5 Tips for Treating Legs with Dry, Flaking Skin

It's 5 o'clock and your date, a very handsome Greek footballer, is waiting patiently outside. As you slip on a sleeveless black dress you notice something peculiar in the mirror. No, not your makeup. Your legs! Legs covered with dry, flaky skin, threatening to dust your high heels with skin! Isn't that an appetizing way to start the evening?

The truth is all women deal with dry, flaky skin on a daily basis. Whether you're 45 or 15, having supple, soft skin is still difficult to maintain. Treat your legs to something different. Follow these simple tips for treating legs with dry, flaky skin.

Tips For Treating Legs With Dry, Flaky Skin
Tip 1#:Limit showers to reduce dry, flaky skin. Although it feels great, having long, hot showers causes skin to dry and crack, causing flaking and irritation. Prevent it by showering in warm water instead, cutting shower time to 15 minutes.

Tip 2#: Make legs squeaky clean with skin cleansers or moisturizing soaps. Instead of soaping up your legs with regular soap, use skin cleansers or soaps that contain moisturizers. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular soap dries out the skin, increasing dryness and flaking on the legs. Soothe dry, flaky legs instead with common skin cleansers or soaps with moisturizers, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Tip 3#: Apply baby oil to your legs after showering to lock in moisture. Legs absorb moisturizers better when wet. Baby oil is the best moisturizer to apply right after showering because oil absorbs better, penetrating the skin more effectively than lotions or ointments.

Tip 4#: Rule out wool. Wearing pants made with wool acts as sandpaper for your legs, which equals uh oh for already dry skin. Chuck out the wool for softer, breathable fabric such as cotton or silk. Breathable fabric allows your legs to breathe, preventing additional dryness and flaking.

Tip 5#: Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep hydration flowing inside of you. What you drink really reflects on the health of your skin, so drink up-or at least eight glasses of water per day, if plenty isn't specific enough. The dryness and flaking on your legs should reduce in severity and you'll feel better too.

Now all you need to do is combine these tips for a several pronged approach for zapping dry skin on your legs. Treating legs with dry, flaky skin is as simple as changing your shower routine and drinking more water. Smooth, irresistible legs-here you come!

Sources:
"Dry Skin: Lifestyle and Home Remedies" (MayoClinic.com)