into skin and leaves it velvety smooth. It works even better when layered on top of a lotion like the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter. Alone, the latter is nourishing, but when paired with a body oil, it can deliver intense levels of moisture that actually last.

Body oil can also be a gentle balm post-shave. The Oui the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss is lightweight but powerful. The result: Glowing soft skin that looks healthy — and smooth!

6. Use a Shaving Cream

We can’t tell you enough how important it is to use a shaving cream when using a razor. It differs from your average soap because most shaving creams are formulated to reduce friction between the razor and skin. We like the Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle Shave Cream for its moisturizing formula. Another option: The Fieldtrip Trail Blazer Trail Blazer Anywhere Shave Lotion. This translucent shave cream is slick but never greasy, and it helps to moisturize the skin to minimize nicks and cuts.

7. Shave Cautiously

While you’re shaving your legs, do so with caution. Shave gently, and shave small sections at a time. Always rinse your razor after shaving each small area, and make sure you’re shaving in the direction of your hair growth. This helps avoid pulling and tugging that can cause ingrown hairs and cuts. Dry shaving is also a no-no. We know what it’s like to be in a rush, but allowing your skin to soften and dampen in the shower is key for a close and smooth shave.

8. Rinse With Cold Water

We know how tempting hot showers or baths can be, but cold water has its benefits, too. Warm water can help to soften the skin prior to shaving but, if too hot, can lead to dehydration. Cold water doesn’t dry out the sebum layer of your skin (the layer that moisturizes and protects), so you’re less likely to experience flaking post-shower. Even we can’t deny that a 30-second rush of freezing water feels kind of amazing on freshly-shaved skin.

9. Use a Body Cream or Ingrown-Hair Product

To make sure your legs get all the hydration they can, use a moisturizing body lotion immediately after you step out of the shower or are finished shaving. We recommend using a moisturizing all-over body cream like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, or a product specifically designed to reduce ingrown hairs like the Topicals High Roller on the areas you just shaved.

10. Use Hyaluronic Acid

Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine is a quick way to hydrate and smooth skin texture. The popular ingredient can hold up a thousands times its own weight in water, replenishing skin almost instantly. Hyaluronic works well on dry skin, but is even more effective when used on damp skin. The Nécessaire The Body Serum uses hyaluronic acid alongside niacinamide and ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier. Layer or mix it with your favorite body lotion and your skin will look rejuvenated. 

11. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Your face isn’t the only place that needs UV protection. Skipping sunscreen on exposed areas of skin can leave your skin open to sun damage. This damage can deplete your skin’s water content, which may lead to dryness and dullness. If you have dry skin, sun exposure can also  exacerbate symptoms, like flaking or cracking. 

If you’re wearing a dress, skirt or shorts, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors, and reapply at least every two hours. Try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Lotion Spray Sunscreen SPF 60, an alcohol-free and non-greasy formula that works for most skin types. If you do have chronically dry skin, it may be beneficial to find a sunscreen with added skincare ingredients, such as glycerin or vitamin E, which can tackle the dryness and sun protection all at once. We love the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body Face Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 100.

12. Change Your Razor Head Often

Using a dull razor likely won’t end in a clean shave and can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation. If you shave frequently, make sure you change your razor head frequently (the AAD recommends after every five to seven uses) to keep your shaving routine clean and efficient.

If you’re using a safety razor, consider changing the blade about once a week. While this totally depends on how often you shave, a safety razor blade can last up to five to seven shaves. Even if you do forget, you’ll notice when that close comfortable shave doesn’t feel so close and comfortable anymore.