{"id":890872,"date":"2025-12-06T16:24:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T13:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=890872"},"modified":"2025-12-06T16:24:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T13:24:56","slug":"how-to-remedy-dry-flaky-skin-on-your-legs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=890872","title":{"rendered":"How to Remedy Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Legs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Remedy Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Legs<\/h1>\n

According to experts.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Shannon Peter<\/p>\n
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\"Shannon\"Shannon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nShannon Peter\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nShannon is a London-based, award-winning beauty journalist with a passion for exploring the implications of beauty trends, ideals, and rituals.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    and<\/span><\/p>\n
    Melony Forcier<\/p>\n
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    \"Melony\"Melony<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nMelony Forcier\n<\/div>\n
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    • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
      \nMelony Forcier is a recent graduate and writer. She currently works as a content update editor for Brides.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Updated on January 05, 2024 11:48AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
      Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD<\/p>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \"Geeta\"Geeta<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Reviewed by<\/span>
      \nDr. Geeta Yadav, MD\n<\/div>\n
      \nGeeta Yadav, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.\u00a0She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, where later completed her residency.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n
      Anna Harris<\/p>\n
      \n
      \n
      Fact checked by<\/span>
      \nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n
      \nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE’S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"person\"person<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Stocksy<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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      Dry skin, specifically on the legs, probably one of the most annoying things to deal with. They’re itchy, red, irritated, and can seriously mess up a look if you don’t get it under control. That’s why we we consulted three board-certified dermatologists and a celebrity facialist to learn more about what causes dry skin on legs, as well as tips on how to treat this pretty common problem. Their tips and product recommendations\u2014along with a few of our own\u2014will help create a routine that nourishes and protects the skin from dryness.\n<\/p>\n

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      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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      • Joanna Vargas is a celebrity facialist whose client roster includes Mindy Kaling, Jenna Dewan, and Julianne Moore. She has two salons (NYC and L.A.) and is the creator of her eponymous line of skincare.<\/li>\n
      • Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a highly sought-after board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience. She is an avid clinical researcher, published author, and regular on-camera expert.<\/li>\n
      • Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.<\/li>\n
      • Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        Causes of Flaky Legs <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Curious about why dry skin appears most often on your legs? Ciraldo tells us that our skin has a dead cell layer called stratum corneum, which is thicker on the leg area, and why that is why we often see flaking and dry skin.\u00a0According to Vargas, dry skin on your legs can be caused by sun exposure, lack of exfoliation, and even airplane travel. Scented lotions, (which usually contain alcohol) can also dry out your skin.<\/p>\n

        And Penzi adds, “Hot showers can strip the\u00a0legs\u00a0of their natural oils, leaving the skin very\u00a0dry. Harsh soaps, fragrance products, etc. can also strip the skin of its natural oils and cause an irritant dermatitis that compromises the skin barrier. Certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also definitely cause\u00a0dry\u00a0flaky\u00a0legs. Also bad practices with shaving, waxing, etc. can also lead to\u00a0dry\u00a0flaky\u00a0legs.”\n<\/p>\n

        Winter weather, though, is generally the driving force in dry skin. “In colder weather, skin’s dead cell shedding slows down, and skin produces less healthy surface skin oils that hydrate skin surface in warmer months,” says Ciraldo.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        01<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Use a Dry Brush or a Buff Puff <\/span><\/h2>\n

        A daily dry-brushing ritual will help boost the circulation around your entire body, and the rough bristles will also work to dislodge any rough, dry skin cells clinging onto the surface of the legs. Not only that, but Vargas adds that “Dry brushing\u00a0increases blood flow, which is healthy, but its main purpose is to stimulate collagen production, which will help to thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells.”\n<\/p>\n

        Pre-shower, sweep the skin brush in upwards motions. “Start at the tops of the feet and brush upward toward the heart. Dry brushing immediately increases circulation, so you will feel warmer when you are done,” she says. Don’t press too hard\u2014it should feel vigorous but not painful.\n<\/p>\n

        Another physical exfoliator you can use\u2014as recommended by Ciraldo\u2014is a body buff puff. Like a dry brush, a buff puff exfoliates away dry, dead skin for a smoother, brighter appearance. Try prepping your skin with it before shaving or going out into the sun.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        02<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Exfoliate With a Scrub <\/span><\/h2>\n

        “Exfoliation is my secret weapon to having great skin,” Vargas says. You can even make your own scrub at home by combining a cup of brown sugar, 1\/4 cup\u00a0of coconut oil, and 1\/4 cup of honey. “The brown sugar is super soft on the skin but is strong enough to clean out your pores. I recommend exfoliating twice weekly in summer and once weekly for winter.” Coconut oil deeply moisturizes, and honey is a known antimicrobial, meaning it fights germs while also having the ability to help heal skin. Plus, these ingredients make an all-natural scrub\u2014a win-win.\n<\/p>\n

        For a non-DIY option, we love\u00a0this brown sugar body exfoliator from Fresh, made with a blend of evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel, and jojoba oils. You’ll be so distracted by the sweet scent you won’t even realize your dead skin is being scrubbed away.\n<\/p>\n

