How to Get Smooth Legs

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 29, 2021 References Approved

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.

1

Exfoliate your legs with a body scrub.

A body scrub will remove dry, dead skin cells. Hop in the shower for a few minutes first, so you aren’t applying the scrub to dry skin.^{[1]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Research source} Feel free to focus on rougher, dryer sections of skin, like your knees and heels, or apply the scrub all over.^{[3]
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Research source}
- 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.

2

Dry brush your skin regularly.

Dry brushing both exfoliates and stimulates your legs.^{[4]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Research source} 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]
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Research source}
- Some people claim that dry brushing reduces cellulite, but there isn’t any hard evidence to prove this.^{[7]
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  Research source}

3

Use a hydrating body wash in the shower.

Some body washes actually strip away oil. 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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Research source}

4

Shave your legs regularly.

Shave your legs while taking a warm bath or shower.^{[9]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Once you’re finished, rinse off your legs with cool water and apply moisturizer all over your skin.^{[11]
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Research source}
- 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]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}

5

Apply body lotion after showering.

Moisture leaves your skin right after you step out of the shower.^{[13]
X
Research source} 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]
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Research source}
- 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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  Research source}

6

Rub body oil over your legs.

The body oil goes on top of your lotion. 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]
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Research source}

7

Switch on a humidifier indoors.

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]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Experts recommend keeping your home’s humidity somewhere around 30-50%.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- You can find humidifiers at big-name retailers, home goods stores, and online marketplaces.

8

Wear moisturizing sunscreen when you're outside.

Lots of sunlight can take a toll on your legs. To be safe, apply an even layer of moisturizing sunscreen all over your legs before heading outside.^{[19]
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Research source}

9

Drink lots of water.

Dehydration can lead to dry, tight skin. 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]
X
Trustworthy Source
University of Wisconsin Health
Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives
Go to source}

10

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

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]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Waxing lasts longer than shaving, but it’s definitely more painful.^{[22]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Experts don’t advise waxing if you take or use isotretinoin, antibiotics, or tretinoin.

11

Try laser hair removal for a long-term solution.

Laser removal eliminates leg hair after a few sessions. 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]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- 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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  Research source}

12

Consider electrolysis for a permanent option.

Electrolysis permanently removes body hair. During the procedure, electrical probes permanently damage your hair follicles, so no more body hair grows back.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Many clinics charge electrolysis treatments by the hour, or in 15- or 30-minute chunks.^{[26]
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  Research source}

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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!
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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.