How to make your legs summer ready, according to a dermatologist
With the warmer weather comes blue skies, sunny days, vibrant blooms — and, of course, showing more skin. While summer style is all about light layers and bare skin, for those of us with dry, pasty, discolored or uneven skin (i.e. all of us?), shedding layers can bring a level of self-consciousness, if not downright panic. A first outing in shorts or a skirt can be especially daunting this time of year, as it means displaying a lot of leg. Even the most glamorous gams require at least a little extra TLC before the summer solstice arrives and, more likely, a full glow up.
"Concerns that occur most commonly on legs are dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris [small, red bumps], ingrown hairs and varicose veins," says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "Generally, the best way to care for leg skin is by exfoliating to get rid of dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs, [and] also using hydrating body wash and moisturizer to keep the legs looking soft and shiny."
Of course, long-term leg care is not simply a surface-level affair. "[For the best-looking legs] I recommend trying to be active daily — like walking more — plus staying hydrated and protecting the skin from environmental factors like the sun," Spearman explains. "For other concerns like varicose and spider veins, elevating your legs can help prevent them from forming, and laser treatments can diminish their appearance."
Read on for Spearman's top solutions for all your most pressing leg-skin concerns, but don't be afraid to strut your stuff even if your pins are not camera-ready. My advice: Give yourself a close shave, slather on some inexpensive anti-bump cream, throw on a pretty dress and enjoy the ever-fleeting joy of a warm breeze on your bare, just-fine-as-it-is skin.
No one likes the look of flaky, rough-textured knees and legs, but the good news is, with consistent use, quality products can treat these issues — and treat them fast. Though these formulas are gentle, as with any new topical treatment, consult with a doctor first if you have sensitive skin, particularly if your dermatological issues are severe.
The bad news is: If you want to diminish the appearance of varicose or spider veins, you'll need to head to a doctor's office. Depending on the type and severity, these can be treated with surgery or, potentially, less invasive procedures like sclerotherapy and laser ablation. However, if you're prone to varicose and spider veins, Spearman says wearing compression socks and regularly elevating your legs can help prevent future outbreaks.
If you want to disguise your leg veins, high-quality self tanners can aid in blurring the blue-purple hue and make the condition look less severe.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cancer Daily Horoscope Yahoo Life Astrology: June 21, 2025
It's a great night to host or attend a dinner party. Your sparkly banter is sure to be a hit! It's one of those days when quiet social situations can really pay off, and you're right in the thick of it all. Your celestial forecast is just a click away. Get free horoscopes sent to your inbox every day, week, and month.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Best Late-Night Snack to Lower Cholesterol, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNMillions of Americans have high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. A bedtime snack rich in fiber and plant protein may help lower cholesterol. For a cholesterol-lowering late-night snack, our Chia Seed Pudding checks all the you have high cholesterol, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of Americans have high cholesterol (aka hyperlipidemia). This condition, defined as total blood cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL, is a leading risk factor for heart disease. However, that doesn't mean you're destined for heart troubles. 'Keeping cholesterol levels in a healthy range helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease over time,' says Kathleen Benson, RDN, CSSD, CPT. Of course, healthy meals are the foundation of a cholesterol-lowering diet. But snacks can help, too—even the ones you eat before bed, like our Chia Seed Pudding. It's loaded with ingredients that can help reduce cholesterol. Yet, it's light and satisfying enough that it won't mess with your sleep. No wonder dietitians are huge fans. Here's how it can help keep your heart healthy. One of the myriad benefits of enjoying a high-fiber diet is that it can help lower cholesterol levels. 'When I have a client trying to manage high cholesterol levels, we focus on getting more fiber and healthier fats in their diet,' says Meggie Connelly, M.S., RD, LDN. Filled with fiber-rich chia seeds, our Chia Seed Pudding delivers a hefty 11 grams of fiber per serving. Chia seeds contain a mix of both soluble and insoluble fiber. But it's their soluble fiber that's behind chia's cholesterol-lowering powers. The reason? Soluble fiber can absorb some of the cholesterol in your gut, removing it from the body before it can cause trouble. Interestingly, research has shown that cholesterol from food doesn't always affect your blood cholesterol levels. The real culprit is saturated fat, found mainly in full-fat dairy, red and processed meat, lard and ghee. Saturated fat tells your liver to rev up its cholesterol production, which provides far more cholesterol than the amount we absorb from food. Since this chia pudding is made with almond milk, it contains merely 1 gram of saturated fat per serving. If almond milk isn't your thing, feel free to sub in another plant-based milk like soy, cashew or oat milk or low-fat cow's milk. Just steer clear of coconut milk and full-fat cow's milk, which are both high in saturated fat. Whether you have high cholesterol or not, choosing a late-night snack that contains some protein is the key to staying satiated all night long. 