Our legs do a lot for us, they move us everywhere we want to go. Do you take the time to thank them for all they do?
You might ignore the condition of your legs until you have a problem such as varicose veins, itchy skin rashes, or chronic discomfort, but it is essential to provide skincare for your legs on a daily basis. These are simple ways to take care of your legs to avoid complications from dangerous blood clots or diabetic nerve damage.
Here are 10 easy ways to care for your legs daily:
Exercise Your Legs Frequently
If you are sitting too much, then you might develop edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the tissues of your legs), especially in the ankles. Taking regular breaks to do some simple stretching exercises, or a quick self-massage of the legs can help reduce the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Lack of physical activity can also lead to dangerous blood clots. You don’t need to jog or run to exercise your legs, simple movement such as walking or bicycling is an excellent way to increase the circulation in your body.
Application of Lubricating Emollients
Emollients are creams, lotions or body butters that help prevent the skin from drying out while providing additional benefits. When the skin on your legs is dry, it can cause itchiness that will make you feel uncomfortable. If you shave your legs, then it is possible to have drier skin than normal. When you shave your legs, use a special product that lubricates your skin while making it easier to remove the hair. Not only should you apply lotion to the skin on your legs, but also, you may need to use extra emollients on your knees.
Drink Enough Water
By drinking enough water, you can prevent dry skin on your legs. Drink a large glass of water when you wake up, and continue to drink water throughout the day. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water each day, but you may need more than that when it is hot or if you are physically active. You can drink plain or enhanced water to prevent dehydration. Eating lots of water-rich foods such as cucumber, celery, watermelon, apples, and lettuce count for your daily water intake too.
Elevate Your Legs Occasionally
While sitting in an office all day, make sure to move your legs and feet around underneath your desk. Bring a small stool to work to elevate your feet and legs. You can also prop your legs up while reclining on a couch, in your bed, or my favourite legs up a wall to help your legs feel better and encourage good circulation.
Wear Compression Hose or Socks
If you work in a job that requires standing or walking for several hours, then talk to your physician about wearing a compression hose or socks. Wearing these items can help to prevent edema or varicose veins and to avoid complications from these problems.
Use Sunscreen Products on Your Legs
When you are outside wearing shorts or a swimsuit, make sure to apply broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen cream or lotion to the skin on your legs. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can burn the skin on your legs quickly. If your legs are sunburned, then it will lead to excruciating pain for several days, making it difficult to wear normal clothing that rubs against your skin.
Consume a Nutritious Diet
In order to have gorgeous and healthy skin on your legs, make sure to consume a nutritious diet that includes lean protein, lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, and healthy fats. Avoid eating junk food that contains empty calories along with ingredients such as sugar, processed packaged foods, refined ‘vegetable oils’ and sodium that are damaging to your skin.
Exfoliate the Skin on Your Legs
If you experience dry flaky skin on your legs, then using an exfoliating mixture is very beneficial. You can use natural products such as sugar and coconut oil to exfoliate your legs while you are in the shower or bathtub. After you rub away the dry skin from your legs and feet, rinse off the sugar scrub before applying a moisturizer.
Have a Leg Massage
When your legs are aching after a difficult day, visit a local day spa to have a leg massage. A massage therapist will have you recline on a padded table while they rub your legs with special techniques. This type of treatment can relieve the discomfort in your legs in addition to improving blood circulation.
Application of Essential Oils
If you want to increase the energy in your legs, then use a lotion with peppermint essential oil on your skin. Or, if you suffer from restless legs at night, then lavender essential oil in a lotion or body butter rubbed into the skin on your legs before going to bed can help.
Be sure to take care of your legs and they will then take care of you. ♥
To Your Health,
