6 Simple Tips for Smooth, Bump-Free Legs

If you struggle with rough, uneven skin, achieving smooth, bump-free legs may feel out of reach. But with a few changes to your body care routine, you’ll start to see improvements in no time.

From figuring out the right exfoliation techniques to nailing your shaving routine, this post will cover six simple tips that’ll help you unlock the smoothest, softest legs of your life – no razor burn, bumps or ingrown hairs in sight!

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate (yes, three times!)

The quickest route to silky, smooth legs is exfoliation. This removes dead surface skin, making way for newer, softer skin underneath.

But it’s not all about scrubbing (though this certainly is part of it!). Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs and BHAs, can also lift dead skin cells and unclog pores, leading to smoother, softer skin.

Here are three exfoliation techniques that’ll help you achieve the smooth, bump-free legs of your dreams:

Method 1: Dry brushing

This works wonders for dull, dry skin. Before showering, grab a stiff bristled body brush and work in long strokes, brushing up each leg towards the heart. Be firm but gentle. If you’re not used to the sensation it can feel a little uncomfortable at the start, but make sure to stop if it starts to feel sore or itchy.

Method 2: Exfoliating gloves or scrubs

Once you’re in the shower, use an exfoliating glove to work your body wash into the skin. This’ll allow you to give your body a deep clean while buffing away all those dead skin cells.

If you want an all-in-one product that doesn’t require extra tools, use an exfoliating body scrub instead. The Tree Hut Sugar Scrubs are my top pick. They smell amazing and are often on offer in TKMaxx, so make sure to pick one up next time you’re there!

Method 3: Chemical exfoliants

If your skin doesn’t get on with abrasive physical exfoliants, look out for body washes or serums that contain exfoliating acids like Salicylic or Glycolic Acid. These free up clogged pores without rubbing at the skin so much.

N.B. Getting rid of those dead skin cells requires some sloughing, but don’t scrub your skin raw by any means! And if your skin is super sensitive, you may want to stick to one or two exfoliation methods, rather than going for the full three.

2. Avoid scalding showers

Hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, irritated and flaky. Inflamed skin is unhappy skin, and a damaged skin barrier can present itself in multiple ways: redness, rashes, and itchiness (to name just a few).

Hot showers can also exacerbate common skin conditions like eczema, acne, and Keratosis Pilaris. If you want to protect your skin barrier and prevent your skin from flaring up, a lukewarm shower is the way to go.

3. Nail your shaving routine

A good shaving routine can make all the difference. If you constantly suffer with rough, bumpy skin and you can’t figure out why, taking a look at your shaving technique is a good place to start. Here are a few healthy habits to pick up if silky, smooth legs are your end goal:

• Shave in the direction of hair growth – Shave with the grain to avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs. Shaving against the natural direction of hair growth does give a closer shave, but pulling at the hair can damage the hair follicle and cause irritation.
• Use a proper shaving cream – Gels or creams that have been specifically formulated for shaving help the razor glide over the skin, reducing the risk of nicks or bumps.
• Replace your razor regularly – A dull blade causes an uneven shave. It can also lead to ingrowns, bumps and (at worst) infections.

4. Test out shaving alternatives

If shaving doesn’t work for you, your skin might respond better to other hair removal methods like waxing, epilating or laser hair removal.

All three options target the hair at the follicle, meaning a lower likelihood of bumps or ingrown hairs. Keep in mind that you’ll need to shave before you do laser hair removal, though, so you can’t completely avoid shaving! It just means less shaving sessions in the future (when there’s less regrowth)!

I’m currently using the CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device and I love that it reduces the rate of hair growth, my legs are so much smoother for it!

5. Don’t forget to moisturise

After exfoliating and shaving, your skin will need a bit of TLC so finish off with a rich body cream to lock in moisture.

If you’re not a fan of creams or lotions, why not try a body oil instead? Apply it to damp skin straight after your shower to keep the skin soft and protected.

And if your skin is super dry, try adding a few drops of your body oil into your body cream for an extra boost of hydration.

6. Apply your sunscreen

Lastly, if you’re going out during the day, make sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun’s rays.

Exfoliating and shaving can sensitise the skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage. A good high SPF sunscreen will help protect the fresh, exposed skin, and reduce the risk of sunburn (which is still possible on cloudy days!).

Many sunscreens also contain skin-loving ingredients, like glycerin, vitamin E and aloe vera, which will calm and moisturise the skin. Think of it like applying a second layer of your body cream!

Do you have any other tips for achieving smooth, bump-free legs? Or glowy, soft skin overall? Let me know in the comments!