'This will help you feel full during the night and help control blood sugar levels so you're not starving by the morning,' says Brannon Blount, M.S., RDN. Each serving of this chia pudding delivers 7 grams of protein. And not just any kind of protein. All of its protein is plant protein, which has been linked to better heart health. It's so beneficial that the American Heart Association recommends getting most of our protein from plant sources like the chia seeds and nuts in this recipe. A combination of fiber and protein. Consider this the magic duo. 'Fiber and protein combined, or paired together with an assortment of foods, can support steady blood sugar and satiety,' Benson says. That's important because chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes, which increases heart disease risk. Ingredients that are easy to digest. When you're trying to get some quality zzz's, the last thing you need to eat is something that will upset your tummy or delay sleep even further. Choose something light, easy to digest and satisfying, yet low in fat and added sugars. In addition to chia pudding, oatmeal, popcorn and cereal with low-fat milk are all great options. Something simple to assemble. After a long day, it's normal to experience some decision fatigue. But, instead of reaching for something with empty calories (we're looking at you, bag of chips), choose something nutrient-dense that you can easily whip up. 'Your late-night snack needs to be quick and easy to put together, like a banana and nut butter, or a peanut butter and sliced strawberry sandwich on whole-grain bread. Or make your chia pudding in advance,' says Connelly. 'If you have to spend 30 minutes making your late-night snack, it's not going to be something you do consistently.' Late-night snacking may get a bad rap, but if you didn't eat enough during the day, a little nibble before bed might help you fall and stay asleep. That said, if you have high cholesterol, there are some considerations to keep in mind. If cholesterol is an issue, dietitians recommend choosing a snack that's rich in fiber, low in saturated fat and contains some protein. Our Chia Seed Pudding checks all the boxes. So, whip some up today. You can double (or even quadruple) the recipe. And it will stay fresh in your fridge for up to three days for a hassle-free bedtime snack your heart will thank you for. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Allegheny County issues code red heat advisory due to impending heat wave
Allegheny County will activate a code red heat advisory beginning Sunday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 25, due to extreme forecasted heat that could pose risks to vulnerable residents. The activation is based on the National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control's HeatRisk tool, which considers how unusual and prolonged the heat is for this time of year, as well as the potential for serious health impacts, according to a provided news release from county officials. "We've always responded to heat emergencies, but this year we're being more systematic," said Erin Dalton, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. "Senior centers will now more consistently extend their hours on Code Red days, and we'll be assessing conditions to potentially expand overnight shelter when extreme heat persists into the night. This pilot approach will help us learn what works best to keep people safe." Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially those who are older or medically vulnerable. Allegheny County Emergency Services is reminding residents that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide, surpassing the fatalities caused by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning. Tips to keep yourself safe during extreme heat include drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty; keeping cool by using wet towels, putting feet in cool water, and taking cool showers; spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings; staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day; wear sunscreen and hats with other loose-fitting clothing; and never leave pets or children in vehicles. Cooling centers opening In response to the forecasted temperatures, CitiParks will open six cooling centers on Sunday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 25. When operating as a cooling center, senior centers will welcome residents of any age. The Department of Human Services is also taking additional actions, including outreach to older adults, children, and people experiencing homelessness, in coordination with the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities, according to a news release. On Sunday, cooling centers will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. From Monday through Wednesday, the centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. A full list of operational cooling centers is below. Beechview Healthy Active Living Community Center 1555 Broadway Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 15216 Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Community Center 3515 McClure Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212 Greenfield Healthy Active Living Community Center 745 Greenfield Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217 Homewood Healthy Active Living Community Center 7321 Frankstown Road Pittsburgh, Pa. 15208 Sheraden Healthy Active Living Community Center 720 Sherwood Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 15204 South Side Healthy Active Living Community Center 12th and Bingham Streets Pittsburgh, Pa. 15203
