If, like me, you’ve looked at the upcoming forecast and thought, “I’m not ready to get my legs out!” you’re in the right place. After months of being tucked firmly inside trousers, with very little thought about publicly baring the lower half of your body, it can be a surprise when we have an unusually warm spring and the desire to ditch the jeans becomes too much.
It is pretty common practice that just as you switch over your winter wardrobe for your summer clothes, the same thing should happen with your beauty routine. Opting for lightweight makeup can help skin look polished without being too heavy and getting an all-important pedicure is a must. However, we often forget that this switch should include our body products too. “Think of it as a spring body makeover – after months of cold weather, central heating and layers, your skin is likely in need of some extra attention,” says Dr Anna Persaud, CEO of This Works.
As a big believer that everyone should ‘Wear The Shorts’ – a body positivity campaign that encourages anyone who wants to to wear shorts to do so – I have taken years to accept that my body may not look like an Instagram image – and that’s ok. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to get my legs looking their best.
“Getting your legs summer-ready is really about establishing a consistent, simple routine that supports cell turnover, strengthens the skin barrier, and restores hydration and radiance,” says Dr Persaud. Although it may seem a bit presumptuous, especially in the UK, to start worrying about getting Summer ready in May, according to Dr Persaud, there is no time like the present. “Skin doesn’t bounce back overnight, especially after months of cold weather, central heating and heavier fabrics,” she tells PS UK. “Giving it time to adjust means you can work gradually – exfoliating gently, building up hydration, and, if you like, adding a bit of glow, all without overloading it.”
If you’re ready to put your best legs forward, then read on to find out how to give your legs a facial-worthy treatment at home, according to the experts.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dr Anna Persaud is a biochemist and CEO of This Works.
Faye Purcell is a skincare chemist and head of research and development at Q+A
Always Start With Exfoliation
This is the first and most crucial step to getting your legs out of hibernation. But, before you jump in the shower and get scrubbing, remember to cleanse your skin first: “Cleansing first washes away any surface dirt, sweat and impurities that could block exfoliation and make it less effective,” says Faye Purcell, head of research and development at Q+A. To kick off your leg routine, indulge your skin with an intense sugar scrub like Collistar Firming Talasso-Scrub (£48). This feels, and smells, like you’ve taken a trip to the spa and leaves your skin smooth and even. Once the summer gets started, using a cheaper product like Daise Sugar Scrub (£8) every few days in the shower will keep your skin in tip-top condition. Just remember to take the scrub down over your ankles and all over your feet too, as this can help with dry, cracked heels from wearing sandals and flip-flops.
If you find certain areas like your knees or ankles are struggling with dry patches, then The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Body Stick (£15) is ideal and can be used on the go if you haven’t got time to do a full body routine. However, before you start slathering on ALL the products, Dr Persaud warns: “Don’t overdo it! More is not always better. Scrubbing too hard, layering too many Actives, or chopping and changing products constantly, can do more harm than good. It’s tempting to go all-in when you want quick results, but skin responds best to consistency and care, not shock tactics.”
Consider Your Hair Removal Routine
Waxing, shaving or laser hair removal, the options for defuzzing your body are endless, and you need to find the right one for you. If you are thinking about going down the laser route, you’re not too late. Breakthroughs in laser technology mean that safe, easy and painless permanent hair reduction is a reality for (practically) all. The Alma Soprano Titanium Special Edition (prices start from £178 for six sessions) is clinically proven to be safe on all skin types and tones, including (fake) tanned and deeper skin tones, at any time of year. Just ensure that if you have had a laser treatment that you’re wearing sufficient SPF, as it can make your skin more susceptible.
If you prefer a quick and simple method like shaving, then investing in a subscription service can help. Estrid Starter Kits (£10) are great and then you can add a blade delivery to suit your shaving needs. It also means you will never be caught short using a blunt blade, which, FYI, can cause shaving cuts and ingrown hairs. “As a rule of thumb, if your skin starts to feel uncomfortable, experiencing razor burn or irritation and isn’t giving a smooth shave, it’s probably time for a new blade,” says Purcell. “To help get the best from your razor, always rinse after use to prevent any buildup.” And remember to always use shaving cream, this will help the razor glide over the skin easily and stop it from pulling. Regular exfoliation will not only get rid of dry skin and grime, but it will also help prevent ingrown hairs, so ensure you apply your body scrub everywhere you have shaved, as this will help keep the area smooth and bump-free.
Invest in Salon Treatments and At-Home Tools
We all tend to invest in salon treatments and at-home tools for our face, but what about the rest of our body? If you find that you get really hung up on the appearance of the skin on your legs, then I would highly recommend investing in salon treatments. Lymphatic drainage treatments and massage therapies are great for shifting toxins and water that may be stuck in your body after months of sitting and decreased movement.
Another option is to look into an at-home device like the Foreo Beartm 2 Body (£279), which uses microcurrent to increase the production of collagen, and elastin to firm skin and combat wrinkles. It also encourages skin renewal, helps fade pigmentation and gives you healthier-looking skin.
Bring Back the Moisture
Much like your face, during the warmer months, it is so important to add moisture to your legs and body every day. As our bodies warm up, they tend to lose more moisture, which is why you can often end up with dry, flaky skin. Make moisturising part of your everyday routine by adding a deeply hydrating body wash to your shower, like Naturim Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash (£18), as this can help soothe dehydrated skin that has been in the sun or the water all day. “Always apply your moisturiser to damp skin to help lock in hydration more effectively,” says Faye. “Look for body creams or lotions that contain humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which act like a sponge to retain moisture.” Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower (£10) is ideal as hyaluronic acid should always be applied to damp skin (FYI, this is the same for your facial products too) as this will keep your skin hydrated for longer.
To give legs a gorgeous shine and moisturise all day, try This Works Deep Dry Leg Oil (£48) to deeply nourish and soften rough, scaly areas. This 100% natural superblend contains rose, sandalwood and evening primrose oils, which help restore moisture while supporting the lipid barrier.
Add a Touch of Bronze
I don’t care what anyone says, a fake tan makes you feel 100% better. I was once told, “If you can’t tone it, tan it,” and as someone who avoids the gym like it’s part of her job, I’m all about the self-tan. If you prefer a subtle glow, then Bali Body Gradual Tan Body Butter (£27) is super hydrating – it feels like the most indulgent body lotion ever – and gives you a gorgeous glow after the first application. It has a slight sheen to it, which means it can give you confidence from the moment of application.
For those that prefer an instant wash of colour there is nothing better than cult favourite Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (£14). Available in a spray and a lotion, this has been one of my go-to’s for about 20 years as it gives a natural, non-patchy colour that doesn’t transfer and washes off easily. Another great product I’ve just discovered is Margaret Dabbs Conceal Legs (£52), think of it as a CC cream for your legs as it gives skin a filtered effect and conceals any veins or uneven patches to give the illusion of smoother legs.
Oh, and most importantly. Wear. The. Damn. Shorts.
Lauren Ezekiel (she/her) is a former associate editor at PS UK, where she wrote about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism she began her career in 2008 at a leading Sunday supplement, where she climbed through the ranks to become beauty editor in 2012. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and she’s often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate for the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental well-being, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We C U 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.
