Exfoliating is one of the keyssmooth, healthy-looking skin. And especially in summer, beautiful, smooth legs can make a significant contribution to making us feel more comfortable in a summer dress or on the beach. Today we will tell you which are the best methods and means for peeling. The superficial removal of layers of skin is particularly effective against ingrown hairs and provides relief against strawberry legs. A homemade peeling for legs also has many advantages: it is inexpensive, contains no microplastics and you can tailor the ingredients exactly to the needs of your skin.
Types of peels
There are two types of peels: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation involves physically scrubbing the skin with a body scrub, dry brush, or other exfoliating skin care tool. Chemical peeling, on the other hand, uses salicylic acid,Alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid)or enzymes that smooth the skin structure. These exfoliating ingredients are also found in facial creams, cleansers and many other skin care products.
Exfoliating legs with store-bought products
Mechanical exfoliation products can be used either in the shower or on dry skin. The body peeling can not only remove old skin cells, but also promotes blood circulation in the skin and the regeneration of healthy skin cells.
Leg peeling brush, loofah sponge, peeling glove, etc.
Leg scrub brushes or sponges have a rough texture that removes dead skin as you scrub. When you use the brush or sponge on dry skin, this method is called dry brushing. In addition to exfoliating, dry brushing can also improve circulation, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and help remove toxins through the lymphatic system. An exfoliating brush can also be used on damp skin with a regular body wash. There are also exfoliating gloves and loofahs that are perfect for exfoliating in the shower.
Body scrubs with exfoliating particles
These body peelings contain fine, granular rubbing substances that gently remove dead skin cells from the skin and thus accelerate cell renewal. Apply the scrub gently to the legs in circular movements.
Make sure your scrub doesn't contain microplastic beads, which can be abrasive to skin and harm the environment if they end up in the drain. In fact, some states have even banned these products.
Scrubs with sugar, almond bran, or another natural ingredient with a grainy texture are a much better option. However, don't use a gritty sugar scrub on your face where your skin is thinner, as it may do more harm than good.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA)
AHAs are chemical peels that use acids to remove dead skin cells. Two of the most common AHAs are lactic acid and glycolic acid. Many people hear the word “acid” and worry that AHAs are too aggressive. When used correctly, they can actually have a very gentle effect. AHAs are water-soluble acids thattypically come from fruitand gently peel off the top layer of skin.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and is found as a plant hormone in the leaves, flowers and roots of various plants. It is also a chemical peel, and although it shares properties with AHAs, it penetrates deeper into the skin and is ideal for blemishes and acne. Salicylic acid is also used externally to dissolve calluses.
Make your own leg peeling
If you would like to make your own leg peeling, you can get inspiration from the following recipes. All you need are a few ingredients that you probably have at home anyway.
DIY leg peeling with coffee
Coffee is an effective remedy for cellulite. To benefit from the activating effect and reduce the appearance of cellulite, let the coffee peeling work on the skin for a few minutes. Studies show that caffeine can actually help with cellulite.
Recipe:Mix 100 g of coffee grounds with 2 tablespoons of hot water in a bowl. If you have dry skin, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil.
Application:Apply the scrub to clean legs in the shower. It is best to rub the coffee powder in circular movements and then rinse it off. You may also have to clean the shower after this treatment, but the result is worth it.
Meersalzpeeling
Sea salt is perfect as a peeling for legs. Just make sure you don't have any cuts after shaving, otherwise it will burn.
Recipe:Mix 100g sea salt, 100ml olive oil and a few drops of essential oils (optional).
Application:Apply a small amount of scrub to wet or damp legs and rub in circular motions.
DIY peeling for legs with sugar
Brown sugar is an inexpensive ingredient that you probably already have at home. However, do not use it on your face or other sensitive skin areas. Combine 100g brown sugar with 100ml oil of your choice. Coconut, olive, almond or grapeseed oil are good choices. Apply it to the legs in circular motions and rinse thoroughly.
Honey-sugar peeling for dry skin
Honey is considered a real beauty all-rounder and is used in many ways in skin care. It moisturizes the skin and has an anti-inflammatory, firming and nourishing effect.
Recipe:Mix 100g brown sugar, 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted) and 2 tbsp honey in a bowl.
Application:Apply the mixture to your legs in circular motions. It's best to apply it in the shower to avoid getting the sticky honey on other surfaces. Rinse it thoroughly until you no longer feel stickiness.
Peeling my Natron
Make a paste of baking soda and warm water (about 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 1 teaspoon of water) and apply it to your legs in the problem area. Leave it on for about three to five minutes before rinsing the mixture off with water. The baking soda has an anti-inflammatory effect and gently exfoliates the skin. If you want to make this DIY scrub even more effective, add a tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal.
The correct use of peelings
Depending on which peeling method you choose, the correct application will vary.
Brushes and sponges –There are lymph nodes behind the knee that you can gently massage with an exfoliating brush. Lymphatic drainage helps eliminate the body's waste. Brush the legs in circular movements from the thigh towards the ankle. Apply enough pressure so that you feel it, but not so much that it hurts. If you use a loofah or exfoliating brush in the shower, make sure your skin is damp and that you use a body wash or oil to avoid skin irritation.
Body Scrubs –First wash your legs with water. Then put some scrub in the palm of your hand and apply it to the front and back of your legs in small, circular movements. If you notice redness or irritation on the skin, or if the peeling causes pain, you should stop immediately and rinse it off with water.
AHAs and BHAs –Chemical peels (AHAs and BHAs) can be used slightly more frequently than mechanical peels because they are not abrasive to the skin. Instead of peeling away dead skin, they dissolve the top layer of skin. Some chemical peels are used as an ingredient in a body scrub or lotion, and these are intended to be washed off. Others come in the form of sprays, serums, or lotions that can be applied overnight and absorbed into the skin.
Peeling for legs – how often?
In general, you shouldn't exfoliate more than once or twice a week. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends allowing time for cell regeneration between peels, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
If you have oily skin, you may be able to exfoliate more often. However, it is important to read the instructions on store-bought scrubs carefully and not to be too rough with brushes, sponges, or exfoliating gloves. With mechanical peels, 3 minutes is generally enough to remove dead skin.
Exfoliating your legs before or after shaving?
Always make sure to exfoliate your skin before shaving. This helps remove dead skin cells that could be clogging your razor. Exfoliating is the key to smooth-shaven legs! Shaving exfoliated skin is easier and more effective because your razor is able to get to the root of the hair and give you the closest shave possible. It is also advisable to prepare the skin with a leg peeling before epilating. However, a peeling about 1-2 days before epilation would be ideal.
Precautions when exfoliating
There are a few precautions you can take to avoid skin irritation:
- Use light pressure as you exfoliate, but not so much that you feel pain.
- Stop exfoliating if the skin is red, inflamed, or peeling.
- Be especially careful in sensitive areas of the legs like thatInner thighor the back of the knee.
- Consult a doctor if you experience redness, itching, or an allergic reaction to a product.
- Avoid additional exfoliation such as dry brushing when using products that contain salicylic acid, retinol or benzoyl peroxide. They are all known for their exfoliating properties.
Exfoliating your legs is a quick and easy way to achieve smooth, even skin. You can use a loofah, glove, brush, scrub, or chemical peel. Always be careful not to rub your skin too hard as this can damage the skin barrier and cause skin irritation. Monitor your skin and avoid exfoliating if it starts to peel or hurts.
