How to Get Smooth Legs

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Dry, chalky skin and razor bumps are no fun, whether you’re gearing up for summer or winter weather. Don’t worry—smooth, soft legs are much closer than you think! We’ve put together plenty of tips, tricks, and ideas to help your legs feel smooth, silky, and luxurious again.

Things You Should Know

  • Moisturize your legs once a day, ideally when you get out of the shower or bath.
  • Exfoliate your legs 1-2 times a week, and shave them (or use a depilatory cream) when you feel stubble.
  • Laser hair removal is a great option if you want to remove your leg hair permanently.
1

Exfoliate your legs with a body scrub.

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  1. Hop in the shower for a few minutes first, so you aren’t applying the scrub to dry skin. [1] Everyone’s skin is a little different, so rub a small amount of product on your skin to make sure you don’t have a reaction. [2] Feel free to focus on rougher, dryer sections of skin, like your knees and heels, or apply the scrub all over. [3]
    • Don’t worry—it’s perfectly safe to both dry brush and use a body scrub.
    • Always exfoliate before you shave, so all your dead skin cells are cleared away.
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2

Dry brush your skin regularly.

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  1. both exfoliates and stimulates your legs. [4] Grab a natural-bristle brush and guide in gentle, upward strokes around your knees, thighs, calves, and butt. Dry brushing both legs is quick and easy, and only takes about 3 minutes total. [5] Feel free to dry brush every day, but do it before you hop into the shower; this way, all your dead skin cells will get rinsed off. [6]
    • Some people claim that dry brushing reduces cellulite, but there isn’t any hard evidence to prove this. [7]
3

Use a hydrating body wash in the shower.

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  1. To keep your skin smooth and sleek, pick out a creamy, nourishing body wash formula instead. If you’re a fan of bar soap, opt for a glycerin-based product infused with Argan, almond, or coconut oil. [8]
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4

Shave your legs regularly.

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  1. [9] Slather a shaving gel or cream all over your legs, so the razor glides really smoothly over your skin. Then, grab a sharp razor, shaving your legs in the direction of your leg hair growth. [10] Once you’re finished, rinse off your legs with cool water and apply moisturizer all over your skin. [11]
    • Keep your razor in a dry, clean spot when you’re not using it, and replace your blade every 5-7 shaves, if possible.
    • If you aren’t a fan of shaving, you might prefer a depilatory (hair-removing) cream. [12]
5

Apply body lotion after showering.

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  1. [13] With this in mind, spread a thick layer of moisturizing lotion all over your legs right away. Then, wait at least 10 minutes for the product to soak into your skin. [14]
    • For the best results, apply your lotion within 3 minutes of leaving the shower.
    • If you’d like your skin to look more youthful, pick out a lotion with retinols. [15]
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6

Rub body oil over your legs.

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  1. Before turning in for the night, spread a thin layer of body oil on top of the lotion. The oil helps “protect” the lotion, which keeps your legs moisturized throughout the night. [16]
7

Switch on a humidifier indoors.

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  1. Humidifiers are an easy fix for dry skin. If the air in your home is really dry, your skin might be paying the price. Set up a humidifier somewhere in your home, which will improve the air’s moisture content overall. [17]
    • Experts recommend keeping your home’s humidity somewhere around 30-50%. [18]
    • You can find humidifiers at big-name retailers, home goods stores, and online marketplaces.
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8

Wear moisturizing sunscreen when you're outside.

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  1. To be safe, apply an even layer of moisturizing sunscreen all over your legs before heading outside. [19]
9

Drink lots of water.

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  1. To prevent this, try drinking 8 glasses of water each day. While you won’t see results overnight, drinking more water may help improve your skin in the long run. [20]
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10

Wax every few weeks if you don't like shaving.

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  1. Waxing lasts longer than traditional shaving. Spread a layer of wax along a small portion of your legs. Then, press a cloth strip on top of the wax. After a couple of seconds, pull off the cloth strip to remove the wax. [21]
    • Waxing lasts longer than shaving, but it’s definitely more painful. [22]
    • Experts don’t advise waxing if you take or use isotretinoin, antibiotics, or tretinoin.
11

Try laser hair removal for a long-term solution.

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  1. During a treatment, a doctor will target your body hair with lasers. Over several sessions, these lasers will thin out and eventually destroy the hair completely. [23]
    • Laser hair removal is a good option for permanent hair removal, but it’ll take several sessions to see full results.
    • Laser hair removal can be pretty pricey. A single session may cost almost $300. [24]
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12

Consider electrolysis for a permanent option.

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  1. During the procedure, electrical probes permanently damage your hair follicles, so no more body hair grows back. [25]
    • Many clinics charge electrolysis treatments by the hour, or in 15- or 30-minute chunks. [26]


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get shaving cream?
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Expert Answer
    Most big-name retailers sell shaving cream! Check in the beauty or personal grooming section of your nearest store. It’ll probably be near the disposable razors!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Is it bad to use hair removal cream?
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Expert Answer
    No! Depilatories (hair removal creams) are perfectly safe to use. However, if the cream ever stings or burns when you apply it to your skin, rinse it off right away.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How can I make my hair not grow back the day after I shave?
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.
    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, the results of shaving don’t last very long. If you’d like a long-term solution, try removing your hair with body wax. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, laser hair removal and electrolysis are other options.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • You can also get a electric shaver if you don't want to use a regular razor. You don't need to apply any shaving cream! Just make sure to apply body butter afterwards so your legs are smooth.
      • Try a Gillette shaver; they leave your legs as smooth as baby!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://lamag.com/news/the-shower-sitch-to-brush-or-to-scrub
      2. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g9565176/smooth-legs-tips/
      3. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/a6599/how-to-use-body-scrub/
      4. ↑ https://lamag.com/news/the-shower-sitch-to-brush-or-to-scrub
      5. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/why-you-should-dry-brush-legs-butt
      6. ↑ https://lamag.com/news/the-shower-sitch-to-brush-or-to-scrub
      7. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30965298/dry-brushing-benefits-how-to/
      8. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g9565176/smooth-legs-tips/
      9. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-shave-correctly
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave
      2. ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2018/11/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-bumps/
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      4. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/the-best-time-to-moisturize
      5. ↑ https://www.elle.com.au/beauty/smooth-legs-winter-24181
      6. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/margauxlushing/2018/04/25/how-to-combine-acids-and-retinols-in-a-skincare-routine/?sh=28b231a04fbb
      7. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g9565176/smooth-legs-tips/
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021
      10. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g9565176/smooth-legs-tips/
      11. ↑ https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334
      12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      15. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/guide-to-laser-hair-removal
      16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
      17. ↑ https://health.costhelper.com/electrolysis.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get smooth legs, start by using a loofah and exfoliating cream in the shower to remove dead skin cells. Next, grab a fresh razor, apply shaving cream, and shave up your legs, against the grain, to get the closest shave. Don't forget the areas around your ankles and knees! Then, rinse your legs with cool water, pat them dry, and follow up with a thick layer of lotion to keep your skin soft and hydrated! To explore other options like waxing and depilatory creams, read on!

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        May 1, 2018

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