One of my fondest memories as a young adult was stocking up on women’s beauty magazines, just before summer arrived.
“25 Must-Have Beauty Tricks To Get You Through Summer!”
“8 No-Sweat Beauty Tips for Summer Heat!”
“Ready, Set, Summer: 11 Updates for Your Beauty Routine!”
There were pages and pages of beauty-inspired wisdom to get through, with promises of the perfect peach-hued lip glosses, beach-tousled hairstyles, a super-smooth bikini line and more. I primped, polished and pampered, and then I declared myself ready for the summer season.
Today, my routine is *slightly* different: I shave my legs more often. The end.
You too? We’re not alone. In fact, a recent poll by Leger Marketing found that when compared to hair and facial beauty products (24 per cent and 32 per cent respectively), only 13 per cent of women spend the most on leg care products during the summer. This is in spite of the fact that more than 80 per cent of women say the appearance of their legs is important!
Ladies, it’s time to show your legs some love! Here are summer-ready tips to have your gams looking and feeling great:
Problem: Dry, winter-beaten skin.
Solution: Love your legs! In the shower, get your general circulation and the flexibility in your legs going with a mix of hot and cold bursts of water. You can stimulate circulation by gently massaging your legs with your hands or a natural bristle brush. Follow up with a good moisturizer (choose a cream instead of lotion for extra-dry skin) and be sure to apply it as soon as you’re out of the shower, while skin is still damp.
Problem: Tired, achy legs.
Solution: Watch your back and “leg posture”. Did you know that your posture can affect how your legs feel? Make sure you keep your shoulders back, chest up and stomach pulled in. Also, mind your “leg posture” by making a conscious effort not to cross your legs, or at least not for a long period of time, as crossing your legs can restrict blood flow.
Problem: Weak muscle tone.
Solution: Keep those legs moving! We know that exercise is good for the body as a whole, but don’t forget to pay close attention to your legs! Research shows more than 60 per cent of women spend more than four hours a day on sedentary activities, like watching TV and sitting at a desk. Remember to get up often, ideally every hour. And if you are like the one-third of Canadian women who spend one to three hours on their feet a day, remember to do some simple stretches or leg exercises like squats, calf raises or march on the spot to increase the strength of your leg muscles.
Problem: Swollen legs with varicose veins – also known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
Solution: Get educated. Less than 1 in 5 Canadian women are aware of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, yet of the 20 per cent of women who do experience heavy legs and varicose veins, more than 60 per cent say they experience varicose veins often/all the time. Relief is available!
Approved by Health Canada, Antistax is an herbal medicine that contains Red Vine Leaf Extract. Antistax contains the naturally derived Red Vine Leaf Extract which, when used in herbal medicine, can help relieve symptoms related to CVI, such as swollen legs (Edema), varicose veins, a feeling of heaviness, aching, tiredness, itching and tension. Antistax is available in the supplement section of your local pharmacy.
(Of course, you should always read and follow the label, or speak with your doctor to ensure Antistax is right for you.)
The warm weather is just around the corner! This summer, love your legs and put your best foot forward with simple changes that can make a big difference. Get that ‘bounce’ back into your legs!
This post is sponsored by Antistax. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Definitely time to get the legs ready for shorts. Will have to check Antistax out since I have some issues with Varicose Veins after having blood clots in my legs.
I too have a few varicose veins and sometimes my legs swell, will have to check that out
I’ve never heard of this medication before. Sounds very helpful.
great tips! I have dry-winter beaten legs. I did not know to use a mixture of hot and cold water and to massage your legs. Something I need to take the little extra time to do. Also I use a lotion not a cream.
Thanks for the great tips and info on the medication.
I think when we get older we all have a few of those veins, have to check this out for sure.
I’ve never heard of Antistax before…I get very tired achy legs and feel that moving around helps keep them in better shape.
Thanks for the great tips Lena! I haven’t hear of some before
I’m so happy that I invested in a permanent home hair removal system. Shaving my legs was a total pain in the you know what, so I am so happy that I took the time and money to take the leap.
Thank you for this article. My legs suffered a great deal this winter
I’ve never heard of this medication before will look into it,i have lots of leg swelling during the warmer months
I’m glad that there’s something more on the natural side for varicose veins. Thanks!
Will have to give this a try
great tips! currently working on healing those cuts and mosquito bites before I show off my legs for the summer
I am always on my feet and get no relief. I suffer from Varicose veins and tried compression socks, and also looked into having them stripped but is no longer covered by OHIP. Costs $5000. I am gonna look into the Antistax for relief of throbbing pain.
I love moisturizing my legs with moisturizer and baby oil after shaving and showering on damp skin.
Thanks for the great tips! Leg problems can be annoying, especially dry skin.
Good product to know about
I will have have to check that out as I have Varicose veins and I would love to find something that helps with them.
You mean there is a solution to my ugly veins on my legs? I don’t wear skirts or shorts for that very reason. People ask me why I am dressing for winter in 30 degree temperature. I need to look into this.
Great and very informative post! My tip is to shave your legs after spreading lube on them lol weird I know, but it works
My skin is so terribly dry,but i have been using a cream instead of lotion for extra-dry skin like you said and its sure working for me.
Thank you for the great tips!
Take care of all of your body including your legs
going today to see my doctor to see if I can use it
I really like your tips especially in the shower, get your general circulation and the flexibility in your legs going with a mix of hot and cold bursts of water.
I’ll have to look into this supplement. I always have tired, sore legs!
Mother nature has finally opened the sun on our wonderful space,now to time to get those legs for for short dresses and shorts!