        We Found the 8 Best Body Scrubs for Silky Smooth Skin (We Tested Dozens)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        03<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Swap to a Body Oil <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Ever stopped to consider whether it might be your body wash that’s drying out your legs? Quickly make the switch to\u00a0a nourishing oil-based formula, like Glossier’s. Unlike soapy versions, this one won’t strip the skin, and it also doesn’t linger like an unwanted veil of grease\u2014the oil foams up and washes away, leaving behind only a light hit of hydration. Vargas also says that oil helps soothe troubled skin, moisturizing and reducing redness and irritation. It’ll cleanse your legs of any dirt and dead skin built up during the day, and it smells fantastic, too.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        04<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Look for Ingredients like Salicylic Acid <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Yup, the acne-fighting ingredient can also help your dry legs. Shirazi recommends to “Use chemical exfoliants that are also humectants such as lactic acid or salicylic acid. They help renew skin cells, avoid build up of dead skin, and attract water to stay in the skin. They help enhance the effects of moisturizers.” Not only does salicylic acid help exfoliate away dry skin it will also help prevent any red bumps or ingrown hairs you may get from shaving or other hair removal methods.<\/p>\n

        If you want to treat yourself, you can also go to the spa for serious exfoliation. Vargas offers\u00a0full-body exfoliation\u00a0(with a massage!) using freshly grated coconut compresses. Talk about paradise.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        05<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Go for a Nourishing Lotion <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Using a nourishing and hydrating lotion after exfoliating is key. Ciraldo suggests using the\u00a0CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. “CeraVe Cream is loaded with ceramides, the healthy skin oils that work to give us good barrier function, meaning they trap moisture into damp skin,” she adds. “This product leaves a silky feel and increases skin luminosity in just one use. If you apply it in the morning, there is a good chance your skin will look lustrous until evening.”\n<\/p>\n

        “The best remedy is applying a nourishing moisturizer to damp skin ideally right after showering.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s important to not dry the skin completely as the dampness helps lock in hydration leaving the skin smoother and more hydrated.\u00a0\u00a0Look for moisturizers with ceramides to support the skin barrier, aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, Provitamin B5 (panthenol) to calm and nourish, and occlusives like shea butter to keep water in the skin,” Shirazi adds.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        06<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Try a Cooling Spray <\/span><\/h2>\n

        While\u00a0Susanne Kaufmann’s clever spray\u00a0is intended to stop that itchy feeling and revive tired legs (it’s a godsend for flights, by the way), the fact that it promises to boost circulation\u2014along with the hydration meant to be provided by sunflower and wheat germ oils\u2014makes it the perfect finishing product for the driest of legs. Plus, it’s nearly mess-free since it’s a spray. No need to get lotion or oil all over your hands, and it’s perfect for situations when you need a quick and reliable dose of hydration.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        07<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Spend Some Extra Time in the Shower <\/span><\/h2>\n

        The best place to start your dry skin regime is in the shower. Ciraldo tells us to begin with a fragrance-free body wash. She is a particular fan of the Dove Fragrance-Free Body Wash.\u00a0Side note: Products that are scented sometimes contain alcohol, which only dries out your skin more.<\/p>\n

        Then, she says to go in with an exfoliator and end with a moisturizing cream. Yes, it may sound like a lot, but this routine will get the job done.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        08<\/span>of 08<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Shower with Lukewarm Water <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Yes, we know just how good a blazing hot shower can feel. But it’s definitely not great for the skin. Penzi’s recommendation? To take short, lukewarm showers. Shirazi also adds, “High temperature water damages skin cells, disrupts the skin moisture barrier, accelerates water loss and results in causing more dryness.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        \n
        FAQ<\/div>\n
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        • \n
          Are there clinical causes for dry skin on legs?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          The dry skin on your legs could also come from a clinical issue such as psoriasis or eczema. It can be hard to tell the difference between a skin disease and regular dry skin since they all have similar symptoms, but if your dry skin persists, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist to find out more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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          Can shaving irritate dry skin on legs?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Shaving dry skin may cause irritation, but to prevent this, make sure you use a moisturizing shaving gel. Also, avoid any shaving product with alcohol listed in the first few ingredients because that may cause further dryness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

          20 Ways to Treat and Prevent “Strawberry Legs” According to Dermatologists <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
          \n
            \n
          1. \n

            Cleveland Clinic. Dry skin. Updated May 13, 2020.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          2. \n

            Cleveland Clinic.\u00a0The truth about dry brushing and what it does for you. Updated November 2, 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          3. \n

            McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: a therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin.\u00a0Cent Asian J Glob Health<\/em>. 2016;5(1):241. doi:10.5195\/cajgh.2016.241<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          4. \n

            Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.\u00a0Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147\/CCID.S149250<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          5. \n

            Mukhopadhyay P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders.\u00a0Indian J Dermatol<\/em>. 2011;56(1):2-6. doi:10.4103\/0019-5154.77542<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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            Read more:<\/div>\n
              \n
            • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Skin Type<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Dry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

              Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-dry-skin-on-legs-4693433<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              How to Remedy Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Legs According to experts. By Shannon Peter Shannon Peter Shannon is a London-based, award-winning beauty journalist with a passion for exploring the implications of beauty trends, ideals, and rituals. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines and Melony Forcier Melony Forcier Melony Forcier is a recent graduate and writer. She currently […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":890873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-890872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=890872"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890872\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/890873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=890872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=890872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=890872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}